Category Archives: Criminal Defense
What is the Difference Between Theft and Robbery?
Terms like theft, larceny, shoplifting, and robbery all refer to the crime of taking something that does not belong to you, but they are very different if you look at the specific definitions. Many people lump them together, which creates confusion when comparing theft and robbery. Florida’s theft laws provide for two distinct offenses,… Read More »
Defenses to DUI Charges in Florida
All US states have enacted harsh laws on drinking and driving, and Florida’s statute operates in similar fashion. You could be arrested for DUI if you were operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent or more, or if your normal faculties are impaired by consumption of alcohol. Under Florida’s… Read More »
Florida’s Marijuana Laws: Overview And Updates
Considering the vast array of laws on use of marijuana across the US and its territories, it is no wonder that people get confused about how they apply. Statistics reveal that pot-related arrests comprise more than half of all drug cases in America. Of the 820,000 individuals who are charged with marijuana offenses every… Read More »
Why Is Bail So Important For The Defendant In Florida’s Criminal Justice System?
You may be generally familiar with how bail works in a criminal case, but these concepts take on new importance if you have recently been arrested. Under Florida’s statutes on criminal procedure, bail and bond are general terms used to describe pretrial release. The basic arrangement is that the defendant deposits cash or a… Read More »
3 Ways To Resolve Florida Criminal Charges Before You Get To Trial
Florida has a reputation of being tough on crime, and statistics on arrests are proof that police are diligent in apprehending suspects. According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), officers arrest more than 679,200 people every year across the state. In Palm Beach County alone, law enforcement charges almost 40,500 individuals with… Read More »
What Are The Penalties For Battery In Florida?
Some violent crimes may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony under the circumstances of the case, and battery is one example. Unlike assault offenses, in which threats constitute a violation of the law, battery involves physical contact. Florida’s law on battery defines the crime in varying degrees, and the more serious offenses are… Read More »
A Crime to Use Your Phone? Florida’s Two-Way Communications Statute
You rely on your cell phone, tablet, and other electronics for a wide array of personal and professional tasks, but you may not realize that these devices could lead to criminal charges in some cases. Florida has a law on the books that criminalizes unlawful use of a two-way communications device in connection with… Read More »
Florida Shoplifting Charges Are More Serious Than You Think
Between inflation and the holidays, there are many Floridians who are feeling the financial strains as they look at prices on food, necessities, and gifts. The temptation to grab an item off the shelf and put it in your pocket is strong, especially when you think the loss to the store is minimal. However,… Read More »
What Happens At Arraignment In A Florida Criminal Case?
After being arrested on criminal charges in Florida, one of the first proceedings that takes place in the actual courtroom is the arraignment. The Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure use the term initial appearance, in which you are brought before the judge. This hearing must take place within 24 hours after your arrest if… Read More »
2 Legal Proceedings In Florida DUI Cases
Florida drunk driving laws are among the toughest in the nation, imposing serious penalties and associated consequences if you are convicted. Even the statute seems to favor law enforcement, giving officers two options for making an arrest. Under the Florida law on Driving Under the Influence (DUI), you could be charged if you have… Read More »
