If you were asked to draw a criminal, what would you draw? Probably you would sketch someone pointing a gun at another person or climbing in through the window of a house to steal something. You probably would not draw someone sitting at a desk using a computer. Yet...
Criminal Defense
What is possession with intent under Florida drug laws?
Drug possession charges in Florida can lead to jail time and big fines, in addition to lasting limitations on your future opportunities. The amount of drugs allegedly in your possession and the classification of the drug will influence what penalties you face. There...
Do you have to let the police search your vehicle during traffic stops?
Many people do their best to comply with police requests during traffic stops. They believe that cooperating with law enforcement officers will result in a more favorable outcome. In many cases, the opposite is actually true. Obviously, disrespecting or threatening...
An expungement could help you seal your record
If you have faced charges or a conviction in the past, you may think that the crimes committed will follow you forever. They certainly can be problematic, because these records, no matter how old, can impact your ability to get a job, go to school with student aid or...
Can you still get into serious trouble over marijuana in Florida?
Unfortunately, the state of Florida remains steadfast in its stance against using and possessing cannabis in any form. The only possible exception is if a licensed physician recommends that you use marijuana for medical reasons. Until the state catches up with other...
2 forms of shoplifting that don’t involve running from the store
Florida shoplifting offenses often involving juveniles and impulsive crimes. When a teenager steals a small item they want but can't or don't wish to pay for, they stick it in their pocket, inside their purse or up their shirt before exiting the store as quickly as...
Do your Fifth Amendment rights apply if you’re facing charges?
The Bill of Rights extends many protections to those accused of criminal offenses. Each amendment extends certain rights that neither state nor federal laws can limit. The Fourth Amendment protects you against police misconduct that leads to unreasonable searches....
Can police use any evidence they collected illegally?
You get arrested when the police enter your home and find a bag of illegal drugs in your bedroom. They consider it an open-and-shut case. The drugs were obviously at your house, you were there at the time, your fingerprints are on the case where the bag was found and...
How do grand juries work?
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...
Is drug court an option after an arrest for possession?
Getting arrested for drug possession will mean going to court, risking incarceration and paying costly fines. Even those who avoid incarceration will likely face probation and will have to deal with a criminal record for the rest of their lives. Fighting back against...
