Many domestic violence cases involve no-contact orders or restraining orders which prevent the defendant from making contact or approaching the alleged victim. In some instances, the court issues a no-contact order because of the facts surrounding the case. In other...
Over 31,700 drivers were arrested in Florida for DUI in 2015, reports MADD. There were over 26,200 convictions, which can mean serving jail time and/or probation, paying large fines, doing community service, losing driving privileges, amongst other penalties. If you...
Since its inception in 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force (MFSF) has cracked down on Medicare Fraud. Two of the nine national MFSF operating centers are in Florida, including one in Tampa. To date, over 2,100 people have been indicted for some type of Medicare...
Crack cocaine, or crack, is a free base form of cocaine that is highly addictive. While chemically similar to cocaine, crack has a different formulation and results in a different effect or “high.” Many states have stiffer penalties for crack possession than for...
As we begin 2017, some new laws go into effect in Florida after Governor Rick Scott signed them into law last year. One of these laws aims to curb drug abuse by minors by restricting minors from purchasing cough syrups. SB 938 Prevents Minors from Buying Certain Cough...
Synthetic drugs have become quite popular in Florida in the past few years. Two of the most common are alpha-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (PVP), and methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV). PVP goes by the street name “flakka;” MDPV goes by “bath salts.” Both drugs cause...
In drug cases, judges usually sentence a convicted felon to certain punishments based on the Florida’s Criminal Punishment Code. Penalties are contingent upon the severity of the crime, which schedule the drug belongs to, the amount in question, the defendant’s...
Yes, if you were arrested but not charged, it will appear on your criminal record. Having any mars on your record — even arrests for crimes you did not commit — can pose a hurdle for you. You might want to consider having your records expunged or sealed, if possible....
The double jeopardy clause, provided in both federal and state statutes, protects defendants from being punished twice for the same crime. It is a constitutional right. Used in appropriate cases, double jeopardy can be an effective procedural defense. If you are being...
The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects people from unreasonable searches by law enforcement. Whether police obtained evidence via an illegal search and seizure are one of the most important considerations in any criminal case. When police officers...