Recent Blog Posts
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 »
The Collateral Damage of a Child Pornography Charge
Allegations of child pornography are some of the most difficult charges to endure. Regardless of your guilt or innocence, these cases attract the attention of the public, often resulting in media coverage. The accused are tried and convicted in the public eye, long before the case makes it trial. Loss of job, family problems… Read More »
Defending A Crime of Opportunity
Its cold outside and the frigid temperatures can wreak havoc on a car. To minimize the damage, individuals go out to their cars each morning, turn them on and then return to their warm homes with the keys still in the ignition. Its no wonder that many of these people return to their driveways… Read More »
The Seriousness of a Burglary Charge
Burglary is a serious criminal offense and a conviction potentially leaves the defendant with a felony record that never goes away. If you are faced with allegations of burglary, you should secure the services of a knowledgeable lawyer as soon as possible. Before trial even commences, your lawyer can file pleadings to assist in… Read More »
Defending a Kidnapping Charge
The plight of a kidnapped child made national news recently when a 13-year-old boy was found hidden behind a false wall in his father’s home. CNN News is reporting that the child had been missing for more than four years before police located him. His mother reportedly allowed him to visit with his father… Read More »
Hate Crimes on the Decline within the State
Statewide reports were recently released about the frequency of hate crimes within the state of Florida. A hate crime is an offense where the offender’s choice of victim is determined by prejudice or bigotry. Hate crime status is not afforded to every victim and individual cases are reviewed by state officials to determine whether… Read More »
