Monthly Archives: April 2019
Smart Phone Theft Carries Serious Penalties in Florida
Smart phone theft occurs quite often, but it’s been in the Florida news on two notable instances recently. In March, the Miami Herald ran a story about mixed martial arts celebrity Conor McGregor stealing a smashing the phone of a fan who was trying to get a picture. A few weeks later, the Tampa… Read More »
How Can a Protective Order Be Entered Without Notice?
If a police officer shows up at your door and hands you a packet including a Florida temporary protective order for domestic violence, you’ll probably be pretty confused over what just happened. You may wonder how any legal proceeding affecting your rights could take place without you knowing about it. A Fort Lauderdale domestic… Read More »
5 Reasons to Never Talk to Police Without Your Florida Defense Attorney Present
You may already know that you have the right to an attorney when you’re being questioned by police, but there are situations where you might think you can get away with handling the conversation yourself. Trying to represent yourself in a criminal case is such a mistake that not even experienced lawyers will do… Read More »
Restitution in Florida: Penalties Beyond Fines and Jail Time
If you’ve been convicted for a crime, you probably expect jail time, fines, probation, and other penalties – depending on the nature of the crime. One aspect of criminal punishment may come as a surprise to you, however. A judge could order you to restitution under Florida law, which is available for many different… Read More »
Questions About Discovery in a Florida Criminal Case
One pre-trial task that takes place behind the scenes of a criminal case is discovery, a process that’s covered by the Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure. In general, discovery is the exchange of information by a prosecutor and defense attorney, which takes place during the pre-trial phase and in preparation for trial. However, there’s… Read More »
How Jury Selection Works in a Florida Criminal Case
If you’re arrested on certain crimes in Florida, there’s a chance that the issue of guilt will be decided by a jury. According to the Rules of Criminal Procedure,12 individuals will act as juror in capital cases and six members sit as a jury in all other criminal cases. As such, many criminal defendants… Read More »
Three Key Points in Florida’s “First Step Act” for Criminal Justice Reform
Some aspects of the state criminal justice system may undergo considerable change if Florida lawmakers pass a key bill and the governor signs it. Fox News Channel 13 reported on the Florida First Steps Act in an article dated March 6, 2019, pointing out that the law closely mirrors a federal statute that was… Read More »
What Robert Kraft Could Face for Recent Arrest on Solicitation Charges in Florida
A Martin County, FL judge recently unsealed video evidence in a high-profile criminal case, representing the latest in the sordid saga that led to solicitation charges for New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft. According to a March 15, 2019 South Florida Sun-Sentinel article, the evidence had been seized by police in connection with their… Read More »
Top Crimes Florida Police Will Be Watching for Spring Break 2019
It’s Spring Break once again, and Miami’s CBS Channel 4 predicts another huge crowd of young people heading to South Florida to enjoy the Sunshine State’s beaches and warmer weather. As in previous years, law enforcement will be out in force to catch vacationers engaged in criminal activity. A Florida criminal defense attorney can… Read More »