Initially, an arrest that results in formal charges by the State attorney, must be proved “beyond a reasonable doubt” in order to obtain a conviction. Often, convictions result in a sentence of probation which requires a person to be supervised for a specific period of time and meet additional conditions that can include but are not limited to community service, monthly check-ins, fees, and drug tests. Unfortunately, when a defendant does not comply with their probation terms, a violation of probation also known as VOP is entered against the defendant. When a violation of probation has ..read more

Sexual crimes in the state of Florida are very serious and must be thoroughly investigated by your attorney either prior to being charged or arrested, or after you are charged or arrested. The first question we look at is what the State Attorney’s process is in deciding who gets investigated for a sex crime and who ultimately gets charged or arrested. The short answer is the state attorney will charge someone with a sex crime from the evidence or facts they believe to be true at the time. An investigation can start when a citizen calls or files a complaint against a person who may have committ ..read more

What is Underage Drinking? Many young adults and students drink alcohol before the legal age of 21. It could be at the sandbar for a family outing, or a high school party when a friend’s parents are out of town, or even a glass of wine at dinner. A 22-year-old sibling may take her younger brother to a college football tailgate and hand him a Truly hard seltzer or a beer. The police may be doing a lap around the tents and ask to see the younger brother’s ID. Suddenly, the 17-year-old with the hard seltzer in his hand is given a summons to appear in court on the charge of underage drinking ..read more

Juveniles make mistakes. Parents know this, but the criminal justice system knows this too. If a juvenile makes a mistake that breaks the law, the juvenile justice system will step in and suggest legal decisions for that juvenile’s future. While it is scary for the juvenile to be in trouble with the law, hiring a criminal defense attorney that has knowledge of the juvenile system is imperative to help fight for the juvenile’s best interests and protect their future.  A juvenile criminal defense attorney will review the evidence in the juvenile’s case to determine if the State Attorney has ..read more

A stalker does not just have to be a creep hiding in the bushes or following 3 cars behind you everywhere you go. A stalker does not have to wear all black clothing and have a bag full of spy gear. Often people can be accused of stalking for sending unwanted gifts or trying to contact an ex who does not want to be contacted. A situation can quickly be blown out of proportion if the other person doesn’t like your actions and you can find yourself facing a stalking or voyeurism charge. Stalking As stated in Florida Statute 784.048, stalking means “A person who willfully, maliciously, and repeate ..read more

If you have ever been arrested for a crime and taken before a judge, you know that you are attending an arraignment hearing. An arraignment hearing is where you (and your attorney if you have retained one) enter a plea. We have all seen in the movies where the defendant stands up before the Court and pleads ‘guilty’ or ‘not guilty’ for the crime committed. In real life, everyone needs to plea not guilty at this time because if you pled guilty, a judge would sentence you immediately and you may not know what the judge’s sentence will be. At a later time, after the evidence is reviewed, you may ..read more

Your Second Amendment rights provides each individual the right to bear arms to provide for the common self-defense. The question is, are there limitations? The Supreme Court, while granting the right to bear arms to individuals, still provides restrictions so the United States does not turn into the Wild West. Florida follows the Supreme Court’s ruling allowing individuals to bear arms and places restrictions on its citizens to ensure the safety of its citizens. In order to carry a firearm on your person, it is required to have a concealed carry permit. However, concealed carry permits are no ..read more

If you are questioned by a law enforcement officer on the street after being pulled over in a vehicle, it is not uncommon to be nervous. Depending on why you are being pulled over just may persuade how you will answer when questioned by police. Imagine driving on I4 enjoying your afternoon, then you see blue and red lights flashing behind you. You pull over to the side of the road and the police officer walks up to your side of the window. You begin panicking for various possible reasons; your license is suspended, you have a firearm in the car, a warrant out for your arrest, or you even have ..read more

An officer walks up to you and tells you she has reasonable belief that you have drugs on your person. You allow her to search your pockets and she comes up with cocaine. She places you in handcuffs but when she asks you to sit on the sidewalk while she calls another officer, you refuse. She tells you again to sit on the sidewalk and you once again refuse. Regardless of your intentions on why you do not want to sit on the sidewalk, the officer charges you with possession of cocaine and resisting arrest without violence. Law enforcement officers have protections strictly enforced regarding how ..read more

You may wonder if you can still be arrested for possession of marijuana, even if you have your Florida medical marijuana identification card. The answer is yes. The following article will discuss and interpret the medical marijuana laws in Florida to guide you so you are aware of the limitations. In 2017, the Florida Legislature passed Senate Bill 8A, otherwise known as the Medical Use of Marijuana Act. Under Senate Bill 8A, residents of Florida may qualify for the use of medical marijuana if they have been diagnosed with a qualifying condition, such as cancer, PTSD, Epilepsy, etc., by a certi ..read more