Author Archives: Site Administrator
What to Do if you are Facing an Accusation of Identity Theft
Identity theft is a serious crime. It is the stealing of another individual’s personal information, often with the intention of using that information to make purchases or commit criminal acts without having such acts attached to the offender’s own identity. Sometimes, an innocent act is construed as an act of identity theft. In other… Read More »
What Constitutes an Inappropriate Relationship with a Patient?
Health care providers are held to high professional standards in Florida. In Florida, all medical professionals, such as doctors and nurses, are licensed by the Florida Board of Medicine. When a healthcare professional is accused of any type of misconduct, such as fraud, gross negligence, conviction of a criminal offense, or abuse of his… Read More »
How Does an Officer Obtain an Arrest Warrant?
A police officer cannot arrest people at random. In order to arrest an individual suspected of committing a criminal offense, an officer must have probable cause to believe that the individual committed the crime or a valid arrest warrant. Obtaining an arrest warrant requires legwork on the part of the arresting officer. Below are… Read More »
Where Do I Have the Right to Stand my Ground?
Individuals in Florida have the right to stand their ground – that is, the right to use firearms and other types of force against attackers without being required to retreat – in situations where they feel that their safety, property, or the safety of another individual is at risk. This right only exists in… Read More »
What is the Federal Witness Protection Program?
The United States Marshall Service Witness Security Program (WITSEC), more commonly known as the Witness Protection Program, was created in 1970 with the passage of the Organized Crime Control Act. In 1971, WITSEC began its operation and since that year, it has served more than 18,000 individuals. The purpose of the program is to… Read More »
What are the Penalties for Cocaine Possession in Florida?
Cocaine is a controlled dangerous substance, as defined by the federal Controlled Substances Act and Florida Statute 893. The possession of cocaine is a serious criminal offense that can result in jail time and substantial fines. Like other drug-related offenses, the penalties an individual faces for the possession of cocaine depend on how much… Read More »
White Collar Crimes versus Blue Collar Crimes
You are probably familiar with the term “white collar crime.” It is often used in contrast with the term “blue collar crime,” a term that is rarely used on its own. So what separates white collar crimes from other types of crime? The term “white collar crime” refers to a specific subset of criminal… Read More »
Offenses That Can Result in the Suspension of a Real Estate Broker License
In Florida, all real estate brokers and agents are required to be licensed by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Division of Real Estate in order to practice. This division oversees all aspects of the licensing process for real estate professionals, including their examinations and the maintenance of professional licenses. In addition… Read More »
What is the Difference Between Murder and Manslaughter?
Homicide is the act of killing another human being. From this starting point, homicide comes in many forms, two of which are murder and manslaughter. They are both unlawful killings of human victims, but they have distinct characteristics. Namely, they are separated by the level of forethought put into the offense. Murder and manslaughter… Read More »
Be Careful on Social Media – You Could be Charged with Cyberstalking
The online world is as vivid and valid as the offline world. Think about it: you can work online, connect with people from across the world, shop online, and even have your groceries and other essentials delivered right to your door. But because of the separation provided by the computer or phone screen, it… Read More »
A Quick Guide to Underage Alcohol Offenses
In the United States, the legal drinking age is 21. That means that when an individual who is younger than 21 consumes or possesses alcohol, even if he or she is otherwise a legal adult, he or she may face an underage drinking or alcohol possession charge. Underage drinking is fairly common on college… Read More »
What is Civil Asset Forfeiture?
Civil asset forfeiture is the legal right of law enforcement to seize items and monetary assets that are believed to have been purchased with stolen money or money earned through criminal activity. Items that are believed to have been involved in criminal activity, such as weapons or vehicles allegedly driven to complete drive-by shootings,… Read More »
I am a Convicted Felon. Can my Right to Vote be Restored?
If you have been convicted of a felony, you have lost certain civil rights. These include your right to vote, your right to hold public office, and your right to purchase and possess a firearm. These rights are not automatically restored when you complete the terms of your sentence. Unless you actively seek clemency,… Read More »
Robbery: Theft through the Use of Violence
There are many different types of theft. Fraud, shoplifting, identity theft, and petit theft are all recognized as acts of stealing money or other valuables from a victim or group of victims. These acts are charged according to the value of the money or property stolen. But there is another type of theft that… Read More »
What is the Difference Between Simple and Aggravated Assault?
An assault is a type of violent crime. It is the act of causing a victim to fear for his or her imminent safety through threatening words and actions. An assault can involve a weapon, but this is not a requirement. Assaults are often charged alongside other offenses. For example, assault is often charged… Read More »
Which Rights and Privileges Can I Lose if I am Convicted of a Felony in Florida?
When an individual is convicted of a felony, he or she can have certain rights and privileges revoked as part of the punishment alongside other penalties such as fines and jail time. Losing these rights and privileges can have a substantial impact on an individual’s ability to earn a living and engage fully in… Read More »
Why Would my Architectural License be Suspended?
In Florida, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Board of Architecture and Interior Design oversees the licensing of all architects and interior designers in the state. It also regulates their industry and when necessary, takes disciplinary action against professionals for alleged violations of state law. Disciplinary action from this board can result… Read More »
You Do Not Have to Consent to a Field Sobriety Test
As a licensed driver in the State of Florida, you are “consenting” to submit with law enforcement officer’s lawful request for a breath sample. While failing to do so MAY result in an administrative suspension of your license, before agreeing to submit to the test you should be aware that the result will potentially… Read More »
What is a Justifiable Homicide?
Killing another human being, also known as homicide, is regarded as a crime in cultures across the world and has been for all of human history. In the modern-day United States, the act of killing another human being can be charged in multiple ways, depending on the circumstances of the incident. But not all… Read More »
Probation vs. Parole. What is the Difference?
When you read about the penalties that an individual convicted of a crime can face, you might come across a few unfamiliar terms. You know what incarceration means and what fines are, but can you accurately describe what the term “probation” means? What about “parole?” It can be easy to mix these terms up… Read More »
