Grand juries are often impaneled for some of the more serious felony cases. Prosecutors impanel grand juries to aid them in determining whether they should bring charges against a suspect. Both the state and the federal government may impanel grand juries. You may...
Many individuals use the terms "assault and battery" in unison -- or even interchangeably -- with one another. Most jurisdictions classify these two crimes as two distinct criminal offenses, however. You may find it helpful to learn the actual difference between...
Many shoplifting arrests take place at the exit of a business or in their parking lots. Management may have called police, who will wait outside for a suspect to exit the building. Loss prevention or security professionals employed by a retail business or their...
A child who is charged with felony murder could face serious consequences if convicted. However, the penalties that a minor might face depend on factors such as that person's age, criminal history and the strength of the evidence in a given case. Florida law requires...
A criminal record can cause issues years after you complete your sentence. Educational institutions and employers might check your record before hiring you or admitting you to school. Even if you get a job or enroll, you may miss out on promotions or scholarship...
You have a right to privacy in your own home, but law enforcement officers who want to investigate you may not respect that right. Although you have refused to let them into your house, they may not stop trying to find evidence or a way in without your permission. If...
When police arrest a person, it can be difficult to know what will happen next, especially if it is the person's first run-in with the law. Someone may think that being arrested will mean that he or she will have to stay in jail or already face certain consequences,...
Some individuals in Florida are offered community service as an alternative to jail time when they are not able to pay court fees. While this may be a humane alternative, court-ordered community service seems to be having an especially negative impact on low-income...
Many people end up having to defend themselves at some point in their lives. The defense may be in relation to a simple matter, such as untrue rumors or gossip, and in other cases, the situation may be more serious, such as if a person tries to attack another...
Florida residents may be interested in learning why there is an increase in arrest rates although crime rates are continuing to decline. The answer is important because when a person gets arrested and convicted, they may face challenges that impact them for the rest...