A Florida DUI Lawyer Explains the Effects of DUI on Your Professional License A conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) can wreak havoc on various aspects of your life, including your professional licensure. Whether you hold a medical license, commercial driver's license, teaching license, or any other professional credential, a DUI conviction can have life-changing consequences. Being convicted of a DUI can severely affect your professional life, potentially jeopardizing your ability to practice in your chosen field. If you are in such a situation, it is important to consult with an ..read more

Florida DUI Defense Attorneys Will Fight for Your Rights In Florida, driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense that can have far-reaching consequences. While many DUIs are categorized as misdemeanors, some can escalate to felony charges, which carry even graver consequences. If you are facing a felony DUI conviction in Florida, our experienced DUI defense attorneys at Flaherty & Merrifield can help you navigate this challenging situation. What Is a Felony DUI?  State law determines what makes a drunk driving offense a felony rather than a standard misdemeanor DUI. In Flo ..read more

It has happened again. You were driving home after having dinner at a restaurant when you saw flashing lights in your rearview mirror. With one DUI conviction already under your belt, you can’t afford to get another one. While it’s important that you comply with the officer during the traffic stop, it’s even more important that you contact Flaherty & Merrifield as soon as possible if you are charged with a DUI. Florida takes drunk driving very seriously, and law enforcement goes especially hard on repeat offenders. If you got a slap on the wrist with your first DUI, you can be sure you won ..read more

There's a first time for everything—right? If this is your reaction to your first DUI arrest, you could be looking at a difficult road ahead. While first DUIs typically don't incur the same penalties as a second, third, or subsequent charge, you still need to fight it as if your future depends on it—because it does. At Flaherty & Merrifield, we encourage first-timers—including parents of teens who have been charged—to contact us as soon as possible after an arrest. If you can avoid certain common mistakes, your first DUI arrest might not have to be your first DUI conviction.  How DUI ..read more

You're already facing DUI charges after your car crash, and now you discover that you are being sued by someone who was injured in the accident. While these are two very different types of legal actions, they are not unrelated. If you can defend yourself against the DUI and get the charges dismissed, you could also make it harder for the injured person to prove you were at fault for the crash. On the other hand, if you don't fight the DUI, you will almost certainly be on the hook for the personal injury claim. At Flaherty & Merrifield, we don't handle personal injury cases, but we do fight ..read more

It's never great to be facing DUI charges of any kind in Florida, but when you are being charged with a felony DUI, you need to hire the best defense lawyer you can find because you will be fighting for your freedom. At Flaherty & Merrifield, we take on the tough cases and do everything we can to secure the best possible outcome. When you are facing felony charges, don't trust your defense to anyone else! When Are DUIs Charged as Felonies in Florida? While most DUI cases are charged as misdemeanors, Florida law provides for the possibility of felony DUI charges under certain circumstances ..read more

“If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you.” This is one of your rights under the U.S. Constitution. So, why would you ever pay for a defense lawyer if you can get one for free? We will tell you why. First of all, it is up to the court to determine if you financially qualify for the services of a public defender. It is not an option that is available to everyone. However, even if you do qualify for free legal representation, that doesn’t mean you should accept. When your future and your freedom are at risk, using a public defender might not be the best decision you can mak ..read more

Florida takes the prevention of sexual assault and battery seriously, imposing some of the harshest and longest-lasting consequences on anyone convicted of these criminal offenses. Sexual battery, commonly known as rape, is one of the most aggressively-prosecuted crimes—and the use of a weapon makes potential penalties even worse. If you have been charged with Sexual Battery with a Deadly Weapon, your freedom, well-being, family life, and rights will be thrust into the spotlight as you defend yourself against these allegations. A Florida sex crimes attorney can mount a vigorous legal defense t ..read more

In Florida, prostitution (selling sexual acts for money) is a second-degree misdemeanor. While this may seem like a minor offense, many additional charges may be added depending on the details of the incident. If you have been arrested for prostitution, it’s vital to speak with a Florida sex crimes attorney before you enter a plea. Additional Offenses You Could Face After Being Charged with Prostitution in Florida While it’s not impossible to overcome the arrest, penalties, and social stigma of a sex crime, any additional charges will complicate your defense. Depending on the circumstances, yo ..read more

While prostitution and solicitation are both crimes of selling sex, there’s a difference between the charges. One revolves around the person or people offering sexual encounters, and the other focuses on the person paying for or receiving the exchange. No matter which charge you face, you should always find out your options from a Florida sex crimes attorney before you enter a plea. Understanding Charges of Prostitution and Solicitation in Florida What Is Prostitution? Under Florida Statute § 796.07, prostitution is defined as “the giving or receiving of the body for sexual activity for hire ..read more