Category Archives: Criminal
The Role of Restitution in Florida Criminal Cases
In criminal cases, prosecutors may seek punishment beyond prison time. If there was an identifiable victim of the crime, the prosecution may also ask the judge to order the defendant pay restitution to that victim. In a theft case, for instance, the restitution order might require the defendant to compensate the victim for the… Read More »
Can You Challenge a Magistrate’s “Probable Cause” Finding on a Search Warrant?
Police normally need to obtain a warrant before searching any property that belongs to a criminal suspect, including samples taken of a suspect’s blood for chemical testing. A magistrate or judge must first determine whether the police have “probable cause” to believe the search will discover evidence of criminal activity. Probable cause is a… Read More »
Can a Florida Court Impose a Lifetime Pet Ownership Ban Following an Animal Cruelty Conviction?
In 2018, outraged Florida residents successfully convinced the state legislature to stiffen penalties for individuals convicted of abusing animals. Known as “Ponce’s Law,” the legislation was named for a Labrador retriever puppy found beaten to death in Ponce Inlet. The animal’s owner was later charged with felony animal cruelty. Florida Appeals Court Addresses Namesake… Read More »
The Role of a Jury in Deciding a Mandatory Minimum Sentence
Many crimes carry increased penalties if certain “elements” are proven. For example, in a famous 2013 case that went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, a New Jersey defendant was found guilty of carrying a firearm while committing a violent crime. Under New Jersey law, the mandatory minimum sentence for this offense… Read More »
When Does Child Neglect Become a Crime in Tampa, Florida?
Some people mistakenly assume that child neglect is not on the same level as child abuse. However, child neglect is a form of child abuse. And, you could be facing criminal charges in some cases. If you are charged with child neglect in Florida, you need a skilled Tampa criminal attorney on your side…. Read More »
Reasons Your Florida Criminal Charges Could Be Dismissed
Being arrested and charged with a crime is one of the worst experiences anyone can have. However, there are some instances where you might be able to get your charges dismissed entirely. Dismissals often happen because your attorney raised the right defenses and filed the right motions. That is one reason why you want… Read More »
What Counts as a Probation Violation in Tampa?
Probation is the court-mandated supervision program that you may be sentenced to either instead of incarceration or in addition to your jail sentence. Individuals on probation must check in with their assigned probation officer, and they must abide by specific rules. Failure to do so could result in a probation violation. Florida recognizes two… Read More »
What is Tampa’s Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) Program?
If you are facing felony charges, but you have no prior criminal record, or only a minor one, there is a chance you may qualify for a pre-trial intervention (PTI) program. The purpose of this program is to divert cases from the courtroom, and it can help you avoid the consequences of a criminal… Read More »
Tips for Choosing a Tampa Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you are facing criminal charges in Florida, it’s imperative to hire the best Tampa criminal defense lawyer possible. Before you decide on who to hire, here are several tips to help you choose the lawyer that’s right for you. Choose Someone Who Has the Right Experience One of the most important steps in… Read More »
What is My Constitutional Right to Remain Silent?
You’ve likely seen the “right to remain silent” referenced numerous times on television and in the movies, but many people don’t know exactly what it means. The right to remain silent refers to the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution. This amendment protects you from being forced to testify or say anything that… Read More »
