What to do if you are arrested in Florida while on vacation or visiting from out-of-state

Florida has been a popular tourist destination since the state’s beginnings. Just last year in 2022, Florida received 137.6 million tourists! And it’s easy to see why. Between theme parks, beautiful beach towns, and city nightlife, Florida is a popular tourist destination for families, college students, and retirees alike. However, with over one hundred million visitors a year, it’s no wonder that some are bound to be arrested on vacation. 

Were you recently arrested while on vacation in West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Fort Lauderdale, or many of the other popular vacation spots here in South Florida? 

There’s no quicker way to put a damper on spring break or your beach vacation than to be arrested. Rest assured that as an experienced criminal defense attorney in Florida, we have the knowledge and resources to fight your case even as an out-of-state defendant. 

It is important to note that any attorney representing you in court must be legally licensed to practice law in the state in which you were arrested. 

Most Common Reasons Tourists are Arrested in Florida

There are many reasons why you may be arrested while on vacation in Florida. You may be away from home, but often the same crimes that are illegal in your state are also illegal in Florida. Depending on previous criminal history and the circumstances of an arrest, the offense can be classified as either a misdemeanor or felony. While a misdemeanor charge should still be taken seriously, the consequences are typically less severe than if charged with a felony. If you were charged with a crime while on vacation in Florida, regardless of severity, we highly recommend contacting an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. The Law Offices of Matthew Konecky have been defending out-of-state tourists who committed a crime in Florida for 18 years. If you were arrested in Palm Beach or Broward Counties while on vacation, contact us or call us at (561) 671-5995 immediately.

Some of the reasons why a tourist may be arrested or charged with a crime while on vacation in Florida include: 

Can I Go Home if Arrested While in Florida?

If you were arrested while visiting Florida from out-of-state, you may be wondering if you can go home. Generally, in most cases, you are allowed to go home if you are out on bail. The exception would be if a judge orders you to stay within the state or county prior to your initial court appearance. If arrested for a felony or other serious offense, you may even be detained in jail in the Florida county in which you were arrested until an official charge is made in a court hearing. 

If you leave Florida following an arrest as an out-of-state visitor even though you were required to state within the state of Florida, law enforcement agencies within your home state may be required to comply with Florida law enforcement to have you returned. This process is known as extradition. 

Do I Have to Appear in Court if Arrested in FL?

While in many instances it is permissible to go back to your home state following an arrest in Florida, depending on the crime you may or may not need to return to court for an initial appearance. Depending on the case your criminal defense attorney will be able to represent you in court. It is important to make sure you thoroughly understand what is required proceeding your arrest to avoid getting into more trouble with the law. 

What do I do if I was Arrested While on Vacation in Florida?

If you were arrested while on vacation in Palm Beach Gardens, West Palm Beach, Greenacres, Lake Worth, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Boca Raton, or in Broward County, you need in-state counsel as soon as possible. The Law Offices of Matthew Konecky have been defending out-of-state tourists who committed a crime in Florida for 18 years. If you were arrested in Palm Beach or Broward Counties while on vacation, contact us or call us at (561) 671-5995 immediately.
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