CP Law || Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are questions Miami criminal defense attorney, Chad Piotrowski, frequently receives about domestic violence, DUI, juvenile crimes, probation violations, your Florida rights, the importance of hiring an experienced Miami-Dade criminal defense lawyer, and much more. If your question does not appear below, or you have additional questions, please contact us.

What types of Florida criminal matters do you handle?

In the greater Miami-Dade area, Chad Piotrowski is a skilled criminal defense attorney who has an excellent reputation for covering the following types of Florida matters:

How do I know if my Florida matter is a misdemeanor or a felony?

In Florida, misdemeanors are less serious criminal acts punishable by fines or county jail time. Felonies are crimes that are more serious in nature punishable by sentencing to state prison. By consulting with a qualified Miami-Dade criminal lawyer, such as Chad Piotrowski, you will know the ins and outs of your Florida criminal matter and exactly where your case stands at all times.

What sets the law offices of Chad Piotrowski apart?
As a former Miami-Dade prosecutor, Chad Piotrowski has an added edge as a Florida criminal defense attorney. Chad has formed many relationships with the Florida State Attorney’s Office and he knows of all of the prosecutor’s plea negotiation tactics, enabling him to get the best deals for his clients. Having gone through the State Attorney’s Office intensive training program, he knows how to think like the opposition and can anticipate how they will handle your case. In addition, Chad has a skilled support staff and he uses experienced private investigators. Chad Piotrowski is a qualified Florida criminal defense lawyer who has successfully defended countless Florida criminal cases.

What are my chances of winning?
Too many people have pled guilty to Florida criminal charges simply because they assumed they didn’t have a chance against the system. The legal process can be intimidating, but you don’t have to face it alone. Miami criminal defense attorney Chad Piotrowski is dedicated to defending the rights of clients just like you, both in and out of the courtroom. Because every Florida criminal case is different, it is important to meet with an experienced Florida criminal defense lawyer to discuss your case in detail. To schedule a free consultation, please contact the attorney.

What exactly is Florida domestic violence?
Under Florida law, “domestic violence” means any assault, aggravated assault, battery, aggravated battery, sexual assault, sexual battery, stalking, aggravated stalking, kidnapping, false imprisonment, or any criminal offense resulting in physical injury or death of one family or household member by another family or household member. Learn how criminal defense attorney Chad Piotrowski can help with your Miami domestic violence matter.

Is Florida tough on domestic violence cases?
Absolutely! The State Attorney’s office is directed by Florida statute to adopt a pro-prosecution policy. That isn’t meant to scare you, but rather to underscore the seriousness of your situation and the importance of securing the very best Miami domestic violence defense lawyer you can find.

If I’ve been drinking and get pulled over, what should I do?
In the state of Florida, you have the legal right to not say anything incriminating about yourself. The best thing to do is to remain silent until you have a lawyer, as anything you say can and will be used against you. Secure the services of a skilled Miami criminal defense attorney; Chad Piotrowski is your best defense against Florida DUI arrests and convictions.

Should I take the Florida Field Sobriety test?
Under Florida Law, you are not required to submit to a Field Sobriety test. The results of the test are subjective, and can be affected by other non-alcohol related factors such as nervousness, weather conditions, lighting conditions, uneven roadways, flashing police lights, etc. For best results contact Miami criminal attorney Chad Piotrowski, a skilled Florida lawyer with plenty of successful Florida DUI cases behind him.

Do I have to take the Florida breath test?
According to Florida’s “implied consent laws,” if you operate a motor vehicle, then you automatically consent to a breath test if asked to do so by a police officer. Failure to submit can result in suspension of your Florida license and can be used against you in court; however, some people do refuse the test, and a high-caliber Miami DUI attorney, such as Chad Piotrowski, can frequently get license suspensions overturned.

The police stopped me for no reason! Was I lawfully arrested?
The police must have probable cause or reasonable suspicion to stop you. They can’t pull you over just because they want to. If your arrest is found to be illegal, evidence seized as the result of the initial illegal arrest may not be introduced against you in court.

I was arrested, but the police officer did not read me my rights. Can the police use my statements against me?
If the police failed to read you your rights and you made incriminating statements while in custody, the State may not be able to use those statements against you in court. Remember: You have the right to remain silent. However, the fact that rights weren’t read will not invalidate an arrest.

Do the police have the right to search my home, my car, or me?
Generally, you have the right to refuse to let the police search your home, your bedroom, your car, and your person. Police searches have to follow certain guidelines, and if the police obtain evidence through an illegal search, they may not be able to use that evidence against you in court.

What should I do if the police report does not reflect what really happened?

Remember, the police report (or “A-Form”) is just their side of the story. The police aren’t about to testify on your behalf and they’re not going to highlight any “holes” or inconsistencies in their report. They’re actually going to go out of their way to point out “the bad stuff.” This is why it is so important to have a qualified Florida criminal defense attorney on your side to defend you against the charges.

What is the punishment for Florida drug crimes?
The penalties for drug crimes in Florida are based upon the weight or amount of drugs involved and the nature of your involvement. Drug crimes can carry statutory sentences in Florida. For example, a drug crime involving over 28 grams of cocaine carries a mandatory 3-year prison sentence and loss of driver’s license for two years if convicted. In addition, punishment for Florida drug crimes vary depending upon whether you were in possession, selling or intending to sell, or trafficking drugs. Turn your Miami drug crime matter over to experienced criminal attorney, Chad Piotrowski, and rest assured your case will be in good hands.

Why should I pay for a Miami criminal defense attorney when Public Defenders are free?
Public Defenders are capable attorneys, but they often carry heavy caseloads and as a result, they are unable to give your case the time and attention it deserves. Because they are so overworked, public defenders may not have time to sit down with you to discuss your case, and they are often difficult to reach by phone if you have questions. If your case takes time to resolve, a new public defender may be assigned to your case when they rotate courtrooms, which can become very frustrating. Remember—your future is at stake. It is in your best interest to hire a private Florida criminal defense attorney who has the time and experience necessary to build a rock solid defense.

Do you offer free consultations?
Yes. If you’ve been arrested in Miami or anywhere in Florida, Chad Piotrowski is available to discuss your criminal matter at length. Please contact us to schedule an appointment.

Do you only handle criminal matters in Miami?

No. Chad Piotrowski handles criminal matters all over Florida, including but not limited to Broward, Palm Beach County, Okeechobee County, and more.