Category Archives: Criminal
5 Factors That Can Make Florida DUI Charges Worse
A conviction for violating Florida’s DUI law can make your life very difficult, as it could be months before you can legally drive again, you’ll have to pay hefty fines, and you may even face jail time. Under the circumstances, you want to do everything possible to defend your interests and obtain the best… Read More »
What is Florida’s “Shopkeeper’s Privilege” in Theft Cases?
Many shoplifting cases don’t start with a police encounter and arrest, but rather when a person is detained by the owner of the store where the alleged crime occurred. Such a scenario may seem to violate the individual’s civil rights, running counter to the assumption that only qualified law enforcement officers can make arrests…. Read More »
Can Police Forcefully Fingerprint Someone in a Florida Criminal Case?
Fingerprints can be one of the most important pieces of evidence in a Florida criminal case. No two are alike, so their presence may eliminate any other suspect at the crime scene. Because they can make the difference between an acquittal and a conviction, police will go to great lengths to obtain them. If… Read More »
Are Changes on the Way for Drug Sentencing in Florida?
Florida lawmakers continue to address and take action on criminal reform measures, the most recent example being a bill to modify penalties for convictions on certain drug crimes. South Florida’s NBC news affiliate Channel 6 provided an overview in a January 16, 2020 article, outlining how the proposal would change current punishment for drug… Read More »
Non-Jail Options for Florida DUI Cases
If you were arrested for violating Florida’s statute on driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI), you probably know that you face many different punishment scenarios. Being a criminal offense, a drunk driving conviction could even lead to jail time depending on the circumstances. The last thing you want is to be… Read More »
Chain of Custody in Florida Criminal Cases
When you’ve been arrested on criminal charges, you may not think too much about the path that incriminating evidence takes from the scene of the crime to the courtroom. However, this “chain of custody” is an extremely crucial factor in a criminal case. The basis of the concept comes from the Florida Evidence Code,… Read More »
List of Florida Gun Crimes & Penalties
If you were arrested for a gun crime, you probably already have a general idea of the serious nature of the charges. However, the specifics are far more complex. Florida has an entire chapter of the criminal code dedicated to “Weapons and Firearms,” which incorporates definitions on unlawful possession, illegal use, and similar offenses…. Read More »
Grace Period is Over: Police Will Be Enforcing Florida’s Hands-Free Law
The news regarding Florida’s new hands-free statute made headlines when it went into effect last July, since it made many changes to how motorists can interact with the phones and other electronic devices while driving. However, many people weren’t aware that several law enforcement departments in the state were granting drivers a grace period… Read More »
Your Rights in a Stop and Frisk by Florida Police
When you’re strolling down Las Olas Boulevard, the River Front, and other busy streets around Fort Lauderdale, you probably don’t expect to be stopped by police – until it happens to you. One minute you’re minding your own business, and the next you’re subjected to questioning and a pat down of your person. The… Read More »
What’s the Difference Between Bench and Jury Criminal Trials in Florida?
Your life is turned upside down when you’ve been arrested on Florida criminal charges, to the point where you may not even think about the details involved with the process. One issue that may come up is whether your case will proceed through as a bench versus jury trial, terminology that refers to who… Read More »