FAQs/Cases

You are under arrest when law enforcement officers take you into custody or otherwise deprives you of your freedom. In essence, when you are no longer free to leave.
 
Under Florida law, police officers are obligated to identify themselves and advise you that you are under arrest. If they intend to speak to you, they must read you your rights under the law. Once the police have made a decision to arrest you, you should immediately request an attorney who will advise you of your rights.

Based upon reasonable suspicion that you may be involved in criminal activity, a police officer may require you to identify yourself and explain your presence at a particular time, without arresting you. Under Florida law, the officer may not remove you from the immediate vicinity without making an arrest, unless you voluntarily accompany the officer to another location. If a police officer requests that you accompany him to the police station, you should contact a lawyer before agreeing to anything.
 
If the officer believes that you are armed, he or she may under certain limited circumstances conduct a limited pat-down of your outer garments for the purpose of detecting weapons. However, each case is different and Ms. Davide can discuss with you the specifics of your case.