As one of the most popular vacation destinations in the United States, it is common to see travelers from other countries all over the state of Florida. However, you may find yourself involved in aspects of U.S. law if you get hurt in an accident caused by someone else or violate Florida state law in some way.
Both the civil and criminal court systems in Florida can be difficult even for lifelong citizens to navigate, let alone people who are thousands of miles from their country of origin. Fortunately, you have help available to you from a Florida lawyer representing international visitors and tourists. We know how to handle personal injury litigation, criminal defense, and various other legal matters which you might require legal representation.
The Umansky Law Firm can represent tourists and other visitors from many different countries, including:
People visiting Florida from other countries have all the same rights as U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents when it comes to holding other people accountable for causing a serious injury. While there are a few exceptions which a legal professional could further explain, most civil claims over personal injuries in Florida are built around the legal theory of “negligence.”
There are numerous scenarios in which someone may owe a “duty of care” to other people around them. This means they are required by law to act responsibly in order to minimize the risk of accidentally injuring someone else. For example, every motor vehicle driver has a duty to follow traffic laws and watch out for nearby vehicles and pedestrians. Similarly, property owners have a duty to keep their land in safe condition for lawful visitors.
Someone will be legally negligent if they breach their duty by acting recklessly or carelessly, and causes an accident resulting in an injury that needs professional medical care. A skilled personal injury attorney can provide assistance after an accident and demand fair compensation for international visitors and tourists in Florida.
Similar to the civil laws mentioned above, Florida’s criminal laws apply equally to U.S. citizens and to people visiting from other countries. That is true even if an unlawful action here is legal in other countries. Like many other states, Florida broadly classifies criminal offenses as either “misdemeanors” or “felonies,” with felonies being the more serious of the two.
In many situations, a misdemeanor charge against a foreign national can be resolved without that person being physically present for their court proceedings. It may be possible to have a Florida defense lawyer take the case on while the defendant returns to their country of origin. While this is sometimes possible for felony offenses as well, a foreign visitor or tourist may have to be detained in the U.S. This makes it even more important for them to retain dependable legal representation.
Dealing with any kind of injury or criminal charge while away from your home country can be a stressful and intimidating experience. In a situation like this, having help from a local lawyer can make a world of difference in how your case progresses.
A Florida lawyer representing international visitors and tourists could be a strong ally no matter what type of case you are dealing with. Call today to discuss your options with The Umansky Law Firm.
The Umansky Law Firm Criminal Defense & Injury Attorneys
