In a typical year, over 70 million visitors flock to the Orlando area to enjoy the numerous world-renowned amusement parks and visit the state’s beaches and the seemingly endless coastlines. Many things can go wrong while on vacation, but getting arrested is one thing that is sure to ruin your Orlando vacation. Being charged with a criminal offense is stressful on its own. Facing criminal charges when you are in an unfamiliar city can be downright terrifying.
If you find yourself charged with a crime while visiting Orlando, you need an experienced defense attorney immediately. Jonathan Rose understands how you feel and the challenges you are facing. With over a decade of experience, criminal defense attorney Jonathan Rose has the experience and dedication necessary to help you navigate the unfamiliar legal system and get you back home.
What Types of Crimes Might Tourists Be Accused of Committing?
While a tourist in Orlando can be charged with committing a wide range of crimes, there are some common criminal offenses that tourists find themselves facing, such as:
- Possession of drugs. Possession of marijuana and products containing THC are among the most common charges faced by tourists. With each state in the U.S. enacting its own marijuana laws, it has created confusion for the millions of tourists who travel to Florida from another state or country. A tourist may also be arrested for prescription drug offenses if he/she does not have sufficient proof of a valid prescription.
- Shoplifting and theft crimes. Loss prevention and security officers throughout Orlando are constantly on the lookout for shoplifting and theft crimes. Sometimes, tourists end up under arrest because of over-zealous officers who are programmed to assume the worst.
- Sex offenses such as traveling to meet a minor. Unfortunately, the sheer size of Orlando coupled with the transient tourist population makes sex trafficking and related crimes a serious problem.
- Assault or battery. Whether it is a cliché bar fight, friends getting too rowdy, or defending what appeared to be a physical assault, tourists often end up in jail facing assault or battery charges after a particularly bad night in Orlando.
- Driving under the influence. A significant number of tourists end up facing charges for operating a motor vehicle under the influence after over-indulging while visiting Orlando. Others end up facing similar charges for operating a boat while intoxicated, a criminal offense that they may not have even known was a crime.
- Reckless driving and vehicular manslaughter. Driving recklessly (racing, excessive speeding, weaving in and out of traffic) can land a tourist in jail whether operating a land or sea vehicle. If that reckless driving results in serious bodily injury or death, a tourist may face serious felony charges for vehicular manslaughter.
- Domestic violence. Whether it is fueled by a little too much partying on vacation or simply the continuation of a disagreement at home, a surprising number of couples end up arguing while on vacation. Security personnel and employees at hotels and attractions are typically trained to call the police at the first sign of a domestic dispute, increasing the odds of tourists facing domestic violence charges in Orlando.
Will I Be Stuck in Jail If I Am Not a Florida Resident?
Understandably, the biggest immediate concern for a tourist who ends up in jail while visiting Orlando is getting out of jail. With few exceptions, an accused is entitled to a reasonable bond to allow the defendant to be released while the case is pending. One factor used to determine a “reasonable” bond amount is the likelihood that the defendant will show up for future court dates if released. As a resident of another state or country, you could face a higher bond; however, hiring an experienced Orlando criminal defense attorney shows the court you are serious about defending the accusations against you and provides you with an expert litigator to advocate on your behalf for a lower bond if necessary.
Can I Go Home If I Have Been Charged with a Crime in Florida?
Once released, the next concern for tourists arrested and charged with a crime is the ability to leave the state and return home. Doing so without the court’s approval is not a wise choice as it could lead to a return to jail and additional charges being filed against you. The good news is that in most cases, an experienced Orlando criminal defense lawyer can obtain the court’s permission for you to return home while your case is pending. In many cases, you may not even have to return to Florida for a court date. In the meantime, you can communicate with your attorney via teleconferencing as needed to discuss the progress of your case.
Contact an Experienced Orlando Criminal Defense Attorney
When it comes to defending Florida tourists charged with crimes, experienced criminal defense attorney Jonathan Rose has the expertise, resources, and compassion you need. He understands the impact an arrest while on vacation can have on every aspect of your life and he is dedicated to getting you released from jail and back home as quickly as possible. As a former prosecutor himself, attorney Johnathon Rose also has the experience needed to defend you and your future.
If you were arrested while on vacation in Orlando, contact experienced Orlando criminal defense lawyer Jonathan Rose today by calling 407-894-4555 or filling out our online contact form.