Recent Blog Posts
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 »
How is Fraud Different from Other Types of Theft?
Theft is a broad term. It refers to the unlawful taking of money or anything with monetary value from a victim or a group of victims. To make it easier to define specific charges, the law breaks theft down into multiple categories. One broad subcategory of theft is fraud. Fraud is defined as the… Read More »
Do I Qualify for Pretrial Intervention?
Not everybody who is charged with a crime is convicted. Sometimes, it is because the prosecution does not have sufficient evidence to find them guilty and in other cases, it is because they accept plea bargains or enter a diversion program. Many Florida residents facing misdemeanor and third degree felony charges have the option… Read More »
What to Know if you are Facing a Heroin Possession Charge
If you have been arrested for the possession of any type of controlled dangerous substance, you could be facing substantial penalties such as fines, probation, and jail time. The specific penalties you face depend on the type of drug you allegedly possessed and the amount of it you allegedly had. Depending on your circumstances,… Read More »
Defending your Right to Practice Medicine
In Florida, doctors and other healthcare providers are required to be licensed through the state agencies for their specific fields. This is to ensure that only individuals who meet rigorous ethical and professional requirements interact with patients. If you hold any type of medical license, familiarize yourself with the actions that could subject you… Read More »
Challenging your Breathalyzer Results
When you are pulled over on the suspicion of drunk driving, you may be asked to complete a field sobriety test and/or take a Breathalyzer test. If you are asked to take a Breathalyzer test or another type of test to determine your blood alcohol content (BAC), such as a blood or urine test,… Read More »
