Facing drug crime charges can have long-lasting effects on a person’s ability to find employment. Those facing drug charges may wonder how they can influence job opportunities and what individuals can do to mitigate these impacts. Challenges in securing employment Employers often conduct background checks before hiring new staff. A drug crime charge on your record can be a significant deterrent. Industries that are particularly sensitive include healthcare, education and government roles, where clean records are often mandatory. Even if the charge did not lead to a conviction, the mere appeara ..read more

When you are on probation, you need to understand the terms and conditions to avoid any unintentional violations. While some probation requirements may seem straightforward, some lesser-known actions can lead to a violation. There are 3 surprising ways that you could violate your probation without realizing it. 1. Associating with known felons One often overlooked probation condition is the prohibition of associating with known felons. This means you cannot have any contact, whether in person, over the phone or through social media, with individuals convicted of a felony. Even if the person is ..read more

Drunk driving remains a critical issue across the United States, and Florida is no exception. Motorists in the Sunshine State should remain informed about the frequency of DUI arrests and the penalties they can bring so that they can properly defend themselves against any traffic violation charges. Recent statistics can shed much-needed light on the prevalence and consequences of driving under the influence in Florida. Overview of DUI stats Alcohol-related fatalities account for a significant portion of total traffic deaths. According to recent data, there were 814 alcohol-impaired driving fat ..read more

In the realm of criminal justice, the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution safeguards individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures. Florida, like any other state, adheres to these constitutional principles. However, instances of illegal search and seizure can still occur, presenting a potential defense for those facing criminal charges. 1. Absence of a warrant One common way illegal searches transpire is when law enforcement proceeds without obtaining a search warrant. The Fourth Amendment generally requires officers to acquire a warrant from a judge, based on probable cau ..read more

When it comes to having a criminal record, the state of Florida provides a chance for individuals to start anew through a process called expungement. This legal process allows for the removal of certain criminal records, essentially erasing them from public view. However, not all crimes are eligible for expungement in the Sunshine State. If you have a record that is acting as an obstacle for your future, it may be wise to explore the types of crimes that are eligible for expungement in Florida. Non-conviction records If you experienced an arrest but were not convicted of a crime, your record m ..read more

Driving under the influence is a serious offense that can have severe consequences for those who get convicted. Understanding these consequences is important for anyone considering the risks of getting behind the wheel while impaired. Legal consequences Did you know that 13,384 people died in drunk-driving incidents in 2021? As a result of the dangers inherent in this behavior, you could face fines, probation, mandatory alcohol education programs and jail time. These legal penalties vary depending on the severity of the offense and whether it is your first conviction. Driver’s license suspensi ..read more

Having a criminal record can bring about numerous challenges in life, from securing a job to finding suitable housing. However, there is a process called “expungement” that allows individuals to clear their criminal records in certain circumstances. Expunging a record entails removing information relating to the crime from public view. If you have a history of criminal arrests on your record, it is important to know when you might become eligible to expunge those records. Eligibility criteria Not all criminal records are eligible for expungement. The state of Florida outlines specific eligibil ..read more

The state of Florida takes illegal drug use very seriously. If you face a possession of a controlled substance charge, you likely have many questions. 1. What does the state consider controlled substances? Florida law follows the federal schedule of drugs. Considered the most harmful, Schedule I drugs include cocaine, heroin and LSD. The statute makes it illegal to possess these drugs. A growing number of drug arrests involve Schedule II drugs, such as valium, oxycontin and codeine. These require a medical prescription possess. Without one, you will get charged with a felony. 2. What penalties ..read more

Florida law prohibits systemic, ongoing efforts to obtain assets under pretenses, a crime known as scheme to defraud. Depending on the extent of the theft, the consequences for a scheme to defraud conviction can vary widely. Individuals facing scheme to defraud charges should understand that these cases are complex and a strong legal defense can impact the outcome. Scheme to defraud laws A specific statute in Florida’s laws establishes a detailed meaning for the term scheme to defraud. First, this crime involves willfully fraudulent claims about current or future events. Next, the intent of th ..read more

If an officer recently asked you or someone you know to perform a breath test at a Florida DUI traffic stop, you may wonder what your rights are regarding chemical testing. Here is what Florida law says about submitting to breath testing as part of a suspected DUI. Do I have to submit to breath testing at a traffic stop? Florida is an implied consent state, which means the law assumes you gave consent to submit to chemical testing under suspicion of DUI when you got your driver’s license and drove a vehicle in Florida. Officers may present a convincing argument for submitting to testing ..read more