Criminal Law vs. Criminal Procedure in Miami — And Why You Need a Miami Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you are in the Miami area and you are facing criminal charges, whether they are drug-related charges, charges related to the death of a person, Driving Under the Influence (DUI) charges, or other criminal charges under Florida criminal laws, it is important to understand the difference between Florida criminal law and Florida criminal procedure. While both are crucial in any Miami criminal case, they serve very different purposes in the Miami criminal legal process. But what exactly is the difference between criminal law and criminal procedure in the context of a Miami criminal case? And where can Miami criminal defendants go for legal help defending themselves against serious criminal charges? We answer those questions here.
Criminal Law in Miami 101: What is Florida Criminal Law?
The Florida Statutes are incredibly important when it comes to defining what is and is not criminal conduct in Miami and throughout the State of Florida. Indeed, “criminal law” refers to the substantive body of law that defines crimes and prescribes punishments throughout Florida. The Florida Statutes not only determine what conduct is illegal, but also what penalties apply if those laws are broken. For example, Florida criminal laws describe how conduct such as shoplifting, assault, drug possession, or fraud is unlawful, and that when a person in Miami engages in that unlawful conduct, what punishment may be prescribed (jail time, fines, community service, probation, and other penalties and consequences).
Criminal Procedure in Miami 101: What is Florida Criminal Procedure?
In contrast to Florida criminal laws, Florida criminal procedure refers to the rules and steps the Florida legal system follows when investigating, prosecuting, and adjudicating criminal cases. Florida criminal procedure also, critically, ensures that the constitutional rights of Miami criminal defendants, and criminal defendants throughout Florida, are protected at every stage of the criminal legal process. Criminal procedure in Florida covers important issues such as arrest procedures, probable cause, the bail process, the trial process, and sentencing. If Florida criminal procedure was not followed when you were arrested, for example, your Miami criminal attorney may argue that you have a defense to the charges against you.
Finding Legal Help in Miami – Miami Criminal Attorney
There is no doubt that the laws and rules that make up Florida criminal law and criminal procedure are complex, and navigating these laws can be confusing and frustrating without the help of an experienced Miami criminal attorney. If you are facing criminal charges in Miami, it is, therefore, best to speak with an experienced Miami criminal attorney about your case. The experienced Miami criminal defense attorneys at AsiliA Law Firm help those individuals who have been charged with serious crimes in Miami get justice in the cases against them. Every person who has been charged with a crime in Miami has the right to defend their case, and the right to mount a strong defense. Contact the experienced Miami criminal attorneys at AsiliA Law Firm and discuss your options and next steps with a lawyer today.