In St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra alone, tourism accounts for $3.8 billion in economic impact, according to The St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitor Convention Bureau annual report on the positive effects of tourism. Residents of St. Johns County will not be surprised by the number. Tourism affects every corner of our community, whether it’s providing jobs (32,400, to be exact) or clogging the roads.
In the past, visitor counts to Florida’s Historic Coast have exceeded 3 million. Summer is an especially popular season due to school vacations across the country. With an increase in travel comes a greater risk of automobile accidents and associated offenses, such as driving under the influence. Other recurring offenses involving tourists may include disorderly conduct and drug-related crimes.
An arrest can be a stressful and difficult experience, and it’s important to understand the potential consequences. If you are arrested outside of your home county, the legal process may differ. We created this guide to help you understand what to expect if you are arrested while visiting St. Johns County.
What To Do If You’re Arrested in St. Johns County but Are Not a Resident:
1. Understand the Florida Legal System
Failing to appear in court may put your liberty at risk, lead to additional criminal charges, and result in collateral consequences such as the suspension of your driver’s license.
2. Hire a Local St. Johns County Attorney
An attorney from the area where you were arrested will have a strong understanding of the local legal landscape. Facing charges in another county can already feel unfamiliar, making it especially important that your lawyer knows the court system and has professional relationships with the people directly involved in your case, such as court personnel, prosecutors, and judges.
Waiver of Appearance
If you hire a local attorney, they may be able to appear in court on your behalf if you are unable to return to St. Johns County. A Waiver of Appearance is a legal document that allows your attorney to appear in your absence and enter pleas or handle procedural matters. If you live far away from where you were arrested, this option may save you significant time and money.
3. What to Know Following Your Sentence
A case generally cannot be moved back to your home jurisdiction solely for convenience. In some situations, though, the court may permit supervision-related requirements—such as alcohol monitoring, drug testing, probation, or community service—to be handled in the defendant’s home county (or state).
It is also important to understand that an outstanding warrant will not disappear if ignored. An arrest is not something you can leave behind on vacation. It may appear during credit checks, routine traffic stops, or border crossings. Arrest warrants are public record and are easily accessible online. Do not let fear of consequence keep you from taking the necessary steps to move forward with your life.
Speak With an Experienced St. Johns County Attorney Today
Your first step is reaching out to Mowrey Law Firm for a free consultation so you can understand your rights and options before making any decisions.
We understand that facing criminal charges can be financially and emotionally overwhelming. With and through, we work with you to find solutions that fit your budget so you can focus on protecting your future.
If you or a loved one has been arrested in St. Johns County or surrounding counties, call Mowrey Law Firm at 904-824-7799 for a free, confidential consultation with an experienced St. Augustine Criminal Defense Attorney. We’re available 24/7.
At Mowrey Law, we serve people when and where it matters most.