When potential clients reach out to us, they often have a ton of questions—and we get it.
Navigating legal issues can feel overwhelming, and you want to make sure you’re in good hands.
That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the common questions we hear and the answers that can help you feel more confident moving forward.
Our experienced West Palm Beach defense lawyers are here to help guide you through tough times and we understand the criminal justice system on both a national and local scale – experience that really matters whether you’re being investigated or arrested for a crime.
What is the criminal arrest process like in Palm Beach County?
When you’re arrested in West Palm Beach, officers will typically handcuff you and transport you to the Palm Beach County Main Detention Center on Gun Club Road for booking, which involves fingerprinting, photographs, and background checks.
After booking, you’ll have your first appearance hearing (usually within 24 hours) where a judge reviews your case, sets bail if applicable, and determines if there is probable cause for the arrest.
If you can post bail, you’ll be released while your case moves forward; if not, you’ll remain in custody until your next court date or until other arrangements can be made.
What should you do if you are under investigation for a crime?
If you suspect you’re under investigation in West Palm Beach, don’t wait to see what happens—contact a criminal defense attorney immediately, even before any arrest or charges.
It’s crucial that you don’t talk to investigators, make statements, or try to “clear things up” with law enforcement without having your lawyer present, as anything you say can be used against you later.
Your attorney can protect your rights, gather evidence early on, potentially prevent charges from being filed, and work to resolve the investigation in your favor while avoiding common mistakes that could hurt your case.
What should you do if you have been arrested in Palm Beach County?
If you’ve been arrested in Palm Beach County, the first and most important thing to do is keep quiet and immediately ask for a lawyer—don’t try to explain your side of the story to the police, as anything you say can seriously hurt your case later.
While you’re being booked at the Palm Beach County jail, stay calm and polite, but remember to only provide basic identifying information and nothing else about your case or situation.
Once you’re able to make a phone call, contact a local criminal defense attorney or have a family member do it for you—the earlier a lawyer gets involved, the better they can protect your rights and start building your defense.
What is the arraignment hearing process like in Palm Beach County?
At your arraignment in Palm Beach County, you’ll appear before a judge who will formally read the charges against you and ask how you plead – but don’t worry, your attorney will typically enter a not guilty plea to protect your rights and give them time to review your case.
This hearing usually happens about a month after your arrest, and it’s where crucial decisions about your case begin, including setting future court dates and confirming bail conditions.
While it might feel intimidating, remember that this is just the beginning of the process, and your lawyer will handle most of the talking while making sure your rights are protected.
What is a disposition hearing?
A disposition hearing in Palm Beach County is basically a check-in with the judge to update them on how your case is progressing and whether you’re heading toward a trial or plea deal.
During this hearing, your lawyer might discuss any plea negotiations with the prosecutor, potential resolutions to your case, or request more time if they’re still gathering evidence or working on a defense strategy.
While some cases get resolved at disposition hearings, it’s also common for cases to get another hearing date if both sides need more time to work things out or prepare for trial.
What is a misdemeanor intervention program (MIP)?
A misdemeanor intervention program in Florida is basically a second chance that lets first-time offenders avoid a criminal record by completing certain requirements instead of going through traditional prosecution.
It’s like a deal where you might need to do some community service, take classes, or get counseling—and if you successfully complete everything, your charges get dismissed.
For example, if you’re caught shoplifting for the first time, you might be offered this program instead of facing conviction, and once you complete the program requirements and stay out of trouble for the specified time period, you can move forward with a clean record.
What is a pre-trial intervention program (PTI)?
A pre-trial intervention program (PTI) in Florida is like hitting the reset button on a first-time felony charge.
It gives you a chance to avoid prosecution by following specific requirements set by the court and State Attorney’s Office.
Once you’re accepted into the program, you’ll typically need to complete things like community service, counseling, or drug testing, stay out of trouble, and maybe pay some restitution or program fees.
If you successfully finish everything (usually within 12-18 months), your charges get dismissed and you avoid having a felony conviction on your record—but mess up the program requirements, and you’re back to facing the original charges.
PTI allows people to:
- Avoid a permanent criminal record, a huge benefit to them
- Prevent long-term consequences of a conviction which can be devastating
- Get access to rehabilitation-focused support which can be helpful for many
- Move forward without significant legal barriers
If arrested for a ‘minor crime’, how long will the process take before I am sentenced or not sentenced?
The timeline for a minor crime case can vary depending on a few factors, like the complexity of the case and the court’s schedule.
In general, it might take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to resolve, especially if plea deals or pretrial motions are involved. If the case goes to trial, it could take longer, but many minor cases are resolved without ever getting that far.
Don’t Wait to Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney in West Palm Beach
The bottom line is this: if you’ve been charged with a crime or are under investigation, the best time to hire a criminal defense attorney is immediately.
The earlier you have professional legal representation, the better your chances of avoiding critical mistakes, protecting your rights, and achieving the best possible outcome for your case.
Remember – arrests are common in Florida, the legal consequences are serious, and having a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer is essential to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.
If you were charged with a serious crime in West Palm Beach or anywhere in the state of Florida, please schedule a free consultation with The Pakett Law Group. You can call 561-318-0531 or email us here.
The Pakett Law Group, PA is committed to providing our clients with the highest quality representation. With over a decade of legal experience, West Palm Beach criminal defense lawyer Brian T. Pakett and his team of West Palm Beach criminal lawyers possess a comprehensive understanding of Florida criminal law – which can benefit you in your time of need.