For decades, Miami Beach has been synonymous with spring break: a place for college students to let loose and soak up the Florida sun. But in recent years, the party atmosphere has taken a turn for the worse, with incidents of violence and property damage becoming all too common. In 2024, the Magic City is taking a drastic step – it’s breaking up with spring break. This “breakup” isn’t just a metaphorical one. The city has implemented a series of measures aimed at curbing the chaos, and a key element of this strategy is a heightened focus on DUIs. Why DUIs are a major concern during spring bre ..read more

Cyberstalking is a serious federal crime. Understanding what elements prosecutors must establish can help you evaluate your options if facing charges. Knowing where the burden of proof lies makes it easier to focus your efforts when building a solid defense. There are 5 key factors in a cyberstalking case. 1. Repeated unwanted contact Prosecutors must show you engaged in a pattern of repeated, unwanted communication toward the other party. Isolated incidents are typically insufficient. The repeated nature of the contact indicates the intent to harass. 2. Threats or harassment Your communicatio ..read more

Driving under the influence carries potential repercussions that extend beyond legal consequences. For individuals residing in Miami, a DUI charge could significantly impact their apartment living situation. This could happen in several ways. Rental agreements and lease terms Upon receiving a DUI charge, tenants may find their housing situation under scrutiny. Many rental agreements include clauses that allow landlords to terminate a lease or take other actions in the event of criminal charges. A DUI charge may violate the terms of a lease, leading to potential eviction or nonrenewal of the le ..read more

Florida cracks down on drug crimes with harsh laws. The goal is to help save lives as the state experienced 37.5 overdose deaths per 100,000 people in 2021, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. Individuals facing possession charges should understand the law and what could potentially happen to them. Types of controlled substances Florida law categorizes drugs into different schedules based on their potential for abuse and medical use. Schedule I substances, like heroin and LSD, are highly addictive and have no accepted medical use. Schedule II substances, such as cocaine and ..read more

In the early 2000s, Martha Stewart became known for more than her domestic prowess. She served five years in federal prison for insider trading, and while it did not seem to damage her career long-term, it was a huge setback for her personally and professionally. Insider trading may sound complex, but understanding the basics is important for anyone interested in the world of finance to avoid facing potential criminal charges. What is insider trading? Insider trading refers to the buying or selling of securities, such as stocks, based on non-public information about a company. This could inclu ..read more

Driving under the influence (DUI) in Miami can incur strict penalties. If law enforcement catches a person driving while intoxicated, penalties can not only affect the individual’s driving record but also their personal well-being. Gaining an understanding of the potential consequences of DUI is imperative. With this guide, you can make informed decisions when faced with significant legal repercussions. Penalties for a first DUI offense Even first-time DUI offenses can cause substantial penalties. Fines range between $500 and $1,000, while jail terms can last up to six months. Suspension of dr ..read more

During a traffic stop on suspicion of DUI, the officer may ask you to complete a field sobriety test. This test includes a series of tasks that are difficult to complete when impaired. In addition to field sobriety tests, the officer may ask you to take a breath test. Although you have the right to refuse the breath test, there are consequences for doing so. If you take the test and fail, the officer will place you under arrest for driving under the influence. That test result does not guarantee a conviction. There are ways to fight a breath test result in court. When was the test last calibra ..read more

The government responded to the economic impact of the 2020 pandemic by offering the Paycheck Protection Program, allowing companies to request loans for payroll and other business-related expenses. The PPP had no repayment requirement. However, failing to follow guidelines or applying under false information would result in PPP loan fraud. What is PPP loan fraud? PPP loan fraud comes in many forms. For example, if a person made a false statement on their application or used the money from a PPP loan for an unapproved purpose, that constitutes fraud. The same is true if the applicant submitted ..read more

DUI offenders might receive a felony charge, even for a first offense. A felony DUI carries harsher penalties than a DUI misdemeanor. The Florida Statutes define a felony DUI for first-time offenders as one that causes serious bodily injury or death. This can include injuries such as broken bones, internal bleeding, or head trauma. If an intoxicated driver causes a deadly accident, the offending driver will face a manslaughter or murder charge. Penalties for first-time felony offenders Penalties for a felony DUI in Florida can include a suspended license, fines and jail time. For a first-time ..read more

Bankruptcy fraud is a federal crime that involves hiding assets or providing false information to avoid creditors or gain an unfair advantage in bankruptcy proceedings. It is a serious offense that can carry heavy fines and prison time. According to the United States Department of Justice, there are several types of bankruptcy fraud. These include the concealment of assets, fraudulent transfer of assets and making false statements under oath. Concealing or transferring assets Concealment of assets involves hiding or transferring assets to hide your net worth. This could include transferring pr ..read more