Charles M. Baron

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

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

• 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.

Florida

Since 1985

11th Circuit

Since 1989

University of Florida

J.D. (1984) | Law

1982 - 1984

University of Florida

B.A. (1981) | Political Science

1978 - 1981

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

Certified Circuit Civil Mediator

Florida Dispute Resolution Center

Qualified Arbitrator

Florida Supreme Court

Q. How can I legally retrieve my puppy given to someone who sold her?

May 13, 2025

A: Contact a general practice or civil litigation lawyer in your area. Your agreement may or may not be enforceable in Court, depending on the details of the arrangement and what transpired after the conveyance. Ideally, you should have drawn up a written, signed agreement that included the obligations going in both directions and a remedy of repossession of the dog if the agreement was breached. I assume you didn't do that. If the transfer of the pup is considered to be a gift to that person, and the dog was not, or was no longer, registered in your name, a Court will not issue an order to effectuate return of the dog. A gift is a gift, which cannot be demanded back, period. But if the arrangement is considered to be a contractual one (even verbally contractual), you might have a chance in a Court case, and if you have that chance, a lawyer could first try a threatening demand letter to that person, including demand for disclosure of who has the pup now. Also (though you are not looking for money, just the dog), you have a potential unjust enrichment claim against the other person (in Small Claims Court) for the money you paid for the vet and possibly for the fair market value of the pup. Unfortunately, attorney's fees are likely to reach an amount that is far higher than the vet cost and the fair market value of the pup combined, unless you find an attorney who will do it pro bono or for far lower cost than usual. You don't need an attorney in Small Claims Court - but it would be wise to consult a lawyer to make sure that filing a claim would not be a waste of time and money. ... Read More

Q. Can I sue a sheriff for defamation if he called me a "waste of life" on TV and social media?

May 13, 2025

A: You may have a potential viable claim against the Sheriff if you file suit within two years of the date of the defamatory communication. The statute of limitations period for defamation is two years. Another issue to look into is whether the TV station(s) might have liability, though that is unlikely. And you cannot sue social media entities (such as facebook) for defamation (if the communication did not originate from the entity) because they have full immunity.

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