Category Archives: Criminal
Understanding Plea Bargains
It is incredibly stressful to be charged with a crime, however, you may take some comfort in knowing that only about 10% of cases actually go to trial. This means that you have a 90% chance of receiving a plea bargain that allows you to settle your matter without leaving it up to the… Read More »
Will I Be Arrested For A Bench Warrant?
If you have learned that there has been a bench warrant issued for you, you may be feeling highly stressed and concerned. The good news is that just by being aware of this warrant’s existence you are already ahead of the game and have the opportunity to avoid spending any time behind bars. Many… Read More »
Watch Out For Summertime DUIs
For many people, summer is one of the best times of the year. Most people find a little more time to relax and socialize over the summer while they enjoy the warmer weather. However, summer also comes with some added risks, one of which is drunk driving. Summer is one of the most dangerous… Read More »
What Are The Differences Between Federal And State Criminal Trials In Florida?
Most criminal cases are tried at the state level. This means if you are charged with a crime, your case will most likely be heard in a Florida state court. But there are certain criminal cases that must be tried in federal court instead. So what are the differences? Who Has Jurisdiction? Any court… Read More »
How Failing To Stop And Render Aid Following A Car Accident Can Lead To Felony Charges
It is common practice following a minor auto accident to stop and exchange license and registration information with the other driver. Indeed, this is more than a mere courtesy. Florida law requires a driver involved in a crash to take such actions when there is personal injury or property damage arising from an accident…. Read More »
How The “Good Faith” Exception Protects Even Bad Search Warrants
The Fourth Amendment normally requires the police to obtain a warrant before searching private property. Evidence obtained in violation of this requirement is inadmissible in court as evidence against a criminal defendant. Of course, there are a number of exceptions to this general rule. One of them is known as the “good faith” exception…. Read More »
The Importance Of Venue In A Florida Criminal Trial
In a criminal trial, the venue refers to the geographic place where the matter is actually heard by the court. For state crimes, venue is typically vested with the circuit court where the alleged criminal act occurred. Similarly, federal crimes in Florida are tried in one of three district courts, representing the Northern, Middle,… Read More »
The Government’s Burden Of Proof At Criminal Sentencing
In federal criminal cases, a judge will consult a set of non-binding rules called the Federal Sentencing Guidelines when assessing a convicted defendant’s punishment. The guidelines are no longer mandatory following a 2005 United States Supreme Court ruling, but judges must still consider the recommended penalty range from the guidelines when crafting a particular… Read More »
What Is Considered “Cyberstalking” In Florida?
Most of us have seen–or dealt with–abusive behavior online at one time or another. In some cases such behavior may rise to the level of cyberstalking. This is not simply a term of art. Florida law specifically recognizes cyberstalking as a criminal offense. And individuals who have been targeted by such behavior may seek… Read More »
What Happens If I Sell Firearms Without A License?
The Second Amendment may guarantee your constitutional right to keep and bear arms. But that does not mean you have an unrestricted freedom to purchase or sell such weapons within the state of Florida. Indeed, there are a number of federal and state laws designed to carefully regulate the marketplace for weapons–and if you… Read More »
