The Rivas Law Firm

08/13/2026

We're here to help you understand your rights, answer your questions, and guide you through the legal process, in English or Spanish.

📞 Call or text (407) 305-3872 for a confidential consultation.

08/11/2026

In this WFTV 9 interview, criminal defense attorney José Rivas explains the accessory after the fact charge against a father accused of assisting his son following an alleged double shooting in DeLand.

Rivas points out that there is no evidence showing the father had prior knowledge of or involvement in the alleged crime. He also explains that if the father reasonably believed the shooting was self-defense, the State could have a more difficult time obtaining a conviction for accessory after the fact.

Rivas noted that a lesser charge, such as tampering with evidence, could also be a possibility.

💬 What are your thoughts on this case?

𝘚𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘩

En esta entrevista con WFTV 9, el abogado criminalista José Rivas explica el cargo de cómplice después del hecho (accessory after the fact) contra un padre acusado de ayudar a su hijo después de un presunto doble tiroteo en DeLand.

Rivas señala que no existe evidencia de que el padre tuviera conocimiento previo o participación en el presunto delito. También explica que si el padre creía razonablemente que el tiroteo ocurrió en defensa propia, podría ser más difícil para la Fiscalía obtener una condena por este cargo.

Rivas también señaló que podría considerarse un cargo menor, como manipulación de evidencia.

💬 ¿Qué opinas sobre este caso?

08/09/2026

Being called a witness doesn't always mean you'll remain one.

Investigations can change as new evidence comes to light. Before giving a statement, make sure you understand your rights and the potential consequences.

08/08/2026

A police report is an important part of a case but it isn't always the complete story.

A strong defense looks beyond the report by reviewing the evidence, examining the facts, and asking the right questions.

💾 Save this post to remember that every case deserves a thorough review.

08/06/2026

Today, we celebrate the dedicated paralegals who help keep everything moving behind the scenes.

Your hard work, attention to detail, and commitment to our clients make a difference every single day. Thank you for everything you do.

Happy National Paralegal Day!

08/05/2026

In an interview discussing Tony Romo's OWI case, criminal defense attorney José Rivas analyzed the former NFL quarterback's arrest and explained why knowing your rights during a traffic stop is so important.

José Rivas emphasized that in Florida, you are not required to answer questions such as "Where are you coming from?", "Where are you going?" or "Have you been drinking?" Your legal obligation is to provide your driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance.

He also explained that law enforcement must have probable cause before making an arrest, based on evidence such as the odor of alcohol, slurred speech, or other observations.

⚖️ "If you've been drinking, my advice is simple: don't drive. But if you're stopped, know your rights and speak with an attorney before answering questions."

Follow for Part 2 of this legal breakdown.

𝘚𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘩

En una entrevista sobre el caso de Tony Romo, el abogado criminalista José Rivas analizó el reciente arresto por OWI del exjugador de la NFL y explicó por qué conocer tus derechos durante una parada de tránsito puede marcar la diferencia.

José Rivas recordó que en Florida no existe la obligación de responder preguntas como: “¿De dónde viene?”, “¿A dónde va?” o “¿Ha estado bebiendo?”. Lo único que debes proporcionar es tu licencia de conducir, el registro del vehículo y el comprobante de seguro.

También explicó que, antes de realizar un arresto, la policía debe contar con causa probable basada en evidencia, como el olor a alcohol, dificultad para hablar u otras observaciones que justifiquen la detención.

⚖️ "Si has estado bebiendo, mi consejo es simple: no conduzcas. Pero si eres detenido, conoce tus derechos y habla con un abogado antes de responder preguntas."

Síguenos para ver la Parte 2 de este análisis.

08/04/2026

Radar and LiDAR both measure speed, but they don't work the same way.

Understanding how speed is measured can help you better understand a traffic stop and the evidence involved. In some situations, a speeding ticket may lead to more serious legal issues.

💾 Save this post for future reference.

08/03/2026

In this WFTV 9 interview, criminal defense attorney José Rivas discusses a motion to suppress evidence in a case involving a teenage defendant accused of plotting to harm a classmate.

The defense argues that the student was illegally detained, searched, and questioned at school without proper constitutional protections. According to the motion, if the court finds the evidence was obtained unlawfully, it could be excluded from trial.

José Rivas explains that both the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and the Florida Constitution protect individuals from unlawful searches and seizures, including students in certain circumstances.

"If the evidence is suppressed, it's going to be very difficult for the State to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt without that evidence," José Rivas explained.

💬 What are your thoughts on the role of constitutional rights in criminal cases? Let us know in the comments below.

𝘚𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘩

En esta entrevista con WFTV 9, el abogado criminalista José Rivas analiza una moción para suprimir evidencia en un caso que involucra a una adolescente acusada de planear causar daño a un compañero de la escuela.

La defensa sostiene que la estudiante fue detenida, registrada e interrogada de manera ilegal dentro de la escuela, sin las debidas protecciones constitucionales. Según la moción, si el tribunal determina que la evidencia fue obtenida ilegalmente, esta podría ser excluida del juicio.

José Rivas explica que tanto la Cuarta Enmienda de la Constitución de los Estados Unidos como la Constitución de Florida protegen a las personas contra registros y detenciones ilegales, incluyendo a los estudiantes en determinadas circunstancias.

"Si la evidencia es suprimida, será muy difícil para la Fiscalía demostrar el caso más allá de toda duda razonable sin esa evidencia", explicó José Rivas.

💬 ¿Qué opinas sobre la importancia de los derechos constitucionales en un proceso penal? Déjanos tu opinión en los comentarios.

08/02/2026

08/01/2026

Think tossing your drink will solve the problem? It could make the situation much worse.

In Downtown Orlando, attempting to hide or discard an open container during a police encounter could lead to additional charges, including tampering with physical evidence under Florida law.