Charles M. Baron

Offering top-notch legal services in South Florida for over 36 years.

University of Florida

J.D. (1984) | Law

1982 - 1984

University of Florida

B.A. (1981) | Political Science

1978 - 1981

Certified Circuit Civil Mediator

Florida Dispute Resolution Center

Qualified Arbitrator

Florida Supreme Court

Florida Dispute Resolution Center

Current

Association of South Florida Mediators and Arbitrators

Current

National Lawyers Guild

Current

Broward County Bar Association

Current

South Broward Bar Association

Current

Florida

Since 1985

11th Circuit

Since 1989

• Free Consultation
• Credit Cards Accepted
• Contingent Fees
  Contingent (percentage) fees offered in appropriate cases
• Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
  Free consultations for some types of cases; otherwise, reasonable consultation fees.

• Land Use & Zoning
• Car Accidents
• Slip & Fall
• Police Misconduct/False Arrest
• General Civil

Q. Mediation issues and motion to compel payment after case disposition.

May 9, 2025

A: You did not indicate whether an agreement was reached in mediation, nor did you indicate if you were represented by counsel in mediation. Those are important factors for determining your next steps. Of course, if you were represented by counsel, consult with him/her. In the scenario of you NOT being represented by counsel and the case NOT settling in mediation, you have the option of filing a motion with the Court to seek relief (for example, "motion to order second mediation session"), explaining the problem and asking that the mediation be resumed with the same mediator and that a certain amount of time (for example, one hour) not be charged to the parties, or, alternatively, asking for another mediation session with a different mediator (whom the parties would have to pay in full). For such a motion, you would first have to ask the opposing side if they agree would agree, then include whatever their position is in the motion. It would also be wise to file a response to the mediator's motion to compel explaining the problem. HOWEVER, whatever you file with the Court, CANNOT, under any circumstances, disclose the CONTENT of anything said in mediation, as that would violate the strict confidentiality requirement and would subject you to sanctions. Regardless of whether you do any of the above or nothing, you can try to settle the mediator's bill - for example, asking if he/she would take 50%. If you did reach a settlement agreement in mediation, but wish to back out of it, that's a whole other kettle of fish, for which you would need to consult counsel. ... Read More

Q. What legal options do I have after receiving homophobic text messages?

May 9, 2025

A: Unwanted text messages of any kind constitute cyberstalking IF you make it clear that the messages are unwanted. Therefore, make a writing (either on your own or through an attorney) that demands the person to stop sending texts (or, if you desire, to stop communicating with you by any means) and ideally obtain proof that the other party received the message. Since you know where the person works, you have the option of sending the demand by certified mail. If the person fails to cease and desist, you can then (either on your own or through an attorney) file a petition for injunction against the cyberstalking. The Court Clerk's office has do-it-yourself forms for that issue. Secondly, continuation of the cyberstalking after your demand may rise to the level of a crime, and you can contact the police, who will decide whether to investigate. Thirdly, you can sue the cyberstalker in civil court for money damages for emotional distress. ... Read More

Q. Can the beneficiaries' lawyer access my expunged and pardoned records without a court order?

May 5, 2025

A: I'm no expert at what the Clerk's Office still has in its possession following an expungement (also known as expunction), but it's my understanding that NOTHING is left in the record, except maybe something indicating the case was expunged. If the case is sealed rather than expunged, there'd be a full file in existence, but under seal, and a Court order would be necessary to unseal it. I suggest you contact the Clerk's Office of the court where the criminal case occurred and ask what, if any, records still exist (either hard or electronic) following an expungement.