Having your driver’s license revoked in Sarasota can be a major inconvenience in your life. Using public transportation or rideshares every day can cause you financial issues. If public transportation is not an option, you may have to miss work... The post How to Get Your Driver’s License Restored in Sarasota appeared first on Erika Valcarcel, Criminal Defense Lawyer, P.A ..read more

The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution ensures that citizens are protected from unreasonable searches and seizures. Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions about the definition of an unreasonable search. Police are able to conduct warrantless searches in many circumstances. However, if you believe that you have been subjected to an illegal search, there is a legal action you can take. For example, it may be possible to suppress evidence that was found during the search. Attorney Erika Valcarcel has spent years defending peoples’ rights in court. If you have been mistreated ..read more

Spring Break in Sarasota is supposed to be a time for sun, sand, and making memories with friends. But what happens if those memories turn into hearing police sirens and spending the night in a local jail? Getting arrested during Spring Break can be a scary and confusing experience, especially if you’re from out of town. This guide will walk you through the steps you need to take if you find yourself facing criminal charges in Sarasota. Criminal Charges on Spring Break in Sarasota Spring Break is a bustling period in Sarasota and the surrounding areas, with local law enforcement on high alert ..read more

Being pulled over for suspected drunk driving can be a nerve-wracking experience, leaving you uncertain about your rights and how to proceed. However, knowing the proper steps during a DUI traffic stop can make all the difference. Here, Sarasota DUI defense lawyer Erika Valcarcel discusses how you should properly handle a DUI traffic stop in Sarasota or Manatee County, Florida, to ensure you navigate the situation smoothly and protect your rights. What to Do if You’re Pulled Over for DUI? A minor, otherwise innocuous traffic violation could be interpreted as a sign of impaired driving by polic ..read more

Being pulled over for suspected drunk driving can be a nerve-wracking experience, leaving you uncertain about your rights and how to proceed. However, knowing the proper steps during a DUI traffic stop can make all the difference. Here, Sarasota DUI defense lawyer Erika Valcarcel discusses how you should properly handle a DUI traffic stop in Sarasota or Manatee County, Florida, to ensure you navigate the situation smoothly and protect your rights. What to Do if You’re Pulled Over for DUI? A minor, otherwise innocuous traffic violation could be interpreted as a sign of impaired driving by polic ..read more

Criminal mischief (commonly known as vandalism) is rising in Florida. Law enforcement is cracking down on property crimes statewide. While many assume criminal mischief is a minor charge, the consequences can be drastic. The severity of your criminal mischief charge will depend on the amount of damage you’re accused of charging. Under Florida law, you could face a second-degree misdemeanor or a third-degree felony. If you’re convicted, you could be incarcerated in a jail or a state prison. If you aren’t careful, your reputation could be damaged, be limited in job opportunities, or pay signific ..read more

Starting on July 1, 2023, Florida gun owners will no longer need a license to carry a concealed firearm. The change results from House Bill 543, which Gov. Ron DeSantis signed on April 3 of this year. While many Second Amendment supporters have praised HB 543 for removing the requirement of a concealed carry permit, firearm owners should be aware of the implications of this new law. As a gun owner in Florida, it is essential to fully understand your rights and responsibilities under HB 543 to avoid criminal penalties, including the loss of your firearm rights and hefty fines. Concealed Carry P ..read more

While fentanyl has been making headlines for the last few years, other synthetic opioids can also be dangerous. Isotonitazene is an even more potent drug than fentanyl and has been seen more often in drug busts. People are often unaware they are even consuming the substance. Understanding what makes isotonitazene dangerous, and how the law views it, is essential to protecting your health and safety. What Is Isotonitazene? Isotonitazene, also called “ISO,” is a potent synthetic opioid that has been blamed for numerous deaths. Since it is a relatively new drug, its origins, health effects, and l ..read more

Florida has some of the strictest drug laws in the country. Even if you are caught with a small amount of drugs that fall into the lowest narcotic classification (Schedule V), you can still face fines, probation, and jail time. However, the type and severity of punishment depend on whether you were charged with actual possession or constructive possession of drugs. And the best way to fully know the differences between the two and avoid jail time is to hire an experienced drug charge lawyer.   Active Vs. Constructive Possession in Florida Florida law differentiates between two types of dr ..read more

If you are unsure of your rights when police ask to search your phone, you might do something not legally required for you to do and incriminate yourself in the process. What Happens During an Arrest in Florida? Regardless of how they happen, arrests tend to follow the usual pattern. Maybe a vehicle is pulled over for a traffic violation, or someone does something while they are on foot. The police then suspect something due to what they witness, pat down the suspects (if necessary) under the notion of probable cause, make arrests if they find proof of wrongdoing, and book everything into evid ..read more