The Rivas Law Firm

The Rivas Law Firm Orlando Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm The Rivas Law Firm was established since 2007.

The founding partner, Attorney Jose Rivas, has litigated thousands of criminal cases and has appeared on local and national media television networks as a legal analyst. The Rivas Law Firm also helps clients with Family Law, Immigration, criminal appeals, Juvenile criminal Defense, Federal criminal defense and sealing and expungements of criminal records. We service criminal defense in all of Cent

ral Florida and surrounding counties including Orange County, Seminole, Osceola, Brevard, Polk, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Broward, Palm Beach, Alachua, Sumter, Hernando, Hardee, Duval, Marion and much more.

Saying "I was just joking" doesn't automatically protect you from criminal charges.The context, your intent, and how a r...
09/01/2026

Saying "I was just joking" doesn't automatically protect you from criminal charges.

The context, your intent, and how a reasonable person interprets your words all matter. In some situations, what was meant as a joke can still have serious legal consequences.

Probation comes with responsibilities, and violating its conditions can have serious consequences.Missing appointments, ...
08/30/2026

Probation comes with responsibilities, and violating its conditions can have serious consequences.

Missing appointments, failing a drug test, traveling without permission, or not completing court-ordered requirements may all be considered probation violations.

08/29/2026

Knowing what to say—and what not to say—during a traffic stop can make a difference.

You should always remain calm and respectful, but you don't have to volunteer unnecessary information or consent to a search. Understanding your rights can help you avoid making statements that may later be used against you.

💾 Save this post so you're prepared if you're ever pulled over.

A juvenile charge doesn’t have to define a lifetime.Young people make mistakes, but one moment shouldn’t determine their...
08/27/2026

A juvenile charge doesn’t have to define a lifetime.

Young people make mistakes, but one moment shouldn’t determine their future.

We believe in protecting opportunities, second chances, and the future ahead.

Driving at extreme speeds in Florida can be more than just a traffic ticket.Under Florida's "Super Speeder" law, certain...
08/25/2026

Driving at extreme speeds in Florida can be more than just a traffic ticket.

Under Florida's "Super Speeder" law, certain high-speed driving offenses can lead to serious legal consequences, including arrest, mandatory court appearances, possible jail time, and driver's license penalties.

💾 Save this post to better understand Florida's speeding laws.

08/25/2026

En esta entrevista con Telemundo, el abogado criminalista José Rivas analiza el papel que podría tener una carta enviada por el acusado en el caso del tiroteo ocurrido en Downtown Orlando en 2024.

Rivas explica que si la defensa plantea el estado mental del acusado, tendría que demostrar que al momento del presunto delito no comprendía las consecuencias de sus actos.

“La defensa tiene que demostrar que cuando ocurrió el delito, el acusado no estaba en su sano juicio y no sabía las consecuencias”, explicó José Rivas.

También señala que la carta no llegaría automáticamente al jurado, a menos que la defensa decida presentarla como evidencia.

💬 ¿Qué opinas sobre este caso?

𝘌𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩

In this Telemundo interview, criminal defense attorney José Rivas discusses the role a letter sent by the defendant could play in the 2024 Downtown Orlando shooting case.

Rivas explains that if the defense raises the defendant’s mental state, it must show that, at the time of the alleged crime, he did not understand the consequences of his actions.

“The defense has to demonstrate that when the crime occurred, the accused was not in his right mind and did not understand the consequences,” José Rivas explained.

He also notes that the letter would not automatically reach the jury unless the defense introduces it as evidence.

💬 What are your thoughts on this case?

Would you hand a stranger your entire digital life?Your phone can contain messages, photos, emails, financial informatio...
08/23/2026

Would you hand a stranger your entire digital life?

Your phone can contain messages, photos, emails, financial information, and much more. Before consenting to a search, it's important to understand that anything lawfully discovered could become part of a criminal investigation.

08/22/2026

A strong defense is about more than telling your side of the story.

It means carefully examining the evidence, questioning witness credibility, and identifying reasonable doubt wherever it exists. In every criminal case, the burden is on the prosecution to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

💾 Save this post to better understand how criminal defense works.

If you're facing criminal charges, having the right legal guidance matters.We defend clients facing DUI, drug charges, d...
08/20/2026

If you're facing criminal charges, having the right legal guidance matters.

We defend clients facing DUI, drug charges, domestic violence, theft, violent crimes, federal crimes, and other criminal offenses throughout Central Florida.

📞 Call us at (407) 305-3872 for a confidential consultation.

Possession and trafficking are not the same under Florida law.The type and amount of a controlled substance can make a s...
08/18/2026

Possession and trafficking are not the same under Florida law.

The type and amount of a controlled substance can make a significant difference in how a case is charged and the penalties someone may face. Understanding that distinction is important.

Address

1500 Lee Road
Orlando, FL
32810

Telephone

+14076442466

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