Legal Question in Criminal Law in Florida

My husband was arrested November 2011 for Felony retail theft, in February he was given two years probation & ajudication withheld. On April 24th he was arrested again for the same offense. The arresting officer called me and explained that he would be arrested and held without bond until the hearing. The advice I am looking for I suppose would be whether or not I should obtain legal council for him or go with the public defender like we did last time.

I don't know if this makes any difference to a judge or not, but the behavior my husband has been exhibiting is quite abnormal, he was put on a medication that severely impairs his judgement. He was switched to this medication last year, a month or so before his first arrest. He is a completely different person when on this medication, impulsive, irrational, angry. I'm not interested in making excuses for his actions, only in knowing what my next step should be. I would appreciate some advice. Thank you.


Asked on 4/29/12, 9:00 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Burt Stutchin Harris & Stutchin

You should obtain private legal counsel if you can afford to do so. Your husband should be evaluted by a medical professional. There is normally no bond set for violation of probation at first appearance. An application for bond will have to be made. If the violation of probation is established, your husband will be adjudicated on the first charge and will have a criminal record.

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Answered on 4/30/12, 5:56 am


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