Author Archives: Site Administrator
Defenses to a Credit Card Fraud Charge
Credit card fraud is a broad charge that can be applied to a variety of alleged actions. Often, but not always, credit card fraud is the illegal use of an individual’s personal information to make purchases or open credit cards with the intention of making purchases. Other acts that may be charged as credit… Read More »
What Can I be Required to Do as Community Service?
For certain criminal offenses, such as driving under the influence (DUI), community service can be part of a convicted individual’s sentence. Sometimes, community service is sentenced in place of another penalty, such as jail time or a fine, or it is part of another penalty, such as probation. When community service is part of… Read More »
What Is Prescription Fraud?
Prescription fraud is both an act of fraud and a drug offense. Many prescription drugs, such as oxycodone and morphine, are tightly regulated because of their addictiveness and propensity to be abused by users. Though they are legal in the hands of pharmacies, doctors and nurses administering them to patients, and patients with legitimate… Read More »
I am a Victim of Police Brutality. What are my Rights?
During an arrest and in the interrogation and custody that follow, you have certain civil rights. One of these rights is the right to be handled humanely by police. Using excessive force to subdue or restrain a suspect is an act of police brutality and a violation of the suspect’s civil rights. Police brutality… Read More »
He Said, She Said: What Kind of Evidence is Necessary to Prove a Campus Sexual Assault?
It is no secret that sex happens on college campuses. Sometimes, it occurs in the context of committed relationships and in other cases, it is one night stands and experimentation. When it occurs without all participants’ consent, it is sexual assault. Sexual assault is a serious offense. When the details surrounding a sexual encounter… Read More »
Intent: Without It, your Violent Crime Charge Does Not Stand
Violent crimes are defined as offenses that cause victims to suffer bodily harm. Battery, domestic violence, robbery, and murder are all examples of violent crimes. Like with any other criminal offense, an individual cannot be convicted of a violent crime unless the court proves beyond a reasonable doubt that he or she committed the… Read More »
Creating, Posting, and Sharing Revenge Porn is a Sex Crime
When you are reeling from a difficult break up or trying to work through your anger at a former friend or lover, it can be very tempting to share embarrassing photos or videos of them online to make them feel the distress you felt because of their actions. But doing so is a sex… Read More »
Florida’s Pre-Trial Intervention Program Explained
Many people believe that if you are charged with a minor criminal offense, you deserve a chance to be rehabilitated instead of having to suffer the impact of a steep fine or jail term. The state of Florida and its Department of Corrections feel this way too and, combining this with statistics showing a… Read More »
Weapons Charges in Florida
In the United States, you have the right to bear arms. But this right has its limits. There are certain weapons you need proper identification and permits to possess and use and there are others that private citizens may not possess under any circumstances. It is also possible to have your right to own… Read More »
Is It Stalking?
On the surface, defining the term “stalking” can seem easy. Stalking is typically defined as the act of following an individual and otherwise pushing oneself into his or her life without the individual’s consent. Showing up at a victim’s home unannounced, sending him or her unwanted packages, and sending repeated phone calls and text… Read More »
Possible Defenses to a Weapons Charge
When you are charged with a weapons offense like aggravated assault, illegal possession of a firearm, illegal discharge of a firearm, or unlawful possession of a concealed weapon, it is important that you be proactive and start developing your case’s defense strategy as soon as possible. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can help you… Read More »
What Can I Do if I am Charged with Mortgage Fraud?
According to the FBI, mortgage fraud is “any material misstatement, misrepresentation or omission relied upon by an underwriter or lender to fund, purchase or insure a loan.” Mortgage fraud can be committed by an individual seeking a mortgage to purchase a home or a lender looking to turn a profit. There are many different… Read More »
What is Illegal Search and Seizure?
Your right to privacy is protected by the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution. This means that under most circumstances, law enforcement and others cannot enter your home to search through your property and take items they deem to be necessary for a criminal investigation. Doing so is known as an illegal search… Read More »
What are Aggravating Factors and How Can they Impact my Case?
When reading about criminal charges and their penalties, the term “aggravating factors” will likely come up. These are the details about an offense that can affect the severity of the penalties a defendant faces after he or she is convicted. In some cases, an aggravating factor can even change how an offense is charged…. Read More »
Can my Teenage Son or Daughter Face Criminal Charges for Sexting with Another Teen?
Today, text messages and social media are how we communicate. For many teenagers, this is the primary, even sole means of communication with certain friends. Many young people entering their first relationships and navigating the world of dating and sex engage in sexually explicit messaging, also known as “sexting,” with partners and potential partners…. Read More »
Using your Right to Stand your Ground as a Defense Against a Battery Charge
In Florida, you have the right to stand your ground when you feel threatened. This is in contrast to laws in other states that impose a duty to retreat, a legal obligation to make every possible effort to escape from a threat before engaging in violence as a form of self defense. Your right… Read More »
What are the Penalties for Violating the Terms of my Probation in Florida?
When an individual is found guilty of a criminal offense, he or she may be sentenced to probation rather than incarceration. Probation is a form of supervision that permits an individual to remain in his or her home and part of his or her community, but requires that he or she comply with a… Read More »
Hazing is a Criminal Offense in Florida
Joining a fraternity or sorority has its benefits. It can provide a sense of community and lead to volunteering opportunities and meaningful connections that serve a student in the years after he or she graduates. For many students, these benefits are worth the difficulties of joining a Greek society, which can include hazing. Hazing… Read More »
I am Going to Jail. What Can I Expect?
If you have been convicted of a criminal offense, you could find yourself heading to jail. Sometimes, this happens even if you work with an experienced criminal defense lawyer. In any case, if you are going to spend time in one of Florida’s county jails, take some time before you are admitted to educate… Read More »
The Differences Between Careless Driving and Reckless Driving in Florida
As a driver, you have the responsibility to drive courteously to prevent collisions with other drivers, pedestrians, and stationary objects. If you cause an accident because of your failure to uphold this responsibility, you can be found negligent and thus liable for the victim’s damages. If you are convicted of reckless driving, you can… Read More »
