Recent Blog Posts
Defending Your Nursing License in Florida
It takes a significant amount of education and training to earn a nursing license. Once licensed, you can look forward to long hours and an extraordinary amount of responsibility. Unfortunately, there are countless opportunities for missteps in the nursing profession. What is seen as a simple mistake in other professions may result in serious… Read More »
The Added Difficulties of Domestic Violence Charges in Florida
Recent allegations 0f spousal abuse against Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice sparked heated discussion, debates and arguments about America’s treatment of domestic violence victims and perpetrators. Rice’s punishment by the National Football League (NFL) was largely criticized as too lenient, according to a report by ABC News. Rice is required to sit out two games, including… Read More »
The Defense of Carjacking Crimes in Florida
Carjacking charges are extremely serious, and a conviction can result in significant difficulties for the accused. The late eighties and early nineties saw a significant rise in the rate of carjackings, especially within urban, high crime areas. The trend brought about the Federal Anti-Car Theft Act of 1992, a federal legislation that made carjacking… Read More »
Shoplifting in the United States and Florida
There are countless reasons why people feel compelled to steal. Poverty, drug use and the urge for instant gratitude are all causes of theft crimes. Many experts assert that shoplifting is just as attributable to psychological issues as financial problems. The National Association for Shoplifting Prevention (NASP) calls shoplifting “the most prevalent crime in the U.S.” The organization estimates that… Read More »
Mail Mix Up Leads to Medicare Fraud Arrests in Miami
What started as a simple mailroom mistake ultimately led to allegations of an elaborate Medicare drug scam undertaken by secretaries in a Key Biscayne doctor’s office. According to a report in the Tampa Bay Times, a kidney specialist asked her secretary to mail a fanny pack to the doctor’s brother. Instead of receiving the… Read More »
Miami College Students Suspended From School Amid Sexual Battery Charges
Two University of Miami students are facing serious charges after being arrested for the alleged sexual battery of a 17-year-old female. The two football players were booked and held on a $10,000 bond, according to an article in the Miami Herald. The students allegedly bought the young woman alcoholic drinks before taking her back to a dorm… Read More »
Ambiguous Florida Tampering Law Under Attack
Florida’s food tampering statute is at the center of a criminal case involving allegations that a bar owner spiked an employee’s drink. The Orlando Sentinel reported the story about a Longwood bar owner who is facing up to 30 years in prison. According to the article, the 49-year-old owner was drinking shots with a female bartender after the… Read More »
Managed-Care Promotes Medicaid Fraud in Florida and the U.S.
Medicaid fraud is a serious offense. It may result in a federal conviction that can negatively affect your freedom, as well as your family and future. As health care costs grow to cover an aging baby boomer generation, Medicaid fraud is becoming an increasingly serious concern for the federal government. A recent report in Bloomberg Businessweek discusses… Read More »
The Serious Consequences of a DUI-Manslaughter Conviction in Florida
A recent Florida DUI case exemplifies the potential consequences of a DUI-related death. A 2010 automobile accident has resulted in the conviction of a 59-year-old Florida man. According to a report in the Tampa Bay Times, the accident occurred on December 10, 2010, when the defendant was traveling north on US-19. His car reportedly collided with a… Read More »
Florida Man Accused of Assault with Marijuana Plant
In one of Florida’s stranger news stories, the Huffington Post recently reported on a man who was arrested on allegations of beating his brother with a marijuana plant that stood about three feet tall. According to the report, police were called out to the house of one brother on accusations of assault. When the officers arrived… Read More »
Florida Politician Embroiled in Mortgage Fraud Allegations
A Florida government official is currently facing federal charges for allegations of mortgage fraud, stemming from activity allegedly occurring over a three-year period. According to the website www.loansafe.org, the North Miami mayor, in addition to three other individuals, was recently indicted in federal court on a total of 14 fraud-related charges. Prosecutors report that… Read More »
Authorities Crack Down on Synthetic Drug Trafficking in Florida
Reports of drug trafficking usually elicit thoughts of cocaine, heroin and marijuana. However, recent initiatives by state and federal lawmakers are shining light on the trafficking of less notorious manufactured substances. An article by the Dothan Eagle reported the bust of a Panama City resident for the alleged trafficking of spice which is a synthetic form… Read More »
Medicare Fraud Allegations Result in Numerous Arrests in Miami-Dade County
A recent Miami-Dade Medicare fraud bust focused on the roll that patients can play in fraudulent schemes to collect funds from the federal government. According to a report by the Miami Herald, 50 suspects were arrested over the course of two days, with allegations of theft attempts totaling $66 million. The article explains that 37 of… Read More »
Winston Citation Places Theft Crimes in Florida in the News
Petit theft made front page headlines last week when Heisman Trophy winner, and Florida State quarterback, Jameis Winston found himself in the middle of an embarrassing predicament. According to a report by ESPN, Winston was arrested last Wednesday after allegedly leaving a Tallahassee area supermarket without paying for an order of crab legs and crawfish. Winston reportedly ordered the food from the store’s deli… Read More »
Professional Disciplinary Proceedings Against Attorneys in Florida
Some professionals expend an unbelievable amount of time and energy to become members of their respective professions. The years of education only provide an initial foundation. Then, in order to begin your career, you take a test to prove your knowledge and ability. Furthermore, several professions require you to affirm your commitment to ethical… Read More »
The Severity of Hazing Charges among Florida College Students
Every year, there are stories of college students who find themselves in trouble for incidents of hazing on university campuses. Earlier this year, a Huffington Post article reported on Florida State University students who were arrested on suspicions of hazing within their fraternity. According to the report, the arrests were made following a three-month investigation, which… Read More »
The Extensive Consequences of Child Pornography Possession Charges in Florida
Possession of child pornography charges have far reaching consequences for a defendant. Aside from the general stress that comes along with facing any criminal charge, a child pornography suspect may also deal with repercussions to his or her reputation, family life and professional career. Two separate cases made the Florida newspapers last week, regarding… Read More »
Florida Mortgage Fraud Suspects Headed to Court
Three Florida residents are on trial this week as defendants in an extensive mortgage fraud case, according to a report in the Daytona Beach News Journal. The Volusia County residents have been the subject of a 3 ½ year FBI investigation, which resulted in allegations that they defrauded millions of dollars from banks through… Read More »
Florida Drug Suspects Facing RICO and Trafficking Charges
A major drug bust in central Florida last week led to the arrest of 24 suspects, according to a report in the Orlando Sentinel. The Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation, along with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives directed the two and a half year investigation called “Operation Island Heat,” which reportedly uncovered… Read More »
U.S. Senate Hearing Puts Spotlight on Medicare Fraud Accusations
The Senate Special Committee on Aging held a hearing last week to discuss the prevalence and prevention of Medicare fraud, according to a report by the National Journal. Led by Chairman Bill Nielson, the panel heard testimony from a number of presenters, including a Medicare fraud patient victim, a Medicare program administrative official and… Read More »