🚨 You Don’t Have to Be Arrested on the Spot to Be Prosecuted in Florida
If you’re worried about being charged after the fact for a crime in Florida, you’re not alone — and you’re not necessarily safe just because you weren’t arrested at the scene.
In Florida — and especially in Broward County — you can be charged days, weeks, or even months later, even if you weren’t caught red-handed.
Prosecutors can rely on witness statements, surveillance footage, forensic evidence, or even social media to build a case after the fact.
At Michael White, P.A., we regularly defend clients in Fort Lauderdale and throughout South Florida who were charged later — not arrested in the moment. And we know how to fight back early, before the case gains momentum.
⚖️ How the Law Works in Florida
In Florida, police don’t have to arrest you at the scene to file criminal charges.
Here’s how it often works instead:
An investigation begins (police, detective, or prosecutor-led)
Evidence is gathered (videos, photos, text messages, testimony)
A warrant is requested or a direct-file charge is approved
You’re contacted after the fact, sometimes by phone or mail
In some cases, you don’t even know you’re being charged until a court date is scheduled or you’re picked up on a warrant
Florida law allows prosecutors to file charges based on evidence gathered later, meaning you can be charged after the fact for a crime in Florida without ever being detained at the scene.
📦 Common Charges Filed After the Fact
These are some of the most common crimes we see prosecuted without an on-the-spot arrest:
Hit-and-run / Leaving the scene of a crash
Petit theft or retail theft based on surveillance
Battery or assault reported days later
Drug crimes after search warrants or delayed testing
Fraud or forgery cases after document review
Sex crime accusations with no physical arrest
🧠 Do They Need Proof You Were There?
Not necessarily. They only need enough evidence to file charges or obtain a warrant — which can come from:
Eyewitnesses (even if mistaken or unreliable)
Surveillance video
Vehicle or cell phone records
Statements you made (including online or to third parties)
📌 This is why it’s critical to say nothing to police without a lawyer, even if you think you’re helping yourself.
🛡️ How We Defend “After-the-Fact” Charges
When you’re not caught at the scene, your case can be harder to prove — but only if your defense team acts fast.
At Michael White, P.A., we:
Investigate the evidence before charges are formally filed
Challenge the credibility of delayed witness statements
Analyze video/audio for inconsistencies or timeline problems
Raise alibi defenses or questions of identity
File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss unsupported charges
✅ Many of these cases fall apart when we act before arraignment.
📞 🔍 What to Do If You're Charged After the Fact for a Crime in Florida
Even if you haven’t been arrested, a call from police or a knock at your door means you’re a suspect.
Do not give a statement. Do not try to explain.
👉 Call Michael White, P.A. in Fort Lauderdale for immediate legal protection.
We serve clients across Broward County and South Florida, and we know how to shut down weak or late-filed charges before they escalate.
🙋♂️ Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I be arrested even if I wasn’t at the scene?
Yes. Police can arrest you based on evidence or allegations, even if you weren’t caught at the time of the incident.
❓ How long after an alleged crime can I be charged?
It depends on the statute of limitations — which varies based on the severity of the charge. For misdemeanors, it’s often 1–2 years; felonies are longer.
❓ Do police need a warrant to arrest me after the fact?
Usually, yes. If you weren’t arrested at the scene, a warrant is typically issued after charges are filed.
❓ Should I talk to police if I know they’re investigating me?
No. Contact a defense attorney first. Even seemingly innocent answers can hurt your case — or get misinterpreted later.
❓ What if I didn’t do anything wrong?
That’s exactly why you need a lawyer. Innocent people get charged every day based on bad IDs, unreliable witnesses, or missing context.
🚨 If you’re being investigated or charged after-the-fact in Fort Lauderdale or Broward County — call us before you speak to anyone. At Michael White, P.A., we represent clients who were charged after the fact for crimes in Florida, and we fight back before the State builds momentum.