Recent Blog Posts
What are the Penalties for Violating an Order of Protection?
If another party, such as a former partner, files an order of protection against you, you need to comply with the terms of the order while it is in place. Violating an order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a criminal offense punishable by up to one year in jail and… Read More »
The Death Penalty in Florida
For many, the death penalty represents the ultimate form of punishment for a crime. Although governments around the world have abolished death as a penalty for a criminal conviction, it remains in use in many parts of the United States. Florida is one of the states where the death penalty is still in use…. Read More »
I Have been Charged with Reckless Driving – What are my Options?
Being charged with reckless driving is more than an allegation of poor driving skills. It is a second degree misdemeanor charge that can potentially land you in jail for up to 90 days or saddle you with a fine of up to $500. An individual can be charged with reckless driving if he or… Read More »
Were you Falsely Arrested? What to Do if you are a False Arrest Victim
Not all arrests are legitimate. If an officer has a valid arrest warrant or probable cause to believe an individual committed a criminal offense, he or she may arrest the individual. Without at least one of these, an arrest may not occur. When one occurs anyway, it is known as a false arrest. A… Read More »
What is Securities Fraud?
White collar crime takes many forms. Generally, they are theft offenses committed using information only available to those in privileged positions, such as financial advisors, investment brokers, and accountants. Securities fraud is a type of white collar crime. It involves the theft of money and sometimes, victims’ identities, through scams involving investments. Securities fraud… Read More »
Jude Faccidomo to Present Defenses for Sentencing In Child Pornography at Florida Bar CLE
Jude Faccidomo will present Defenses for Sentencing in Child Pornography as part of The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Committee and the Criminal Law Section Advanced Federal Practice 2017 course on Friday March 17, 2017 at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Miami. For more information please click here.
Civil versus Criminal Charges for Damage Resulting from a Car Accident
You are probably familiar with the term “damages” as it relates to car accidents. Damages are the expenses that an individual faces as the result of an accident, such as damage to his or her vehicle or expenses that arise as a result of his or her injury, such as medical bills and reduced… Read More »
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 »
