The Rivas Law Firm

05/28/2026

When your lawyer truly cares, it shows.

We’re grateful for clients like Saraliz who trust us during some of the most difficult moments in their lives. Every case matters—and every client is treated with the attention, respect, and dedication they deserve.

Your case isn’t just another file to us. We fight for you like it’s personal.

📞 Call or text (321) 352-4449 for a confidential consultation.
Se habla español.

05/26/2026

One argument can change everything.

In domestic violence situations, police can make an arrest—even if no one wants to press charges or if it was only verbal. Once that happens, the consequences can be immediate and serious.

No-contact orders, being removed from your home, and a permanent criminal record… all from a single moment.

Think before reacting. And if you’re already in this situation, get legal help right away.

📞 Call or text (321) 352-4449 for a confidential consultation.
Se habla español.

05/26/2026

In this WESH 2 News interview, criminal defense attorney José Rivas analyzed the case of Isabel Valdez, 15, and Lois Lippert, 14, Lake Brantley High School students accused of plotting to murder a classmate.

The teens were arrested in March and remain held without bond in Seminole County.

The case took a new turn after Valdez wrote a letter to the judge discussing her mental health, expressing remorse, and asking for a chance to change.

José Rivas explained that the letter is not direct evidence, but it could influence how prosecutors and the court handle the case.

“She is asking for help. She’s saying: ‘I need help. I need rehabilitation…,’” José Rivas explained.

According to the attorney, the letter could open discussions involving mental health, rehabilitation, and possible mitigation strategies before trial.

𝘚𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘩

En esta entrevista con WESH 2 News, el abogado criminalista José Rivas analizó el caso de Isabel Valdez, de 15 años, y Lois Lippert, de 14, estudiantes de Lake Brantley High School acusadas de planear el as*****to de una compañera.

Las menores fueron arrestadas en marzo y permanecen detenidas sin derecho a fianza en el condado de Seminole.

El caso tomó un nuevo giro luego de que Isabel Valdez escribiera una carta al juez hablando sobre su salud mental, expresando arrepentimiento y pidiendo una oportunidad para cambiar.

José Rivas explicó que la carta no funciona como evidencia directa, pero sí puede influir en cómo la fiscalía y el tribunal manejen el caso.

“Ella está pidiendo ayuda. Está diciendo: ‘Necesito ayuda. Necesito rehabilitarme…’”, explicó José Rivas.

Según el abogado, esta comunicación puede abrir discusiones relacionadas con salud mental, rehabilitación y posibles estrategias de mitigación antes de juicio.

05/25/2026

Today we pause—not for celebration, but for remembrance.

Memorial Day is a time to reflect on the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice is the reason we enjoy the freedoms we have today.

We honor them. We remember them. 🇺🇸

05/23/2026

Can you record the police? Yes—but there are limits.

In most cases, you have the right to record. But how you do it matters.

Getting too close or interfering can turn a protected right into a problem.

Keep your distance. Don’t interrupt. And stay respectful.

Know your rights—and how to use them the right way.

📞 Call or text (321) 352-4449 for a confidential consultation.
Se habla español.

05/22/2026

En esta entrevista con Univision, el abogado criminalista José Rivas analizó el caso de Eduardo Labrada Machado, el joven de 25 años acusado de dispararle a un oficial de policía de Edgewater a quemarropa.

Durante la audiencia, se confirmó que el acusado llegó a un acuerdo con la fiscalía para evitar enfrentar la pena de muerte y, en su lugar, cumplir cadena perpetua.

El abogado criminalista José Rivas explicó que este tipo de negociaciones suelen ocurrir cuando la defensa considera que ir a juicio podría terminar en una condena más severa.

“Si hubiera ido a juicio, le iban a dar una pena de muerte… le conviene estar en la cárcel el resto de su vida que enfrentar esa posibilidad”, señaló.

José Rivas también explicó que, después de aceptar este acuerdo, será muy difícil presentar una apelación en el futuro, ya que el juez realiza una serie de preguntas grabadas para confirmar que la decisión fue tomada voluntariamente y con pleno conocimiento.

Ahora, Eduardo Labrada Machado pasará el resto de su vida en prisión mientras el caso queda oficialmente cerrado bajo este acuerdo judicial.

𝘌𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩

In this Univision interview, criminal defense attorney José Rivas analyzed the case of Eduardo Labrada Machado, the 25-year-old man accused of shooting an Edgewater police officer at close range.

During the hearing, it was confirmed that the defendant reached an agreement with prosecutors to avoid facing the death penalty and instead receive a life sentence.

José Rivas explained that these types of negotiations often happen when the defense believes going to trial could result in a harsher sentence.

“If he had gone to trial, he would have received the death penalty… spending the rest of his life in prison is a better option than facing that possibility,” he explained.

José Rivas also explained that after accepting this agreement, it will be very difficult to file an appeal in the future because the judge asks a series of recorded questions to confirm the decision was made voluntarily and knowingly.

Eduardo Labrada Machado will now spend the rest of his life in prison as the case officially moves forward under this agreement.

05/21/2026

Resisting arrest isn’t always physical.

You don’t have to fight or run to be charged—pulling away, refusing commands, or even tensing up can be enough.

What feels like a reaction in the moment can turn into an additional charge that complicates your case.

Stay calm. Don’t escalate. And remember—you have the right to remain silent.
Protect yourself. Ask for a lawyer.

📞 Call or text (321) 352-4449 for a confidential consultation.
Se habla español.

05/20/2026

Alex Saab comparece ante una corte federal en Miami… y el abogado criminalista José Rivas explica por qué permanecer detenido sin fianza era una posibilidad muy alta desde el inicio.

En esta entrevista con Telemundo 31, el abogado criminalista José Rivas analizó el caso del empresario colombiano señalado por Estados Unidos como presunto operador financiero del régimen de Nicolás Maduro.

Durante la audiencia, el gobierno federal solicitó que Saab continuara detenido mientras avanza el proceso judicial… una petición que el propio Saab aceptó.

El abogado criminalista José Rivas explicó que este tipo de medidas son comunes en casos federales de alto perfil, especialmente cuando el acusado no reside en Estados Unidos.

“En estos tipos de casos, como él no vive aquí, hay una gran posibilidad de que los fiscales le pidan al juez que lo detengan y no lo pongan en libertad mientras el caso está pendiente”, señaló.

Las autoridades acusan a Saab de presuntamente participar en una red internacional de lavado de dinero, fraude y manejo de fondos provenientes de actividades ilícitas.

Ahora permanecerá bajo custodia federal mientras continúa el proceso en el sur de Florida.

𝘌𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩

Alex Saab appeared before a federal court in Miami… and criminal defense attorney José Rivas explained why remaining detained without bond was highly expected from the beginning.

In this Telemundo 31 interview, José Rivas analyzed the case against the Colombian businessman accused by the United States of acting as a financial operator for Nicolás Maduro’s regime.

During the hearing, federal prosecutors requested that Saab remain detained while the case moves forward, a request that Saab himself accepted.

José Rivas explained that these measures are common in major federal cases, especially when the defendant does not reside in the United States.

05/18/2026

05/17/2026

Your words matter more than you think, especially in a legal situation.

What you say in the moment can quickly turn into evidence used against you later. Even if you’re trying to “explain” or clear things up, you could be giving away information that hurts your case.

Stay calm. Stay respectful. And most importantly, know when to stay silent.

📞 If you’re ever unsure, ask for a lawyer before saying anything.

05/16/2026

Silence isn’t weakness—it’s protection.

When you’re being accused of something, or when you feel pressured to “explain yourself,” what you say can be used against you.

Trying to clear things up in the moment can actually make things worse.

Know your rights. Stay calm. And don’t speak without legal guidance.

📞 Call or text (321) 352-4449 for a confidential consultation.
Se habla español.