Under Florida law, certain offenses may be prosecuted as either misdemeanors or felonies depending on the circumstances. Factors such as the severity of the conduct, prior convictions and the identity of the victim can influence how a charge is classified. The type...
Being accused of drunk driving may not feel like a major criminal allegation on the surface; however, the details surrounding the charge, the driver’s past DUI convictions and other factors related to the traffic crime could cause the driver to face felony charges. In...
The only knowledge most people have of white-collar crimes comes from movies and television shows. While these may depict some of the process and procedures related to these crimes, they do not capture the entirety of an arrest and investigation of a white-collar...
As a recent federal case out of the Southern District of Florida shows, when the stakes are high enough, what amounts to theft from retail stores can expose the accused to years in federal prison. In the recent federal case, federal prosecutors accused a noted singer...
Navigating the complexities of the criminal justice system can be daunting for Florida residents, especially for those currently on probation or parole. The stakes are incredibly high, as any misstep could result in serious consequences, including incarceration. As...
Like many other states, Florida has criminal laws on the books designed to protect the elderly and the disabled from getting swindled. The need for these laws is clear. Senior citizens and disabled adults are in a vulnerable position. Unscrupulous people can gain...
When you take your criminal case to trial, you have a choice between a jury trial or a bench trial. In a bench trial, the judge hears all the evidence and renders a determination as to your guilt. In a jury trial, a jury of your peers will decide your fate. If you...
As your criminal case unfolds, the prosecution is going to confidently present its evidence as if its failproof. But the reality is that the police make mistakes all the time that can blow a hole in the prosecution’s case. It’s up to you to find those errors and...
Federal crimes involve offenses that fall under the jurisdiction of the U.S. government. Typically, federal jurisdiction applies when the accused crosses state lines, or the alleged crime involves some national interest. In Fort Lauderdale, awareness of how these...
When you are facing criminal charges in Florida, the prosecution will likely attempt to negotiate a plea bargain with you. A plea bargain is an agreement between you and the prosecution. The plea agreement generally involves you pleading guilty to the crime in...
