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...
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...
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...
When you’ve been charged with a serious criminal offense, the future can look bleak, especially in light of the potential penalties that you could face. And as you navigate your case, you’ll have to decide whether you want to fight the charges in court or try to...
You have rights that must be protected when you come under investigation for criminal wrongdoing and are charged with a criminal offense. Although law enforcement and prosecutors are supposed to protect those rights, all too often they trample them. And if you don’t...
Readers of this blog know that we touch on many criminal law topics, and a frequent question concerns the rights of drivers during traffic stops. One such question is whether Florida police can legally take a driver’s keys during a traffic stop to prevent the driver...
The physical evidence the prosecution has mounted against you can be intimidating. But just because they have evidence doesn’t mean it’s admissible. For the prosecution to use physical evidence against you at trial, they must demonstrate that the evidence is what they...
The police and prosecutors probably need some physical evidence to charge you with criminal wrongdoing and obtain a conviction. In most instances, this evidence isn’t going to be voluntarily handed over to them, which means law enforcement must rely on a properly...
