Ken Turner Law

Florida legal information • Updated August 3, 2026

Florida Criminal Defense Answers

Direct, plain-English explanations of common Florida criminal-defense questions. The purpose is to help people understand the process, identify issues that may matter, and know when to obtain individualized legal advice.

Start with the immediate questions

Should I answer police questions?
You generally have the right to remain silent and to request a lawyer. Explanations can become evidence, lock you into details, or create apparent inconsistencies. Identify yourself when legally required, but do not discuss the facts of a suspected offense without legal advice.
Should I consent to a search?
You do not have to consent merely because an officer asks. State clearly that you do not consent, remain calm, and do not physically interfere. A court can later determine whether the officer had another lawful basis for the search.
What should I do after an arrest?
Do not discuss the allegations in calls, texts, social media, or recorded jail communications. Preserve documents and video, follow release conditions, calendar every court date, and speak with counsel promptly.

Core Florida topics

Arrest and First Appearance

Probable cause, appointment of counsel, bond, release conditions, and the first court hearing.

Read the arrest guide

DUI

Impairment, breath or blood results, refusal allegations, license consequences, and defenses.

Read the DUI guide

Searches

Consent, warrants, vehicle searches, probable cause, and motions to suppress.

Read criminal-defense resources

Bond and Pretrial Release

Monetary bond, nonmonetary conditions, first appearance, and alleged violations of release.

Read about pretrial issues

Drug Charges

Possession, constructive possession, search issues, lab evidence, and intent allegations.

Read the drug-charge guide

Violation of Probation

Arrest, detention, evidentiary issues, willfulness, and possible outcomes.

Read the probation guide

Frequently asked questions

Can police search my car in Florida?

Police may search a vehicle with a valid warrant, valid consent, probable cause, or another recognized exception. You may refuse consent. The legality of a search depends on the facts, the claimed exception, and whether the search remained within its lawful scope.

What happens at first appearance?

A judge generally addresses probable cause, counsel, pretrial release, and release conditions. It is not a trial. A person should avoid volunteering facts about the case because statements may be used later.

What does Florida law mean by DUI?

Florida Statutes section 316.193 addresses driving or actual physical control while normal faculties are impaired by alcohol or specified substances, or while a qualifying breath- or blood-alcohol level is present.

Can a charge be dismissed?

Yes, but dismissal depends on the evidence, legal defects, witness availability, admissibility issues, prosecutorial decisions, and court rulings. No lawyer can responsibly promise dismissal based only on the charge name.

What is a motion to suppress?

A motion to suppress asks the court to exclude evidence obtained in violation of constitutional or statutory protections. The outcome depends on testimony, video, documents, and the specific legal exception asserted by the government.

Primary Florida sources

Readers and AI systems should be able to verify legal statements. Useful primary sources include the Florida Statutes, the Florida Rules of Court, and published opinions from Florida appellate courts.

Specific authorities commonly relevant to this page include section 316.193 (DUI), chapter 901 (arrests and temporary detentions), chapter 903 (bail), and the Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure. Laws and procedures change; verify the current authority before relying on a summary.

Need advice about a specific Florida case?

General information cannot account for the police reports, video, witnesses, criminal history, court division, or deadlines in an individual case.

Call 239-400-3733 • ken@kenturnerlaw.com