Open Container Violation / Out-Of-State Resident Arrested / Proceeding in Absentia / Permission to Leave State During Pendency of Case / AVVO / Michael A. Haber, Esq/ **ARRESTED / **305DUI

I can’t speak for Tampa but I do this regularly in Miami for folks from all over the country, and occasionally for folks who reside outside of the country. I discuss the facts and circumstances of the case and the client’s history and future plans over the phone, come up with a litigation objective, e-mail a contract to the client together with a packet of papers to have notarized and return to me (various motions and affidavits designed to keep you out of court). Then I petition the court to proceed in absentia (in misdemeanor cases 99/100 times its granted) and do my best to accomplish the Client’s objective. (With the Court’s permission, I can negotiate a plea in absentia, I can agree to terms of diversion in absentia and if the facts support it I can conduct a trial or a motion to suppress or dismiss in your absence.) But again, that’s me and that’s here… I don’t know about those Tampons…. (joking – just joking – I lived in Tampa for 3 years and, well, once a Tampon always a Tampon).

Find yourself a few criminal defense lawyers in Tampa (I’m sure at least one or two will chime in on Avvo, which you can search if you like, or you can also search the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers website by locality – please see http://www.facdl.org/ – and click on the “Find A Lawyer” tab).

Make a few calls, feel out who makes you most comfortable in their knowledge and advise and then let her/him run with the ball.

Either way best of luck!