Monthly Archives: August 2021
Can A Florida Judge Alter An Award Of “Permanent” Alimony After A Divorce?
Florida law provides for several different types of alimony. Permanent alimony is appropriate when one spouse “lacks the financial ability to meet his or her needs and necessities of life” following a divorce. Alternatively, a court may award durational alimony if permanent alimony is “inappropriate” but ongoing financial support is still necessary for a… Read More »
Does A Judge Have To Provide “Specific Steps” For You To Regain Time With Your Child?
Florida courts resolve child custody disputes by approving a document known as a “parenting plan,” which among other things spells out a “time-sharing schedule” for each parent to follow with respect to their child. Although parents are free to negotiate their own parenting plan, the final decision rests with the court, which is legally… Read More »
When Does A Mistrial Lead To A “Double Jeopardy” Situation?
The phrase double jeopardy refers to the constitutional prohibition on trying a person twice for the same crime. Basically, if you are found not guilty by a jury, the state cannot re-try you on the same charge hoping to get a different verdict. However, if a trial ends without a jury verdict–i.e., there is… Read More »
Can The State Subpoena My Medical Records Following A Car Accident?
Federal law guarantees the privacy of a person’s healthcare records. But even medical privacy may be forced to yield to the demands of law enforcement. For example, if the police have grounds to suspect you have committed a crime, they may subpoena healthcare records that are reasonably related to their investigation. This issue frequently… Read More »
When Can A Florida Judge Impose Additional Costs As Part Of A Criminal Sentence?
A criminal conviction often means more than just potential jail time or probation. Many offenses also carry certain fines and additional court costs that must be paid as part of your sentence. These costs can quickly add up for defendants with limited financial resources, so it is crucial they not be assessed arbitrarily or… Read More »
