The Coronavirus pandemic is causing disruptions in almost every sphere of life, including the criminal justice system in South Florida. At Chad Piotrowski Law, we are committed to helping our clients fight and defend their rights during this challenging time.

Below, you’ll find some helpful information that will ensure your freedom and your well-being remain intact amidst the Coronavirus pandemic.

We Are Accessible Seven Days a Week

While our office is following all the recommended state guidelines against the pandemic, we have stepped up our efforts to provide legal support to our clients. We are offering free and confidential video conferences, as well as telephone conferences seven days a week with extended hours.

If you have been arrested or fear an arrest as a potential suspect, or you are facing jail time in a county or federal prison, we are prepared with all the resources at our disposal to provide you with a robust and competent defense. 

A Miami Criminal Defense Attorney Matters More During the Coronavirus Pandemic

As a result of the pandemic, South Florida law enforcement and corrections agencies are taking unique measures to adapt their enforcement and detention procedures while mitigating the spread of the virus. 

More people charged with criminal offenses are now getting let out on bail or without bail to prevent the spread of the coronavirus infection in South Florida jails and prisons. With that said, not all of those behind bars during this uncertain time are being granted for release.

If a friend or loved one is still in detention, our office can file the necessary motions to seek their immediate release if they are facing criminal charges.

The other dimension in this situation is that many people are also subject to enhanced criminal penalties during the present state of emergency, depending on the offense an individual is accused of committing. In particular, any charges of theft, fraud, or scams of any kind may result in enhanced criminal charges due to the state-wide declaration of a state of emergency as a result of the Coronavirus.

You cannot afford to take your charges lightly during these difficult circumstances, so it pays to have a seasoned Miami criminal defense attorney by your side.

Pending Charges Can Be Pursued Later

South Florida law enforcement officials in certain jurisdictions are only arresting people with the approval of a Lieutenant (a supervisory law enforcement officer) in order to minimize contact with the general public in the prevailing situation. In some cases, they are also releasing non-violent offenders in order to reduce the risk of exposure to the virus. 

While the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office is making case-by-case determinations to determine whether non-violent or misdemeanor offenders are eligible for release, it is prudent to recognize that the state can still pursue charges pending against you at a later date even if you are released from jail.

Make sure you have the correct legal advice and support from an experienced criminal defense attorney in Miami so that you are thoroughly prepared with a strong defense should the State attempt to resume charges against you. 

Court Proceedings Are Going Fully Remote

Due to the continuing COVID-19 fears across the state, Miami-Dade County court proceedings are being conducted via remote conferencing platforms like Zoom and LifeSize for the foreseeable future. 

This rapid transition to all-remote proceedings means you need a Miami criminal defense attorney who has adapted to this dynamically evolving environment and is adept at doing their job in spite of the unorthodox circumstances of fully remote court hearings.

One of the Only Miami Criminal Defense Attorneys Taking Telephonic and Video Consultations 

Chad Piotrowski Law is one of the first criminal defense law firms in South Florida to adapt to the new all-remote court proceedings process. If you need a competent and dedicated Miami criminal defense lawyer to protect your rights, you should schedule a free and confidential remote consultation with Chad Piotrowski. Call 305-930-6652 or contact us online now.