Maybe it’s your first time dealing with the criminal justice system. Maybe it’s not. Either way, you’re likely feeling overwhelmed, embarrassed or even scared of what lies ahead. That’s completely normal, but you need a clear plan. How you respond in the hours and...
Criminal Defense
3 concessions to seek when negotiating a plea bargain
There are many ways to respond to pending criminal charges. In some cases, there is a clear defense strategy available because the defendant has an alibi or grounds for an affirmative defense. Other times, the state may have very strong evidence. The defendant may...
Understanding the effects of a criminal record and possible options
A criminal record can change several aspects of your life. It can affect your chances of getting a job, finding a place to live, or attending school. The effects of a criminal record can last long after any court penalties are over, but fortunately, there are legal...
Does the IRS have the authority to jail those with tax issues?
Taxpayers who learn about a tax issue often worry about what happens next. Many people have heard horror stories about business owners, self-employed professionals and even celebrities going to jail because of tax issues. They may feel anxious every time they see a...
Can the police search your car?
We were taught to respect the police from a young age, and that still holds true in most situations. However, there is a difference between showing respect and complying with all their requests. Your constitutional rights The United States Constitution grants us...
3 professions with an elevated risk of incurring fraud charges
Allegations of fraud leading to white-collar criminal charges may occur due to activities people engage in on their own time. For example, people may face fraud charges when they intentionally write bad checks to local businesses. Other times, allegations of fraud may...
Protecting your social media from police intrusion
Are you concerned about police intrusion through social media? If not, you may want to reconsider. For some years now, the police in most communities have been using social media to both monitor suspected criminal activity (or suspected criminals) and identify people...
What is organized retail theft?
Organized retail theft is an increasingly prevalent form of misconduct in which individuals or groups, often referred to as "boosters," systematically steal large quantities of merchandise from retail stores with the intent of selling the stolen goods for profit....
When is it legal for police officers to bodily search a suspect?
People generally have a reasonable expectation of privacy, especially when it comes to their bodies. There are various rules established by federal law and important prior criminal cases that help protect people from police officers violating their rights. For...
How bail works in Florida
Bail allows individuals who have been accused of a crime to be released from custody while they await trial. Understanding how bail works in Florida can help defendants and their families make informed decisions as their situation evolves. Broadly speaking, bail...