Recent Blog Posts
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 »
Marriage Fraud – What are the Penalties for an American Spouse?
When most people think of fraud, they tend to think of credit card fraud and investment scams. These are two types of fraud, but certainly not the only type. Fraud is a theft crime, which means it can be used to steal money, information, valuables, or anything else with monetary value. This includes the… Read More »
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia in Florida
Drug use does not occur in a vacuum. Whether a drug is injected, snorted, or smoked, it is used in conjunction with an apparatus. This apparatus, along with items used to cultivate and transport the drug, is considered to be a piece of drug paraphernalia. In Florida, the possession of drug paraphernalia is a… Read More »
Cocaine Trafficking is on the Rise in Florida
According to drug enforcement officials, drug trafficking into South Florida is happening at a higher rate than it has at any point in the last decade. In the past year, Customs and Border Protection officers confiscated approximately 9,500 pounds of cocaine being moved into the nation through Florida. Cocaine overdose deaths in Florida are… Read More »
What Makes a Piece of Evidence Inadmissible in Court?
In any criminal case, evidence is a key part of the legal proceeding. Evidence is what the prosecution uses to link the defendant to the offense as well as what the criminal defense team uses to show that the defendant is innocent. Using evidence effectively is the key to convicting an individual or keeping… Read More »
What to Do if you are Charged with Trespassing
Trespassing is defined as the act of entering a private area without permission from its owner. This can be a house, a section of a home or public building, or even an empty lot. If you do not have authorized permission to enter a space or structure, entering it can be deemed to be… Read More »
