Category Archives: Criminal Defense
Resisting an Officer Without Violence in Florida
You’ve probably heard the term “resisting arrest” on many occasions, especially on TV or in the movies. Usually, a police officer is depicted as trying to arrest someone and the person shouts obscenities, refuses to get out of their car, refuses to be detained, or runs away from the cop. Once the officer catches… Read More »
Can I Travel Abroad with a Felony Record?
If you’re a U.S. citizen who was convicted of a felony in the past, you may be wondering if you can travel abroad with a felony on your record. This is a very good question and one that should be answered before you book your big trip. For starters, let’s discuss U.S. passports. Generally,… Read More »
COVID-19 Lockdown Could Lead to More Divorces
Ever since the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that the COVID-19 outbreak is a pandemic on March 11, 2020, the United States and many countries throughout the world have issued “stay-at-home” orders to have people isolate themselves at home in order to “flatten the curve.” Although being at home with a spouse all day… Read More »
Will My Case Go to Trial?
If you’re facing criminal charges for the first time, you probably have a lot of questions going through your mind right now. Will you be found guilty? Will you be incarcerated? How much will the fines be? Will you lose your job? And, will your case go to trial? For the purposes of this… Read More »
Can “Stand Your Ground” Always Be Used as a Defense?
Generally, Florida’s “stand your ground” law protects people from facing criminal charges if they use or threaten to use force against a person who unlawfully places them at risk of harm. The defender’s actions must be equal to those of the assailant. That means if Bill punches Tom, Tom can push or threaten to… Read More »
Failure to Stop for a Police Officer Could Lead to a Felony Charge
Seeing the red and blue lights of a police vehicle behind you could be anxiety-inducing. Receiving a citation could mean paying a hefty fine, having a point placed on your license, or any number of negative consequences. Paralyzed by the fear of a run-in with the law, you may not know what to do…. Read More »
What Is an Automatic Stay and Can it Be Lifted?
The moment a person files for bankruptcy, the court will issue an order for an automatic stay. This document allows the debtor relief, as it is a legal mandate that prohibits creditors from continuing to collect on unpaid debts and stops civil lawsuits. It is valid as long as the bankruptcy is in process… Read More »
What Are Florida’s Peeping Tom Laws?
A Peeping Tom is a person who watches another individual without their consent or knowledge. In Florida, engaging in such behavior is a chargeable offense and a conviction could result in jail or prison time and fines. Peeping Tom offenses are governed by Florida’s statute on burglary and trespassing. Voyeurism Under Statute 810.14, observing… Read More »
Florida’s Laws Against Tampering with Evidence
In a criminal trial, the prosecutor presents documents, records, statements, and other objects as evidence to build their case against a defendant. Because of this, a person can face severe penalties if they destroy anything that could potentially be submitted during the trial. Destroying or Altering Physical Evidence Florida Statute 918.13 prohibits tampering with… Read More »
Sex Offender Registry Requirements for Out-of-State Individuals
In Florida, many sex crime offenses require that a convicted individual register for life on the National Sex Offender Registry. The registration requirements apply to current residents and out-of-state visitors. Under Statute 943.0435, anyone required to register as a sex offender in another state who plans to reside in Florida on a permanent, temporary,… Read More »
