Any Florida resident convicted of a charge of driving under the influence (DUI) faces an uphill battle. To get behind the wheel of a vehicle while impaired by alcohol is illegal and, the consequences of being charged can change a person’s life for the worse. The repercussions for nurses can snowball and end their professional careers. Life and death are in their hands Unfettered trust from the community and hospital staff is often placed in the hands of nurses. Their training is rigorous and they must pass several exams to be licensed to practice. Once they are credentialed, they are expected ..read more

The act of killing someone is adjudicated in Florida criminal courts by different legal standards. It can be defined as murder, homicide, voluntary manslaughter or involuntary manslaughter. It can be the result of self-defense or criminal activity. Each charge has its own legal standards that must be met for those charges to materialize. Involuntary Manslaughter When a person dies as a result of someone’s actions, it does not always meet the legal standard for murder. Murder is a premeditated act that results in a person’s death. In other cases, death results even though that outcome wasn’t th ..read more

Some people are more impulsive than others. In fact, there are even some disorders that can cause some people to engage in impulsive behaviors that can get them in trouble with the law. If you struggle with impulsive behavior or know someone who has engaged in behavior that has gotten them in trouble with the law in Florida, such as shoplifting, then you should learn more about the signs and symptoms of impulse control disorder. What is an impulse control disorder? People with impulse control disorder will have an irresistible urge to do things that could be harmful to others or break societal ..read more

Paying Florida taxes is an essential civic duty and one that comes with a range of financial benefits and responsibilities. However, while some people seek ways to minimize their tax liability through legal means, others attempt to avoid paying taxes altogether. Tax avoidance or evasion are two primary ways individuals and businesses avoid paying taxes. Tax avoidance If you’re looking for ways to reduce your tax bill, it’s important to understand tax avoidance. This legal practice uses loopholes and other strategies to minimize taxes. One of the most common ways to do this is by taking advanta ..read more

Social Security fraud is charged as a felony offense in Florida and around the country. It is a federal crime that requires instant action and a strong defense. Often, it is categorized as a type of identity theft, which can be highly damaging. Understanding Social Security fraud Social Security fraud occurs when a person obtains information or something of value through deliberate, willful misrepresentation. In most cases, it is perpetrated through the omission of a material fact to gain benefits or payments from the Social Security Administration. There are various ways that a person can com ..read more

Most school campuses in Florida have strict rules about possessing a firearm on school property, and there are severe penalties for those who unlawfully discharge a firearm on school grounds. However, there are circumstances where the discharge of a firearm on school property could be considered lawful. In such situations, it is important to understand and defend your right to possess a weapon. Discharging a firearm in self-defense While a school may file weapons charges against someone who comes on school grounds with a firearm, if the weapon is discharged in self-defense, those charges might ..read more

A Florida judge can declare a person a habitual offender if they find several factors are true. In these cases, the court can give the person an extended time in jail. The new felony must occur within five years of being released from prison or community service. How many felonies make a person a habitual offender? Generally, a judge must convict a habitual offender of committing a felony or conspiring to commit a felony on two separate occasions. These felonies include: Aggravated battery Aggravated child abuse Aggravated abuse or murder of an elderly or disabled person Aggravated stalking Ag ..read more

If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Florida, it’s important to know your legal rights and options. Regardless of the circumstances, a DUI arrest can carry significant consequences, including jail time, fines and a driver’s license suspension. However, the good news is that you can fight DUI charges and potentially avoid these harsh penalties. Questioning probable cause Probable cause refers to whether the officer had a reasonable suspicion that you were driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. For instance, if the officer observed you swerving in and out of your lane, this could be cons ..read more

Telemarketing continues to be an effective way to sell products or services. While many people don’t appreciate intrusive calls, enough of the consumer public provides enough sales to keep telemarketing operations feasible. Unfortunately, people could become too trusting of telemarketing calls, not realizing someone might be running a scam. Telemarketing scams targeting Florida residents could leave those organizing the scheme in severe legal jeopardy. Types of telemarketing scams Likely, the simplest telemarketing scam involves offering something with no intention of delivering. A victim migh ..read more

The details of an arrest for driving under the influence can have a major impact on how the case is filed in Florida. Typical DUI charges with a .08% blood-alcohol concentration or even the presence of marijuana in a driver’s system are filed as misdemeanors in most cases unless there are extenuating circumstances. It is the extenuating circumstances that make the difference, and there are several that could result in an enhanced DUI charge. Elevated BAC levels Florida and almost every other state has the standard of .08% BAC as the presumption that a driver is legally intoxicated. Some states ..read more