1. What is the Difference between the City Attorney's Office and the State Attorney's Office?
   The City Attorney’s Office represents the City of Hialeah by defending it in lawsuits, advising the Mayor, the City Council, Boards and Agencies as they make decisions and draft local laws. The State Attorney's Office engages in criminal prosecution of felonies, misdemeanors and infractions. It also has specialized units that deal with issues such as Family Support and Domestic Violence. (View the Office of the State Attorney, 11th Judicial Circuit of Florida, Miami-Dade County, Florida web page for more information.) http://www.state.fl.us/sa11/
   
   
2. Where can I get a copy of an ordinance or provision of the City of Hialeah Code?
   The City of Hialeah Code Book is online. It is also available at the public library.
   
   
3. Is the City Attorney's Office "my lawyer" if I live in the City of Hialeah?
   No. The City Attorney's Office does not represent individuals in private legal matters. Attorneys in the office represent City departments, boards and elected officials in the course of their "business" as City entities. Private legal matters must be handled by attorneys retained by the individual. Referrals for legal assistance dealing with private or personal matters may be obtained through the following sources: Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service 1-800-342-8011 Mission: Provides referrals to attorneys who will conduct an initial one-half hour client consultation for $25.00. Legal Services of Greater Miami, Inc. 3000 Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 500 Miami, FL 33137 305-576-0080 16201 SW 95th Avenue, Suite 301 Miami, FL 33157 305-232-9680 Mission: To provide civil legal services for low-income persons. Legal Aid Society of Miami-Dade County 123 NW 1st Avenue Miami, FL 33130 (305) 579-5733 Mission: To provide access to the judicial system to the disadvantaged residing in Miami-Dade County.
   
   
4. I received a subpoena to appear in court. Do I have to go to court?
   Yes. Failure to appear in court in response to a subpoena is a violation of a court order. The court may send a law enforcement officer to arrest you if you do not appear. However, if your subpoena indicates that you may be placed "on call", contact the witness coordinator at the number provided on the subpoena and provide a telephone number where you can be contacted on the trial date. If you are called on the trial date, you then must appear promptly.
   
   
5. I received a subpoena to appear at a deposition. Do I have to go to the deposition?
   Yes. Failure to appear at a deposition in response to a subpoena is a violation of a court order. The court may enter sanctions against you if you do not appear.
   
   
6. Can I file a criminal complaint with the City Attorney's Office?
   No. The City Attorney's Office is not an investigative agency. Crimes must be reported to your local law enforcement agency, usually the Hialeah Police Department. Hialeah Police Department – Emergency 911 Hialeah Police Department – Non-emergency 305-687-2525
   
   
7. Can I file a code violation complaint against my neighbor with the City Attorney's Office?
   No. You must report code violations to the Code Compliance Division. Code Compliance Division 305-883-5832
   
   
8. Can the City Attorney’s Office help me with immigration matters?
   No. The City Attorney’s office only handles matters involving the City of Hialeah. For immigration questions, you can call United States Citizenship and Inmigration Services (USCIS) directly at the following telephone numbers: General information 1-800-375-5283 Miami District Office 305-762-3300 Forms 1-800-870-3676 Immigration Court 305-530-6455 Case status information 1-800-898-7180 Referrals for legal assistance dealing with immigration matters may be obtained through the following sources: Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service 1-800-342-8011 Mission: Provides referrals to attorneys who will conduct an initial one-half hour client consultation for $25.00. The Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center 3000 Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 400 Miami, FL 33137 305-573-1106 18201 SW 12th Street Miami, FL 33194 305-573-1106 www.fiacfla.org Mission: To protect and promote the rights of immigrants of all nationalities. Catholic Charities Legal Services 7101 Biscayne Boulevard Miami, FL 33138 305-758-3301 119 NE 62nd Street Miami, FL 33138 305-758-3301 Mission: To provide immigration services, including legal consultation, regardless of religious affiliation.
   
   
9. Is a "notario" (Notary) a lawyer?
   No. "Notarios" (Notaries) are not authorized to practice law or give legal advice. When seeking legal representation, please be sure the person you are retaining is an attorney licensed to practice in the State of Florida.

1. Spanish -- What is the Difference between the City Attorney's Office and the State Attorney's Office?
   The City Attorney’s Office represents the City of Hialeah by defending it in lawsuits, advising the Mayor, the City Council, Boards and Agencies as they make decisions and draft local laws. The State Attorney's Office engages in criminal prosecution of felonies, misdemeanors and infractions. It also has specialized units that deal with issues such as Family Support and Domestic Violence. (View the Office of the State Attorney, 11th Judicial Circuit of Florida, Miami-Dade County, Florida web page for more information.) http://www.state.fl.us/sa11/
   
   
2. Where can I get a copy of an ordinance or provision of the City of Hialeah Code?
   The City of Hialeah Code Book is online. It is also available at the public library.
   
   
3. Is the City Attorney's Office "my lawyer" if I live in the City of Hialeah?
   No. The City Attorney's Office does not represent individuals in private legal matters. Attorneys in the office represent City departments, boards and elected officials in the course of their "business" as City entities. Private legal matters must be handled by attorneys retained by the individual. Referrals for legal assistance dealing with private or personal matters may be obtained through the following sources: Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service 1-800-342-8011 Mission: Provides referrals to attorneys who will conduct an initial one-half hour client consultation for $25.00. Legal Services of Greater Miami, Inc. 3000 Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 500 Miami, FL 33137 305-576-0080 16201 SW 95th Avenue, Suite 301 Miami, FL 33157 305-232-9680 Mission: To provide civil legal services for low-income persons. Legal Aid Society of Miami-Dade County 123 NW 1st Avenue Miami, FL 33130 (305) 579-5733 Mission: To provide access to the judicial system to the disadvantaged residing in Miami-Dade County.
   
   
4. I received a subpoena to appear in court. Do I have to go to court?
   Yes. Failure to appear in court in response to a subpoena is a violation of a court order. The court may send a law enforcement officer to arrest you if you do not appear. However, if your subpoena indicates that you may be placed "on call", contact the witness coordinator at the number provided on the subpoena and provide a telephone number where you can be contacted on the trial date. If you are called on the trial date, you then must appear promptly.
   
   
5. I received a subpoena to appear at a deposition. Do I have to go to the deposition?
   Yes. Failure to appear at a deposition in response to a subpoena is a violation of a court order. The court may enter sanctions against you if you do not appear.
   
   
6. Can I file a criminal complaint with the City Attorney's Office?
   No. The City Attorney's Office is not an investigative agency. Crimes must be reported to your local law enforcement agency, usually the Hialeah Police Department. Hialeah Police Department – Emergency 911 Hialeah Police Department – Non-emergency 305-687-2525
   
   
7. Can I file a code violation complaint against my neighbor with the City Attorney's Office?
   No. You must report code violations to the Code Compliance Division. Code Compliance Division 305-883-5832
   
   
8. Can the City Attorney’s Office help me with immigration matters?
   No. The City Attorney’s office only handles matters involving the City of Hialeah. For immigration questions, you can call United States Citizenship and Inmigration Services (USCIS) directly at the following telephone numbers: General information 1-800-375-5283 Miami District Office 305-762-3300 Forms 1-800-870-3676 Immigration Court 305-530-6455 Case status information 1-800-898-7180 Referrals for legal assistance dealing with immigration matters may be obtained through the following sources: Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service 1-800-342-8011 Mission: Provides referrals to attorneys who will conduct an initial one-half hour client consultation for $25.00. The Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center 3000 Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 400 Miami, FL 33137 305-573-1106 18201 SW 12th Street Miami, FL 33194 305-573-1106 www.fiacfla.org Mission: To protect and promote the rights of immigrants of all nationalities. Catholic Charities Legal Services 7101 Biscayne Boulevard Miami, FL 33138 305-758-3301 119 NE 62nd Street Miami, FL 33138 305-758-3301 Mission: To provide immigration services, including legal consultation, regardless of religious affiliation.
   
   
9. Is a "notario" (Notary) a lawyer?
   No. "Notarios" (Notaries) are not authorized to practice law or give legal advice. When seeking legal representation, please be sure the person you are retaining is an attorney licensed to practice in the State of Florida.