Rabideau Law

10/14/2026

It’s Wednesday, and we’re talking about what happens when 90 days of treatment isn’t enough.

For families navigating addiction, getting a loved one into treatment can be a difficult journey. But what happens when the court-ordered treatment period is coming to an end and more time is needed?

Under Florida’s Marchman Act, a court may order involuntary substance abuse treatment for up to 90 days. Florida law also provides a process for requesting an extension of up to another 90 days.

The extension isn’t automatic. Another hearing is required, and the court must determine whether the individual continues to meet the legal criteria for involuntary treatment.

At Rabideau Law, we’ve seen how important it is to consider both the need for treatment and the rights of the individual receiving it.

We represent families petitioning for treatment as well as respondents who want independent legal representation.

And representing a respondent doesn’t necessarily mean opposing treatment. Sometimes, it’s about making sure that person understands their options, has an opportunity to be heard, and can participate in decisions about their recovery.

Recovery doesn’t always happen in 90 days. But everyone deserves a voice in the process.

Did you know Florida law allows Marchman Act treatment orders to be extended?

10/10/2026

What a great morning supporting NAMIWalks Palm Beach County!

Today is World Mental Health Day, and I can’t think of a better way to recognize it than spending the morning with so many people who care about mental health awareness and supporting families in our community.

Through my work with families navigating addiction and the Marchman Act, I’ve seen firsthand just how difficult it can be when someone you love is struggling. Having the right support, resources, and people in your corner can make all the difference.

Thank you to NAMI Palm Beach County, the volunteers, and everyone who came out today. It was a pleasure meeting so many wonderful people and supporting such an important cause.

Mental health matters, and so do the families walking alongside those who struggle. 💙

10/08/2026

WHAT WE’RE TALKING ABOUT WEDNESDAY

Violating a no-contact order while on bond can now mean a new criminal charge in Florida.

A new Florida law took effect October 1, 2026, creating a separate criminal offense for certain defendants who willfully violate a no-contact condition of pretrial release.

The law applies when the original arrest involves specified offenses such as battery, aggravated battery, assault, stalking, robbery, kidnapping, sexual battery, and other felonies involving force or threats of violence.

A first violation can be charged as a first-degree misdemeanor. A second or subsequent violation can be charged as a third-degree felony.

And this is important: violating bond conditions could already result in bond being revoked and the defendant being returned to custody. Now, in these specified cases, the violation itself may also result in an additional criminal charge.

Bond conditions are not suggestions. Even a phone call, text, message through another person, or other prohibited contact can have serious consequences.

Rabideau Law
Criminal Defense | Palm Beach County
📞 561-820-4848

10/06/2026

They’re an adult. Can you still make them get help?

When substance abuse reaches a dangerous point and a loved one refuses treatment, families often feel like they have run out of options.

Florida’s Marchman Act may provide a legal path to court-ordered assessment and treatment when the statutory requirements are met — even when the person is over 18.

And for families outside Florida, the answer may still be worth exploring if their loved one is or will be in Florida.

We break down what families need to know in our latest blog:

https://rabideaulaw.com/can-you-force-an-adult-child-into-rehab/

09/30/2026

We talk about a lot of things around here. So we thought we’d start letting you in on the conversation.

Welcome to What We’re Talking About Wednesday — where we take something happening in the news, the courtroom, or the law and tell you what has us talking that week.

And for our first one…

One juror.

That’s all it took to prevent a verdict in the Lindsay Clancy trial.

After days of deliberations, the Massachusetts jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict. Eleven jurors were prepared to find Clancy not guilty by reason of insanity. One juror disagreed. The result was a mistrial.

That got us talking about something Mike spends a lot of time discussing with juries during closing arguments: reasonable doubt and the State’s burden of proof.

In a criminal case, probably guilty isn’t enough. Likely guilty isn’t enough. The burden belongs to the State, and a criminal verdict must be unanimous.

That means one juror can matter.

A hung jury isn’t a conviction. It isn’t an acquittal. It simply means the jury could not reach the unanimous verdict required.

The Clancy case is an extraordinary one, but the questions it raises about reasonable doubt, jury deliberations and the burden of proof are at the heart of criminal defense every day.

So we’re curious: If 11 jurors agree and one does not, should that one juror be able to prevent a verdict?

Tell us what you think in the comments. 👇

09/24/2026

Do Florida school-zone speed camera tickets put points on your license?

It’s a question a lot of South Florida drivers are asking right now.

School-zone speed cameras are generating thousands of notices, but these violations don’t work exactly like a traditional speeding ticket. Under Florida law, qualifying camera-enforced school-zone violations do not carry driver’s-license points.

But that doesn’t mean they should be ignored. An unresolved Notice of Violation can progress to a Uniform Traffic Citation, additional costs, and potentially a driver’s-license suspension for failure to comply.

In our latest blog, we break down the $100 initial penalty, points, UTCs, possible license suspension, and what happens if you weren’t the driver—plus the recent school-zone camera issues reported in Delray Beach.

Read the full article here:
https://rabideaulaw.com/florida-school-zone-speed-camera-ticket/

The Law Offices of Michael T. Rabideau, P.A.
West Palm Beach • Wellington • Boca Raton
561-820-4848

09/15/2026

When someone you love is struggling with substance abuse and refuses help, it can be difficult to know what to do next.

Florida’s Marchman Act may provide a legal path forward. In certain situations, qualifying family members or other petitioners may be able to ask the court for involuntary assessment, stabilization, and treatment.

We help families throughout Palm Beach County and South Florida understand the process, prepare the petition, and navigate the court proceedings with clear, practical guidance.

You do not have to figure it out alone.
Call 561-820-4848 to speak with our office.

09/11/2026

Today, we remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, the families forever changed, and the first responders and everyday Americans who showed extraordinary courage in the face of unimaginable tragedy.

We honor their memory today and always.

Never forget. 🇺🇸

09/05/2026

A DUI arrest is not the same as a DUI conviction.

Tiger Woods’ recent Martin County case is a high-profile example. His Florida DUI charge was reduced to reckless driving after prosecutors concluded there was insufficient evidence to prove impairment.

We break down what happened, why the charge was reduced, and what a DUI-to-reckless-driving reduction can mean in Florida.

Read the full article: https://rabideaulaw.com/tiger-woods-florida-dui-reduced-reckless-driving/

Tiger Woods’ Florida DUI was reduced to reckless driving. Learn why the charge was reduced and what it can mean for a Florida DUI case.

11/27/2025

We are truly thankful for our clients — for your trust, your confidence, and the opportunity to stand beside you when it matters most.

Wishing everyone a day filled with gratitude, warmth, and a little extra giving.
Happy Thanksgiving from the Law Office of Michael T. Rabideau! 🦃🍁