Goldman Wetzel

10/02/2026

OUT ON PRETRIAL RELEASE? A NO-CONTACT VIOLATION CAN MEAN A NEW CHARGE AND JAIL.

Florida’s new Victim Safety in Pretrial Release Act (HB 397) took effect October 1, 2026. It applies when someone released before trial in a case involving certain listed offenses willfully violates a court-ordered no-contact condition.

A first violation can be charged as a first-degree misdemeanor. A second or subsequent violation can be a third-degree felony. If arrested, the person must be held until a first appearance, where the judge decides whether to order detention or set release conditions.

No-contact orders can prohibit calls, texts, social media messages, indirect messages through someone else, and going to places specified by the order. Read the order carefully and follow it exactly. A violation may mean a new criminal charge and being back in jail while the court reviews your release.

Goldman Wetzel attorneys Summer Goldman and Maribeth Wetzel represent people facing criminal charges in Tampa Bay and throughout Florida. If you or someone you know is accused of violating pretrial release, speak with a criminal defense attorney.

Florida Statute § 903.0472 | HB 397

09/29/2026

📞 “Just tell me you’re sorry.”

An unexpected call about an accusation could be a controlled call directed by law enforcement. An apology meant to calm someone down may later be presented as an admission.

Swipe to learn why your words matter, even when an allegation is years old.

At Goldman Wetzel, criminal defense attorneys Maribeth Wetzel and Summer Goldman represent people facing Florida state and federal criminal charges in St. Petersburg and throughout Tampa Bay.

Facing an accusation or investigation? Get legal advice before trying to explain your side.

📍 St. Petersburg, Florida
🌐 GoldmanWetzel.com

FederalCriminalDefense

General information only. Not legal advice.

09/21/2026

🎉 CHEERS TO 25 YEARS

Congratulations to attorney Summer Goldman on 25 years of practicing law. Summer has advocated for clients in Florida with determination, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to the defense.

We’re proud to have her experience and dedication as a managing partner at Goldman Wetzel Criminal Defense and after 25 years, she’s still ready to fight. ⚖️

Goldman Wetzel Criminal Defense

Federal & State Criminal Defense

eDefenseAttorney

09/16/2026

🎉 A HUGE WIN FOR OUR CLIENT! 🎉

At Goldman Wetzel, we fight hard when the stakes are high. This week our client can breathe easy and celebrate as he will not be going back to prison.

Attorney Maribeth Wetzel recently represented a client in a federal appeal where the stakes could not have been higher. While we can’t share the details, we can say this; through no fault of his own, our client faced returning to prison after rebuilding his life on the outside.

We’re proud of the work that went into getting here, and we’re grateful that the government ultimately did the right thing. ⚖️🎉

09/03/2026

Looks like the courthouse is still honoring Dolly. 🦋 ❤️

Not a bad way to start the day walking into federal court. Some legends deserve a little extra time. 🇺🇸

04/23/2026

Charged doesn’t mean convicted.

What you do next matters.

Choose your defense wisely.

04/13/2026

04/10/2026

The system doesn’t slow down just because you’re overwhelmed.
In the first 24 hours, everything starts moving—fast.

Make sure you have someone protecting you from the start.