From arrests to courtrooms, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the Florida criminal justice system. Miami-Dade County and other courts throughout Florida have immensely reduced the amount of cases they hear, and jail and prison system has limited the number of new inmates they acquire.
But what about arrest warrants? For the most part, law enforcement officials and the courts handle this issue on a case-by-case basis.
Keep in mind, the prosecutors in Miami-Dade County Court continue to work out agreements to release individuals facing misdemeanor or nonviolent felony charges since jails must have fewer inmates to enforce social-distancing practices and provide effective infection control. In other words, people accused of low-level crimes are being released on their own recognizance to wait for their pending court hearing or placed on house arrest until trial.
So, for active warrants related to low-level crimes, the police are prioritizing investigative efforts primarily on serious felonies or significant violations of the Florida safer-at-home order. For instance, if a business continuously violates the safer-at-home order – even after repeated warnings by law enforcement and education – the owner or management can face unlawful assembly charges and accused of violating a public health emergency order.
However, any encounter with law enforcement officials, whether it’s a traffic stop or a complaint made by a third party, can result in the officer bringing up your record. If you have an active warrant – no matter if it is for a low-level crime or not – then the police may arrest you.
If you have an outstanding warrant hanging over your head in Miami, let The Hoffman Firm help you obtain the best possible outcome in your case. Despite the arrest warrant, Attorney Evan Hoffman has helped many clients by working out favorable deals with prosecutors to ensure you won’t wait behind bars for your case to be heard in court.
For more information about arrest warrants in Miami, contact us today at (305) 928-1669 and schedule a free initial consultation to learn more about our firm. Let us help you review your legal options!