Recent Blog Posts
How to Invoke Your Miranda Rights in a Florida Criminal Case
You have probably seen the most dramatic moments in many TV shows, where an officer reads the suspect his or her rights at the moment of arrest. Though you may not know the specific reasons why, this scenario stems from the landmark US Supreme Court opinion in the 1966 case of Miranda v. Arizona…. Read More »
What is Probable Cause in a Florida Criminal Case?
You hear the term “probable cause” in connection with various aspects of criminal law, but you may not fully understand the details unless you have a legal background. The specific mechanics behind this concept are entrenched in the Fourth Amendment to the US Constitution and the Declaration of Rights in the Florida Constitution, both… Read More »
4 Ways a DUI is Charged as a Felony in Florida
You know that Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is a criminal offense in Florida, but there are additional details you may not realize. One aspect of the case is administrative in nature and affects your driver’s license, which could be suspended. Plus, drunk driving is also a crime, so there is a second type… Read More »
Recent Court Case Clarifies Probation Violations in Florida
In some Florida criminal cases, a judge will issue an order for probation in lieu of jail time or sentence the defendant to probation after a period of incarceration. For many individuals, probation is a key benefit. You have significantly more freedoms compared to serving or continuing your sentence in prison, so it is… Read More »
Is it a Crime to Drive Without Auto Insurance in Florida?
All US states require motorists to carry auto insurance to cover the losses of car accident victims, and Florida’s statute on insurance and proof of insurance covers the details. If you are pulled over by police and do not have the proper coverage and/or documentation, you could suffer the consequences. There are consequences for… Read More »
Think About 5 Factors Before You Plead Guilty to Florida Criminal Charges
When you have been arrested on criminal charges in Florida, it is wise to consider all potential outcomes to the case. Unless there are technical grounds or other reasons for a dismissal, you could go to trial before a judge or jury. If found guilty, you could be facing jail time, fines, and other… Read More »
How Florida’s Rape Shield Law Affects Sex Crimes Cases
If you were arrested for a sex crime in Florida, you probably assume you can present any and all evidence at trial to defend yourself. Much of the information you want to show in court may be intended to refute the accuser’s allegations and cast doubt upon his or her claims. For the most… Read More »
DeSantis Proposing to Expand “Stand Your Ground” in Florida
Florida’s “stand your ground” law, which serves as a self-defense claim to murder charges, has been the focus of controversy for decades. However, Gov. Ron DeSantis renewed the debate by announcing a series of proposals that would expand the statute in response to the riots, looting, and incidents of civil unrest across the US… Read More »
How Can Hearsay Affect a Florida Criminal Case?
You have probably seen how hearsay works in courtroom dramas on TV or in movies; though what you saw was a fictional account, you have a general understanding of how the rule works. Under the Florida Evidence Code, hearsay is statement or conduct by a person meant as a form of communication. A witness… Read More »
What Does “Intent” Mean in a Florida Criminal Case?
If you have been arrested for committing a crime in Florida, you probably assume that the prosecuting attorney will focus on the specific acts that constitute a violation of the law. You do not expect that your state of mind could play an important role in your case, so it may come as a… Read More »