False arrest claim infographic illustrating requirement of criminal case dismissal or acquittal, with legal documents, handcuffs, and explanation of outcomes that can bar personal injury or civil rights claims.

False Arrest Claims Require Full Exoneration in FL

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April 28, 2026•1 min read

Reviewed by Michael P. Maddux, Esq. | Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer | Florida Super Lawyer for 16 Consecutive Years

If you believe you were falsely arrested, the outcome of your criminal case plays a critical role in whether you can pursue a claim.

Under both Florida and federal law, you must receive a complete dismissal of the charges or an acquittal before a false arrest claim can move forward. Resolutions such as pleading guilty or no contest, accepting a lesser included offense, or even agreeing to a civil infraction will typically bar your claim — because they suggest there was a legal basis for the arrest.

For this reason, we cannot evaluate or pursue a false arrest case unless your criminal charges have been fully dismissed. That's why it's so important to carefully consider these consequences when deciding how to resolve your case.

📞 Have questions about a possible false arrest claim? Call Michael P. Maddux, PA today at (813) 253-3363 to discuss your situation and protect your rights.

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