Criminal Defense Lawyer Miami
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description: Galanter Law, P.A.
date: 2026-06-08T10:22:27Z
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items: Florida Arraignment Hearing: Pleas and Bond Terms
items: Can You Waive Arraignment in Florida?
items: Florida Arraignment Hearing: What Happens Next
items: Florida Arraignment Hearing: What to Expect
items: Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon in Florida
items: Florida Robbery vs Theft Laws Explained

Florida Arraignment Hearing: Pleas and Bond Terms
type: item
creator: Strategic Accounts
date: 2026-06-08T10:22:27Z
subject: Criminal Defense
description: Contact Galanter Law about your Florida arraignment hearing. Understand plea options, bond conditions, appearance rules, and the steps that follow. The post Florida Arraignment Hearing: Pleas and Bond Terms appeared first on Criminal Defense Lawyer Miami.
encoded: A Florida arraignment is not a throwaway court date. Your plea and any active bond conditions can shape the next stage of your defense. That is why preparation matters before the case moves forward. A Florida arraignment hearing is the formal stage when the court states the charges and calls on the defendant to plead. Under Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.160, the court may conduct the arraignment in open court or by audio-video communication. The plea may be guilty, not guilty, or no contest, but the decision should not be treated as a routine checkbox. A not guilty plea allows time to prepare for trial, while early hearings may also address or revisit release terms. Those terms can affect daily life while the case is pending, including travel limits or no-contact rules. Counsel can also file a written not guilty plea at or before arraignment, which waives the formal arraignment. The immediate question is practical: what will the court do, and which choices require care before anyone speaks for the defense? The next section, What happens during a Florida arraignment hearing?, breaks down that sequence from the charging document to the plea. Here’s how. What happens during a Florida arraignment hearing? A Florida arraignment hearing has a narrow purpose. The court confirms the charge or charges and asks for a plea. Under Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.160, the judge, clerk, or prosecutor reads the charging document or states the substance of the charges. The defendant is then called on to plead. This hearing is an important procedural checkpoint, but it is not a trial. The court does not decide guilt or hear the full defense case. It creates the foundation for the decisions that follow, including plea strategy, review of evidence, and any release issues still in dispute. Arraignment compared with first appearance Arraignment and first appearance are different court events. A first appearance occurs soon after an arrest when the defendant cannot post bond.…

Can You Waive Arraignment in Florida?
type: item
creator: Strategic Accounts
date: 2026-06-05T10:26:26Z
subject: Criminal Defense
description: Schedule a free consultation to ask: can you waive arraignment in Florida? Learn when counsel may file a waiver and why court confirmation matters. The post Can You Waive Arraignment in Florida? appeared first on Criminal Defense Lawyer Miami.
encoded: An arraignment date should never be skipped based on an assumption. Florida permits a waiver in a defined situation, but the filing and court instructions still matter. Can you waive arraignment in Florida? Yes, if you are represented by counsel, your lawyer may file a written plea of not guilty at or before arraignment. Under Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.160, arraignment is then deemed waived. That can remove the need for the formal arraignment hearing, but it does not mean every court appearance is optional. If you do not have counsel, you should not assume that you can miss the scheduled hearing. Counsel should confirm that the written plea was filed on time, check the court record, and verify whether the judge or local court issued specific attendance instructions. A missed date can create a serious problem when the expected filing is absent or incomplete. The immediate question is “Can you waive arraignment in Florida?” The answer turns on representation, a timely written plea, and careful confirmation before the court date. Before anyone skips the hearing, the court record and any attendance instructions must be checked. Start with the rule. Here is how. Can you waive arraignment in Florida? Yes. In an appropriate Florida criminal case, a represented defendant can waive arraignment through counsel. The waiver is not automatic. It must be handled through the proper filing before the hearing date. The written plea process Under the Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure, counsel may file a written plea of not guilty at or before arraignment. Once that filing is made, arraignment is deemed waived. The key point is that the defendant must be represented by counsel for this option. This process can spare a client from appearing in court for a routine hearing. It does not mean the charge has gone away. It also does not mean every later court date can be skipped. A lawyer should review the case, the court notice, and the filing status before telling a client not…

Florida Arraignment Hearing: What Happens Next
type: item
creator: Strategic Accounts
date: 2026-06-03T10:16:34Z
subject: Criminal Defense
description: Schedule a free consultation about a Florida arraignment hearing and learn what occurs, which pleas may arise, and how counsel can help you prepare. The post Florida Arraignment Hearing: What Happens Next appeared first on Criminal Defense Lawyer Miami.
encoded: An arraignment is brief, but it puts the criminal case formally in motion. The charge is stated, a plea is addressed, and decisions made now can shape what follows. A Florida arraignment hearing formally advises a charged person of the filed charge and calls for a plea. Under Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.160, the court may read or state the charge, and the defendant may waive that reading. The court also must advise an unrepresented defendant about the right to counsel and, when financially eligible, court-appointed counsel. It is not generally a trial on guilt or innocence, and the defense does not have to prove its case at that setting. A represented defendant may often avoid appearing for arraignment when counsel files a written not guilty plea before or at the hearing. After a not guilty plea, the case moves forward with reasonable time for defense preparation. If you have received a scheduled court date, you need to know what happens there and what counsel may handle before you personally appear. The next step is Florida arraignment hearing: what the court does. Here is how it begins. Florida arraignment hearing: what the court does A Florida arraignment hearing has a narrow but important role in the court process. It is the stage where the filed charge is placed before the defendant and the court addresses a plea. It does not decide whether the state can prove its case. The formal charge and plea Under Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.160, the judge, clerk, or prosecutor reads the charging document. Instead, that official may state the substance of the charges. The court then calls on the defendant to plead. The defendant may waive the reading or statement of the charge. If counsel represents the defendant, counsel may file a written not guilty plea at or before arraignment. When that happens, the rule treats the arraignment as waived. The rule also protects a person who arrives without a lawyer. Before arraignment, the court must advise that perso…

Florida Arraignment Hearing: What Happens Next
type: item
creator: Strategic Accounts
date: 2026-06-02T10:06:21Z
subject: Criminal Defense
description: Contact Galanter Law about a florida arraignment hearing, plea options, appearance requirements, and next steps before your court date in Florida. The post Florida Arraignment Hearing: What Happens Next appeared first on Criminal Defense Lawyer Miami.
encoded: A criminal charge becomes a formal court case at a Florida arraignment hearing. Your early decisions can affect your plea, appearance duties, and defense strategy. A Florida arraignment hearing is where the court states the filed criminal charge and calls for a plea. It is not the first appearance, which addresses immediate rights and release conditions after an arrest. Under Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.160, arraignment can occur in court or by approved video technology. When counsel files a written not guilty plea at or before arraignment, the proceeding can be waived. Speaking with an attorney beforehand can clarify the charge, plea choices, and appearance requirements. The urgent question is what the court will ask and whether you should face that moment without counsel protecting your position. Understanding what happens at arraignment can help you decide how to respond. What happens at a Florida arraignment hearing? A Florida arraignment hearing is the court proceeding where a defendant receives formal notice of the filed charge and enters a plea. Under Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.160, the judge, clerk, or prosecutor reads the indictment or information. The court then calls on the defendant to plead. This hearing has a limited purpose. It starts the plea stage of the case; it is not a trial of the accusation. For a person facing criminal charges in Miami, knowing that narrow purpose can reduce confusion before a court date. Notice of the filed charge The charging document states the offense the state plans to prosecute. At arraignment, the court uses it to tell the defendant what charge requires a response. The hearing may occur in open court. Florida procedure also permits court-approved video proceedings in some circumstances. Arraignment is not the same proceeding as first appearance after an arrest. For an arrested defendant who remains in jail, Florida’s first appearance rule requires a hearing within 24 hours. At first appearance, the ju…

Florida Arraignment Hearing: What to Expect
type: item
creator: Strategic Accounts
date: 2026-06-01T10:21:16Z
subject: Criminal Defense
description: Contact Galanter Law about a Florida arraignment hearing, plea options, bond questions, and the next stages of a criminal case in Florida. The post Florida Arraignment Hearing: What to Expect appeared first on Criminal Defense Lawyer Miami.
encoded: A Florida arraignment is short, but it is not a routine formality. Your charge, plea, bond status, and next court date may all come into focus. Facing an arraignment date? Contact Galanter Law about your hearing before making decisions that may affect your defense. A Florida arraignment hearing is the formal court stage where the charges are stated and the defendant enters a plea. Under Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.160, the defendant may plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest, usually with counsel advising on the consequences. The court may also address counsel, bond conditions, custody status, or scheduling, depending on the case and what occurred earlier. It is not a trial, and the court typically does not decide guilt by hearing witness evidence at this step. Early legal advice can help protect the defendant from making avoidable statements or uninformed choices. The hearing starts the next phase of defense preparation, which can involve discovery, motions, negotiation, and later court dates. If you or someone close to you has been charged, you need to know what the arraignment resolves, what it leaves open, and why timing matters. We begin with “What is a Florida arraignment hearing?” before explaining pleas, bond issues, and the steps that may follow. Here is how. What is a Florida arraignment hearing? A Florida arraignment hearing is a formal court stage. The accused receives notice of the filed criminal charge and answers it with a plea. It is not a trial, and it does not decide guilt or innocence. Instead, it starts the court process on the charge now pending. Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.160 addresses arraignment within the official Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure. What a plea means for a person should be discussed with counsel before the hearing whenever possible. Arrest and first appearance An arrest is the act of taking a person into custody based on legal authority. Arraignment comes after a case reaches court and serves a different…

Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon in Florida
type: item
creator: Strategic Accounts
date: 2026-05-29T10:25:40Z
subject: Criminal Defense
description: Contact Galanter Law about aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in Florida. Understand evidence, defenses, penalties, and urgent next steps. The post Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon in Florida appeared first on Criminal Defense Lawyer Miami.
encoded: An accusation involving a gun, knife, or vehicle can become a felony case within hours. The defense starts by testing the threat, the weapon, and the account that police accepted. If you are facing an allegation in South Florida, contact Galanter Law promptly to discuss the evidence and your next steps. Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in Florida is a third-degree felony charge addressed by section 784.021. Under the deadly-weapon part of the statute, the State must claim an assault involving a deadly weapon, without an intent to kill. A defense may challenge whether any intentional threat occurred, whether fear was reasonable and immediate, and whether the object or its use qualifies. Early review of messages, video, witness accounts, 911 recordings, weapon recovery, and self-defense facts can expose gaps before the accusation hardens. A conviction can threaten prison time, probation, fines, firearm rights, employment, reputation, and family stability, so silence and swift defense advice matter from the start. The urgent question is not simply how serious the charge sounds, but whether prosecutors can prove each required fact with reliable evidence. That review begins with Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in Florida: what must be proved? Here’s how. Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in Florida: what must be proved? For aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in Florida, the State must prove the basic assault and the aggravating basis. Sections 784.011 and 784.021 work together in that analysis. A weapon claim alone does not remove the need to prove an assault. Under Florida Statutes section 784.021, aggravated assault is an assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill. It may also be charged as an assault with intent to commit a felony. The underlying assault elements The first issue is an intentional, unlawful threat to do violence, made by words or an act. An angry statement, a gesture, or a displayed object must be viewed in context. A…

Florida Arraignment Hearing: What to Expect
type: item
creator: Strategic Accounts
date: 2026-05-29T10:05:43Z
subject: Criminal Defense
description: Schedule a free consultation about your Florida arraignment hearing. Know what to expect at arraignment, from plea options to bond conditions and next steps. The post Florida Arraignment Hearing: What to Expect appeared first on Criminal Defense Lawyer Miami.
encoded: A court notice for a criminal charge can leave you unsure what will happen next and what choices you will be asked to make. A Florida arraignment hearing is generally the stage where the filed charge is addressed in court and a plea is entered. While issues such as attendance instructions and existing release conditions demand careful attention. If your arraignment date is approaching in South Florida, request legal support for your arraignment from Galanter Law before making decisions about your plea or appearance. At a Florida arraignment hearing, the court generally addresses the formal charge and receives a plea, which may include not guilty, guilty, or no contest. Arraignment is not the trial and ordinarily is not the day the full evidence is presented. Whether you must personally attend depends on your court instructions, custody status, and any proper filings by counsel. Existing bond or pretrial-release conditions must still be followed unless the court changes them. A defense lawyer can review the charge, explain plea options and help confirm your next required steps. Knowing what the hearing is, and what it is not, can help you approach the date prepared rather than reacting under pressure. What is a Florida arraignment hearing? The purpose of arraignment A Florida arraignment hearing is a court date that generally addresses the formal charge and the accused person’s plea. It places the case in a clear procedural posture, so the court and both sides know how it will move forward. Possible plea choices can include guilty, not guilty, or no contest. A plea has legal effects, so a person should speak with a criminal defense lawyer before choosing one. Galanter Law provides legal support for your arraignment in South Florida. What the hearing does not decide An arraignment is not a trial. The court does not use this date to hear the full case and decide whether the charge is proven. Witness testimony, contested exhibits, and detailed challenges to the state’s …

Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon in Florida
type: item
creator: Strategic Accounts
date: 2026-05-27T10:02:16Z
subject: Criminal Defense
description: Call Galanter Law for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in Florida defense. Learn penalties, defenses, bond, and next steps. The post Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon in Florida appeared first on Criminal Defense Lawyer Miami.
encoded: A charge for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in Florida can move fast. One police report, one witness statement, or one alleged weapon can turn an argument into a felony case. Need immediate help? Call Galanter Law at (305) 576-0244 or request a free initial consultation before speaking further about the facts of your case. Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in Florida is a third-degree felony under Florida Statute 784.021. The state must prove an intentional threat, apparent ability, well-founded fear of imminent violence. And either use of a deadly weapon without intent to kill or intent to commit a felony. This article explains what the charge means, what counts as a deadly weapon, how penalties and firearm enhancements can affect the case, and why early defense strategy matters. It is general information, not legal advice for a specific case. Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in Florida: what the charge means Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in Florida is a felony threat crime, not a physical-contact crime. Prosecutors must prove an intentional threat, apparent ability, imminent fear, and either use of a deadly weapon without intent to kill or intent to commit another felony. This guide provides general information and does not constitute formal legal advice. If you face allegations, speak to an attorney. The law defines aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in Florida under state statute 784.021. This charge requires an intentional, unlawful threat to do violence to another person. The accused person must have the apparent ability to carry out that threat. The act must create a well-founded fear in the victim that violence is imminent. The offender must use a deadly weapon without the intent to kill, or act with intent to commit a felony. Assault vs. battery vs. aggravated assault Many people confuse these legal terms, but they have distinct meanings. Simple assault is a threat crime. Battery requires physical contact. When a weapon …

Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon in Florida
type: item
creator: Strategic Accounts
date: 2026-05-15T05:50:33Z
subject: Blog
description: Learn how Florida defines aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, possible penalties, defenses, and what to do after an arrest. The post Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon in Florida appeared first on Criminal Defense Lawyer Miami.
encoded: An aggravated assault deadly weapon Florida charge can turn one tense moment into a third-degree felony case. Under Florida Statute 784.021, aggravated assault generally means an assault committed with a deadly weapon without intent to kill, or an assault committed with the intent to commit a felony. The state does not have to prove that anyone was physically injured. A pointed firearm, a raised knife, a vehicle used in a threatening way, or another object used as a weapon can be enough for prosecutors to pursue a serious felony. If you were arrested or believe you are under investigation, contact Galanter Law, P.A. for a free consultation before speaking with investigators or the prosecutor. These cases are fact-sensitive. The difference between a weak misdemeanor allegation and a felony aggravated assault case may depend on seconds of video, witness credibility, the distance between people, whether the object could legally qualify as a deadly weapon, and whether the alleged victim had a well-founded fear that violence was about to happen. This guide explains the law, the penalties, the role of firearms and other weapons, and the defense issues that matter most in Florida. What Is Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon in Florida? Florida law defines aggravated assault as an assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill, or an assault with intent to commit a felony. To understand the charge, start with simple assault. A simple assault usually involves an intentional and unlawful threat, by word or act, to do violence to another person, coupled with the apparent ability to carry out the threat, creating a well-founded fear that violence is imminent. Aggravated assault adds an aggravating factor. In many cases, that factor is a deadly weapon. The prosecution may argue that a gun, knife, baseball bat, broken bottle, vehicle, or another object became a deadly weapon because of how it was used or threatened to be used. The object does not always have to be illega…

Florida Robbery vs Theft Laws Explained
type: item
creator: Strategic Accounts
date: 2026-05-12T05:27:33Z
subject: Blog
description: Florida robbery vs theft explained: force element, FL statutes 812.13 and 812.014, penalties for each charge, and key defenses. Contact Galanter Law now. The post Florida Robbery vs Theft Laws Explained appeared first on Criminal Defense Lawyer Miami.
encoded: Florida Robbery vs Theft: What Is the Difference and Why It Matters If you or someone you know has been charged with robbery or theft in Florida, one of the first questions you will face is simple but critical: what is the difference between robbery and theft under Florida law? The answer changes everything, including the severity of the charge, the potential prison sentence, and the defense strategy your attorney will use. Facing robbery or theft charges in Florida? Contact Galanter Law now. We are available 24/7 to protect your rights. Call for a free consultation. Florida draws a sharp legal line between the two offenses. Theft is about taking property that belongs to someone else. Robbery is about taking property through force, violence, or the threat of harm. That single distinction, whether force was used, separates a misdemeanor from a first-degree felony in many cases. Understanding where Florida law places that line is essential if you are navigating the criminal justice system. What Is Theft Under Florida Law? (Florida Statute 812.014) Florida’s theft statute, Florida Statute 812.014, defines theft as knowingly obtaining or using, or attempting to obtain or use, another person’s property with the intent to either temporarily or permanently: Deprive the other person of their right to the property or benefit from it; or Appropriate the property for your own use or the use of someone not entitled to it. Notice that the definition says nothing about physical confrontation. Theft is fundamentally a property crime. The offense is complete the moment someone takes property without consent and with the intent to deprive the owner of it, regardless of whether the victim was even present. Degrees of Theft Charges in Florida Florida classifies theft charges based primarily on the value of the property taken: Petit Theft (Second Degree Misdemeanor): Property valued under $100. Up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. Petit Theft (First Degree Misdemeanor): Property valu…