New Year's Eve is a night of celebration, good cheer, and looking forward to a fresh start. Unfortunately, for some Florida residents, that celebration can end abruptly with the flash of blue lights and the cold click of handcuffs. If you found yourself arrested amid the New Year's revelry, the excitement has turned into serious anxiety. Don't panic. Taking immediate, informed action is the key to protecting your rights and your future.
The Common Arrests of the Holiday Season
While the reasons for an arrest can vary widely, New Year’s Eve often sees a spike in specific types of offenses.
- DUI/BUI (Driving/Boating Under the Influence): Law enforcement is highly active on this holiday. If you choose to drive or operate a boat after drinking, you are likely facing serious penalties, including automatic license suspension, heavy fines, and potential jail time.
- Disorderly Conduct or Breach of Peace: High spirits and crowded venues can sometimes lead to arguments, fights, or public intoxication that police classify as disorderly conduct.
- Assault or Battery: Sadly, a minor confrontation fueled by alcohol can quickly escalate into a charge of assault or battery.
- Drug Possession: Even possession of a small amount of an illegal substance can lead to significant charges.
In Florida, these are not minor issues. They carry the potential for a criminal record that can impact your job prospects, housing, and reputation for years to come.
Your Immediate Next Steps
The moments immediately following an arrest are the most critical. What you say—or don't say—can profoundly affect your case.
- Invoke Your Right to Remain Silent: The only information you are legally obligated to provide is your name, address, and date of birth. Do not discuss the events leading to your arrest with the police, even if you think you can "explain your side." Politely state, "I am invoking my right to remain silent and I would like a lawyer."
- Do Not Resist: Cooperate physically with the arresting and booking process. Resisting arrest is a separate, additional crime.
- Secure Your Release (Bail/Bond): After processing, a bond amount will likely be set. Your priority is to secure your release so you can begin mounting a proper defense from outside of a jail cell.
- Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney: This is the most crucial step. A knowledgeable attorney can immediately begin working on your case, advising you on the critical next steps, and preparing for your initial court date (arraignment).
Why Time is of the Essence
The clock starts ticking the moment you are arrested. Evidence can disappear, witness memories can fade, and the prosecution is already building their case against you. By engaging legal counsel immediately, you ensure a skilled professional is reviewing the probable cause for your arrest, identifying procedural errors, and fighting to get your charges reduced or dismissed.
Don't let a New Year’s Eve mistake define your whole year. A confident, client-centered defense is available. If you or a loved one was arrested in Florida over the holiday, contact the legal team at Law Office of Randy Maultasch right now. We are ready to listen, strategize, and protect your future.
Call us today at (786) 949-2908 for a confidential consultation.