Insights

Practical guides on Florida criminal defense, personal injury, and civil litigation from the Law Offices of Andre A. Rouviere. Written for people facing a legal situation right now, not abstract overviews.

Generic Florida college campus representing student organization hazing law

Florida’s Hazing Law: What Charges Can Result From a Hazing Incident?

Criminal Defense, Insights /

Florida law treats hazing as a real criminal charge, not just a campus disciplinary matter. Depending on what happened, it can be a first-degree misdemeanor or a third-degree felony, and the consequences reach further than most people expect. Frequently Asked Questions What counts as hazing under Florida law? Under Fla. Stat. § 1006.63, hazing is

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Florida courthouse where bond and custody hearings take place

What Does Missy’s Law Change About Bond Before Sentencing in Florida?

Criminal Defense, Insights /

As of July 1, 2026, Florida’s Missy’s Law requires a court to immediately remand a person to custody, with no possibility of bond, the moment they plead guilty, plead no contest, or are found guilty of a dangerous crime. The requirement applies while they wait for sentencing, even if they plan to appeal. Frequently Asked

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Miami-Dade courthouse where injunction for protection hearings are held

What’s the Difference Between an Injunction and a Restraining Order in Florida?

Domestic Violence, Insights /

People use “restraining order” constantly in everyday conversation, but Florida does not use that term as a formal legal category. What Florida law provides is called an injunction for protection, and understanding that terminology helps if you are trying to research the situation. Frequently Asked Questions Why does the term “restraining order” confuse people in

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Police officer conducting a traffic stop and car search in Florida

Do police need a warrant to search my car in Florida?

Criminal Defense, Insights /

Frequently Asked Questions Do police need a warrant to search my car in Florida? Sometimes, and the exceptions are broader than most people expect. The Fourth Amendment generally requires a warrant for a search, but courts have carved out several situations tied to vehicles where officers do not need one. Florida’s Constitution, Article I, Section

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Miami domestic violence defense attorney consulting with client outside courtroom 3B domestic violence docket

Will a Domestic Violence Charge Affect My Immigration Status?

Criminal Defense, Domestic Violence, Insights /

For non-citizens, a domestic violence charge carries consequences well beyond the criminal case itself. This is one of the most serious intersections in criminal law, and it deserves direct, careful attention rather than assumption. If an arrest has already happened, see our Bail and Bond Guide for how immigration status intersects with the bond process.

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Miami criminal defense attorney consulting with client about felony and misdemeanor charges

Do I Need a Lawyer? Six Situations Where Waiting Costs You Options

Criminal Defense, Insights /

Most people do not think they need a lawyer until something forces the question. A detective calls. A citation shows up. A relative gets served with a lawsuit. By the time the question feels urgent, some of the strongest options are already gone. Here are six situations where waiting costs people more than they realize.

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