Author Archives: Site Administrator
Defending the Future of a College Student
A new investigation by Outside the Lines is giving the Florida Gators a title they may not want. As reported by ESPN, the study found that more University of Florida athletes have been named as criminal suspects than the athletes from nine other major football and basketball college programs. A reported 24% of the… Read More »
New Florida Laws on Domestic Violence
A new Florida law is being heralded for the added protection it provides victims of domestic violence. However, it is equally as important for a person accused of domestic violence to know the terms of the new legislation and understand what a possible violation looks like. Without this knowledge, a defendant may take seemingly… Read More »
Facing a Conspiracy Charge in Florida
It is always challenging to face criminal charges. From the initial arrest, to posting bond and appearing in front of a judge, the criminal court process is can prove long, tedious and stressful. The details of an incident generally dictate which charges are filed. The amount of danger and violence involved can elevate a… Read More »
Florida Crime Rate on the Decline
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) recently released the state’s annual crime statistics. Though the numbers look good overall, the rate of occurrence for some serious crimes continues to rise. The FDLA is a state agency falling under the umbrella of the governor and the executive branch. Established in 1967, the department is… Read More »
The Line Between Possession and Intent
The severity of drug possession charges can range from mildly serious to significantly grievous. Possessing up to 20 grams in the state of Florida may result in up to one year incarceration and a $1,000 fine. Possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana for personal use can carry a penalty of five years… Read More »
A Lewd and Lascivious Conviction can Carry Severe Penalties
The consequences of a sex crime conviction can prove serious and life-altering. In addition to the penalties imposed by the court, the convicted party must also endure significant public scrutiny, which often begins before the court case even commences. A Florida couple received a first-hand lesson in this reality, as they faced charges for… Read More »
Defending Synthetic Drug Charges in Florida
Florida residents are reportedly dealing with an outbreak of odd crimes. From sexual relations with a tree to reports of imaginary mobs, police agencies are desperate for explanations regarding these bizarre incidents. A CBS News affiliate is reporting that a new type of synthetic drug may be to blame. “Flakka” is described as a… Read More »
When Theft Charges become Federal Charges
Theft is one of the most common charges in the criminal justice system. People across the state of Florida are charged with a variety of theft charges on a regular basis. The majority of these cases are handled in state court and with proper representation; they often end with light sentences and/or restitution payments…. Read More »
Florida Businesses Investigated for Money Laundering
In a money laundering scheme, individuals take money obtained through illegal activity and make it appear legitimate through business activities and financial transactions. According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the goal of the activity is to make the funds appear to come from a legitimate source. The agency plays a key role in… Read More »
Defending a College Student Against Sexual Battery Charges
Spring Break in Florida has been a college tradition for decades. Every year, thousands of young people converge on the state’s beaches for a week of sun, fun and inhibition. But sometimes, the excitement of the season turns into a negative, as excessive alcohol and other substances lead to bad decision-making by males and… Read More »
Florida Considers Legalization of the Slung Shot (No, Not Sling Shot)
Florida legislators are currently considering a bill that will make it legal to carry a century old weapon that is gaining new popularity. Slung shots are small masses of metal or stone attached to flexible string or strap. Historically, they were used as boating tools to cast line from one area to another. As… Read More »
Florida Counties Lessen DNA Testing Times
Defending a criminal case is a huge responsibility for any lawyer. As a client, you place your trust and confidence in the person who is representing your interests before the court. In doing so, lawyers employ a variety of legal theories and tactics to place a reasonable doubt in the theory of the prosecution…. Read More »
Extending Burglary to Vehicles
The term “burglary” usually conjures thoughts of a darkened house in the middle of the night, but under Florida law, a burglary can also occur within motorized vehicles. An NBC News affiliate is reporting that these thefts are on the rise in some areas of South Florida, including Palm Beach and Martin County. The… Read More »
The Consequences of Relations with an Older Teen
Individuals who work with juveniles are held to a very high standard of behavior by the public. Whether the title is teacher, scout leader, coach or mentor, these adults are expected to act in a manner that sometimes surpasses human nature. For example, elementary school teachers are sometimes discouraged from hugging students, even if… Read More »
False Allegations and Sexual Assault
Each week, thousands of people across Florida are arrested for a multitude of offenses and a substantial number of these arrests are based on the accusations of individuals. While many of these allegations are valid and stem from substantiated events, others are made out of retaliation, mistake or even malice. When wrongful accusations occur,… Read More »
Florida Bar Offers Advice for Young Adults
Young college students are faced with a number of challenges as they enter the next phase of their lives. Beginning adulthood comes with extensive responsibilities, as these young people begin to take care of their own matters and face more serious consequences for their actions. Though their age may technically classify them as adults,… Read More »
The Battle Over Medical Marijuana
The battle over medical marijuana legalization hit a major milestone in Florida when a criminal jury acquitted a man who who was growing dozens of marijuana plants on his property. NBC News is reporting about the 50-year-old South Florida citizen who was charged with manufacturing marijuana. In 2013, Broward County deputies arrested him for… Read More »
What Places A Case in Federal Jurisdiction
Local newspapers are reporting about a Florida man who was recently sentenced in one of the biggest prescription drug thefts in history. Known as El Gato, the defendant will reportedly spend more than six years behind bars in a federal prison. According to the Sun Sentinel, he confessed to his participation in a scheme… Read More »
Understanding Florida’s Hit and Run Laws
When an individual hits a person or a person’s property with a motor vehicle, there is a responsibility to notify the owner and the authorities. A recent study found that many Florida drivers are either unaware of this obligation, or purposely ignoring it. The Florida Highway Patrol reports that more than 80,000 hit and… Read More »
Understanding an Assault and Battery Charge
Assault and battery are extremely common and broad charges that can cover everything from an argument to a near fatal attack. Defendants sometimes underestimate the seriousness of these accusations, but assault and battery are serious charges that can result in life-altering penalties. Some very common incidents often result in assault and/or battery charges, which… Read More »
