Category Archives: Criminal Law Explained
Timeline of a Florida Murder Trial
Anyone facing homicide charges in Florida probably has some ambivalent feelings about the upcoming trial date. On the one hand, you want it to arrive as quickly as possible, since most defendants in your position are probably incarcerated in the meantime. At the same time, you certainly have grave concerns about the trial process… Read More »
Your Rights When Served with a Criminal Summons in Florida
There’s a lot of confusion regarding the legal effect of a criminal summons, which is why many people can get into trouble based upon their reaction to receiving one. The Florida statute on a criminal summons isn’t all that helpful, either. It simply states the circumstances under which a judge will issue a summons… Read More »
Actual Versus Constructive Possession in Florida Criminal Cases
There are some crimes in Florida where simply having an illegal item in your possession is illegal, without you taking any other action. Of course, if you were arrested, that means the concept of possession will be central to your case. In regular usage, the term is pretty straightforward; in the practice of law,… Read More »
5 Reasons to Never Talk to Police Without Your Florida Defense Attorney Present
You may already know that you have the right to an attorney when you’re being questioned by police, but there are situations where you might think you can get away with handling the conversation yourself. Trying to represent yourself in a criminal case is such a mistake that not even experienced lawyers will do… Read More »
Restitution in Florida: Penalties Beyond Fines and Jail Time
If you’ve been convicted for a crime, you probably expect jail time, fines, probation, and other penalties – depending on the nature of the crime. One aspect of criminal punishment may come as a surprise to you, however. A judge could order you to restitution under Florida law, which is available for many different… Read More »
Questions About Discovery in a Florida Criminal Case
One pre-trial task that takes place behind the scenes of a criminal case is discovery, a process that’s covered by the Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure. In general, discovery is the exchange of information by a prosecutor and defense attorney, which takes place during the pre-trial phase and in preparation for trial. However, there’s… Read More »
How Jury Selection Works in a Florida Criminal Case
If you’re arrested on certain crimes in Florida, there’s a chance that the issue of guilt will be decided by a jury. According to the Rules of Criminal Procedure,12 individuals will act as juror in capital cases and six members sit as a jury in all other criminal cases. As such, many criminal defendants… Read More »
Three Key Points in Florida’s “First Step Act” for Criminal Justice Reform
Some aspects of the state criminal justice system may undergo considerable change if Florida lawmakers pass a key bill and the governor signs it. Fox News Channel 13 reported on the Florida First Steps Act in an article dated March 6, 2019, pointing out that the law closely mirrors a federal statute that was… Read More »
How a Criminal Conviction Affects Child Custody Issues
There are plenty of obvious, expected ways that a criminal conviction will affect your life. However, there is a consequence you may not have anticipated: Criminal activity can affect your parental rights in proceedings involving your children. Beyond fines, jail time, probation, and other penalties, you could face challenges with custody or visitation, officially… Read More »
Aggravated Crimes Versus Aggravating Circumstances in Florida Criminal Cases
Though the two words may seem similar in everyday usage, aggravated and aggravating have very different meanings under Florida criminal laws. There is a lot of confusion over aggravated crimes and aggravating circumstances, and for good reason: These concepts are extremely complex if you do not have a legal background. You can rely on… Read More »