West Palm Beach Prearrest Attorney
If you have reason to believe you are under investigation by federal or state authorities, you should not wait until you are arrested to start developing your criminal defense strategy. Prearrest representation can involve defense counsel reaching out to law enforcement on your behalf and negotiating certain case issues, including the terms of your surrender. “Phase I” representation, or “front-ending” the case as Attorney Nellie L. King calls it, can also involve early emphasis on negotiations with the authorities regarding what, if anything, you are going to be charged with, or whether you will be charged at all.
Attorney King will work one-on-one with you to develop a personalized defense strategy as you prepare for investigation or interrogation with law enforcement officers who may not have your best interests in mind. Anything you say to anyone during the prearrest investigations can be held against you in court, so it is best to have an experienced and tenacious lawyer like Attorney King by your side to negotiate the terms of your case.
What Does a Prearrest Attorney Do?
A prearrest attorney might work with you on:
- Defense preparation
- Prearrest interrogations
- Pre-arranging of bail
A prearrest attorney will handle the legal matters surrounding your arrest and engage directly with law enforcement throughout their investigation and arrest process. It is advisable that you do not speak with law enforcement, especially as they will try to interrogate you to find as much evidence as they can to move forward with the arrest. While you may want to defend against any wrongful allegations during the interrogation process, be aware that anything you say to officers can be used against you in court. Even though they are aware of your constitutional right to remain silent, they might try and push you for incriminating information during the investigation process to find whatever evidence they can to warrant arrest. However, note that officers are less likely to try and push you for information when your lawyer is present, because your attorney can consistently remind you of your rights.
A prearrest attorney will help you avoid making any mistakes that could potentially incriminate you further. They will guide you through the investigation process and remind you of your rights to ensure you are treated fairly.
Pre-Charge and Arrest Negotiations
The prosecutor in your case will decide to:
- Move forward with the police report charge,
- File a lesser charge, or
- Not file a charge at all.
This decision can take a few days to weeks, however, so hiring legal counsel could give you more insight during this uncertain time. A prearrest attorney might work to persuade the prosecutor not to file a charge at all or to file a lesser charge.
If the prosecution chooses to move forward with an arrest, your attorney can arrange the terms of your arrest and at least negotiate a time and place for you to be arrested, so you may avoid being arrested in public or at work. Depending on your case, they can also help you prepare for bail and bond services beforehand to save you from spending unnecessary time behind bars before your case is heard.
Seek Prearrest Representation in West Palm Beach Today
It is best not to delay hiring a defense attorney, especially when you suspect you are under investigation and at risk of arrest. You should not go through this process alone and having good legal counsel with you during this time is key.
An experienced criminal defense attorney like Nellie L. King can serve as the key intermediary between you and law enforcement and negotiate down the terms of your charge and arrest with the prosecution. With Attorney King, you are in safe hands; she will do her best to protect your constitutional rights and build a strong and tenacious case in your defense.
Contact the Law Offices of Nellie L. King, P.A. at (561) 220-2377 or online here to schedule your free initial consultation today.

Why Choose Us?
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Award-Winning Trial Lawyer
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Nearly 25 Years of Legal Experience
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Personalized Approach to Handling Cases
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Well-Respected in the Legal Community
Get to Know Us
Introducing the Law Offices of Nellie L. King, P.A.
Get to Know Nellie L. King
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She's Battled
The Government zealously in State & Federal Courts with a reputation for fierce advocacy, unwavering attention to detail, aggressive defense tactics, & award-winning oratory skills.
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She's Fought
For criminal justice reform & Constitutional protections for ALL citizens accused, becoming a nationwide change-maker known for her passionate advocacy, commitment to volunteerism, & dedication.
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She's Led
The criminal defense bar on the National, State, & Local levels, earning the status among her peers as a true defender: committed to the ideals of a just society one client, one project, one conversation at a time.
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She's Known
In the media as a serious
In The News
litigator, tenacious advocate,
& an experienced criminal
defense practitioner who leaves
no stone unturned in the
preparation of her cases.

Client Reviews
See What People Are Saying About Us
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Attorney King was my voice in the courtroom.
“Her knowledge of the law, her courage while aggressively fighting for me, belief in my innocence and the ability to communicate with the jury were priceless in ensuring my freedom.”
- V.C., Former Client -
Top-notch, caring, and highly respected.
“Nellie represented our son fiercely in her trademark "pit bull" style and won a landmark case in our county. Top-notch, caring, and highly respected are the qualities that come to mind when I think of Nellie King.”
- Brenda Benson -
Ms. King truly cares about her clients and the outcome of their cases.
“Between her knowledge, hard work, and respect she is able to get her clients the best possible outcome in their cases. Ms. King is very knowledgeable in criminal law, she is hardworking and caring.”
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Nellie brings power and grace. She is the velvet hammer.
“Sharp, tenacious, passionate, and totally committed to securing justice, Nellie King advocates tirelessly for her clients. Your case becomes her case.”
- Leigh D. Hagan (Ph.D. Board-Certified Forensic Psychologist) -
She is a true leader and one of the fiercest advocates in the legal profession.
“Attorney Nellie King is absolutely unstoppable in the courtroom. Her skill and technique are matched only by her will and her drive. She is not afraid to zealously defend her clients and never shies away from protecting their constitutional rights.”
- Jessica Yeary (Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer & Public Defender Elect, Florida’s 2nd Judicial Circuit) -
Nellie is a DEFENDER!
“Her concern for the turmoil of the client’s life, and its impact on their family, imbue every strategic decision she makes.”
- Joe Guastaferro (Nationally Recognized Trial Consultant and Jury Selection Specialist) -
A top-notch fighter who will protect their legal rights.
“Nellie is one of the most dogged, detailed, dedicated, and skilled advocates that I've had the pleasure of working with in my 30-year career. Prosecutors undoubtedly cringe upon her entry into the case.”
- Charles Mittelstadt (Criminal Defense Investigator)