Category Archives: Criminal
Types of Evidence That Should Be Excluded from a Florida Criminal Case
Evidence is the focal point of any Florida criminal matter, whether it is in the form of witness testimony, a document, electronic information, or any other item that serves to prove or disprove a fact at issue in the case. If you are facing charges, you naturally want evidence in your favor to be… Read More »
Can I be Arrested for Not Paying Florida Child Support?
All parents have both rights and responsibilities with regards to their minor children, regardless of whether the relationship is over or they do not live together. One key obligation is payment of child support, usually by the nonresidential parent to the other for the child’s needs. Whether a child support order was entered in… Read More »
Types of Sentencing in Florida Criminal Cases
After a defendant is convicted or pleads guilty in a criminal case, the matter proceeds to the sentencing phase so the judge can determine the appropriate punishment for the crime. This part of the process may take place immediately after a conviction, or the court may set a future date to conduct a hearing… Read More »
Three Types of Encounters with Police and How They Affect Your Rights
You probably have concerns any time you are stopped or approached by police, but you may not realize that there are different types of encounters with law enforcement that affect your rights. The specifics are grounded in the Bill of Rights to the US Constitution, which are mirrored in the Florida Declaration of Rights:… Read More »
Familial DNA Leads to Florida Man’s Arrest 35 Years After Alleged Murder
TV crime shows often feature real life stories about cold cases solved years later after DNA evidence matches the killer to a victim, and a recent one just hit the headlines in South Florida. West Palm Beach CBS affiliate News Channel 12 reported on the arrest of a Florida man suspected in the rape… Read More »
The Role of Police Body Cam Footage in a Florida Criminal Case
Video has always been an important form of proof in a criminal case, but footage was not as readily available in the past as it is now in the cell phone age. As the technology enables them to be smaller, more efficient, and reasonably priced, body cams are increasingly standard issue for law enforcement… Read More »
Harsh Penalties for Violating Pretrial Release Conditions in Florida
Being arrested is just the first stage of a criminal process that can take some time, which is why you will seek to be free and get back to your daily routine until your trial date. Fortunately, Florida’s statute on pretrial release provides that you can be out of police custody by posting a… Read More »
What Happens if I’m Classified as a Habitual Traffic Offender in Florida?
Driving is a privilege that many Floridians enjoy, but it is important to remember that it is just that. You have no right to drive, so officials can suspend or revoke your license for various reasons. One basis for taking away your driving privileges is if you gain status as a Florida habitual traffic… Read More »
What are Sentencing Enhancements in Florida Criminal Cases?
As part of their efforts to crack down on certain offenders, Florida lawmakers have established a system of sentencing enhancements that impose stiffer penalties, mandatory minimum prison terms, or both. For repeat offenders convicted for designated crimes, Florida’s statute on enhancements can double or triple the amount of prison time, potentially even leading to… Read More »
Obstruction of Justice Charges in Florida
There are many different kinds of acts that you may be surprised are criminal under Florida law, since they do not involve property crimes or offenses against other individuals – at least not directly. However, there is an entire body of laws under Florida’s obstructing justice statute that criminalize a wide array of actions…. Read More »