Goldman Wetzel Legal Blog

It is illegal to buy a firearm for someone else, lying on federal forms and helping them avoid background checks. Both the straw purchaser and the actual buyer could face federal charges for this type of crime. The consequences of this type of felony are significant. Understanding Straw Purchases of Firearms as a Federal Offense … Read more

Florida does not have any laws that require sellers to obtain a state license or permit, but federal laws still apply. To legally import, manufacture, or deal in firearms in interstate commerce from Florida, the seller must hold a federal gun dealer’s license. Selling firearms across state lines without this type of license is a … Read more

You can lose your real estate license after an arrest. This is true even if the offense in question is unrelated to your real estate practice. Getting arrested likely will not jeopardize your license, but a conviction likely will. Committing a crime in another state does not get you off the hook, either. You have … Read more

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has strict rules in place about screening before you get on a plane and what can go in your checked baggage. If you violate these rules, you could face significant civil penalties and the possibility of criminal charges in some cases. The attorneys from Goldman Wetzel can help you understand … Read more

You can lose a medical license after an arrest; however, an arrest alone does not guarantee loss of your medical license. Conviction for a serious offense most likely does. If the court finds you guilty or if you plead guilty or no contest for certain crimes, the relevant health care board will pursue disciplinary action … Read more

An arrest or conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) can have a lasting adverse effect on your college life, finances, and job opportunities. How a DUI in college will affect you depends on your college’s policies and the specifics of your DUI case. This one single indiscretion — getting behind the wheel while intoxicated … Read more

Arrest warrants do not technically expire. While statutes of limitations do exist for crimes, police can still arrest someone past the statute’s expiration. However, if police arrested you after the statute of limitations expired, we can file a Motion to Dismiss the case. Statutes of Limitations for Criminal Offenses in Florida Per Florida Statute § … Read more

Yes, under certain circumstances, police can make an arrest without a warrant so long as they have probable cause to believe the arrestee committed an offense. There are certain exceptions to this general rule, though. Situations in Which Florida Police Can Make Warrantless Arrests Florida Statute § 901.15 lists all the situations in which officers … Read more

Yes, an arrest will show on a background check. In fact, anyone can perform a background check and obtain detailed information about your arrests, the outcome of each case, and details about the proceedings. Criminal records are public records, just like civil, bankruptcy, and traffic cases. This means anyone can view them, including potential employers, … Read more

There is a lot on the line when you are up against criminal charges. You could face imprisonment, fines, probation, and loss of civil liberties, among other penalties. The stakes are even higher when you work in certain fields as you might lose your professional license after arrest. If you have recently been accused of … Read more

Someone can be held in jail for 33 days without being charged, according to Rule 3.134 of the Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure. It is important to note that the state actually only has 30 days to charge an arrestee with a crime. If it has not filed charges by that date, it must release … Read more

The difference between being indicted and charged relies on who files the charges. “Being charged” with a crime means the prosecutor filed charges. An indictment means the grand jury filed charges against the defendant. If you or your loved one has been accused of a crime, contact the criminal attorneys at Goldman Wetzel for legal … Read more

You may have to install an ignition interlock device after a DUI, depending on the severity of the offense and whether you have prior offenses. We may be able to help you avoid having to install ignition interlock device (IID) and having to blow into it each time you drive. This may be possible by … Read more

One of the first things people who have been arrested want to know is how long they can be held in jail without seeing a judge. Florida law provides that arrestees must have their first appearance, also referred to as an “advisory,” with a judge within 24 hours following their booking. However, officers may detain … Read more

If you get arrested while on probation in Florida, the court will likely revoke your probation and you might end up back in jail. What Can I Expect If I Am Arrested While on Probation? When you get arrested while on probation, your probation officer will file an affidavit with the court that details the reasons … Read more

With the recent legalization of medical marijuana and the ongoing process of decriminalization of recreational marijuana in Florida, many people are curious about what is and is not legal. State laws for marijuana are in reform, so it is important for Floridians to stay privy to new legislation to stay out of hot water. One thing … Read more

In most cases in Florida, domestic battery is not a felony. Simple domestic battery is a first-degree misdemeanor. While you might think a misdemeanor is no big deal, the charges, social stigma, and associated penalties you face are no joke. If you have been arrested or are currently facing domestic battery charges, consult with the … Read more

In Florida, aggravating circumstances are factors that increase the gravity or severity of a crime. Depending on the offense and the individual accused of committing the crime, aggravating circumstances may include: The defendant’s prior criminal record The way in which the defendant committed the offense A lack of remorse The location of the offense The … Read more

Knowing what to do if you were falsely accused of domestic violence in Florida can mean the difference between facing jail time or planning for a happy, free future. If another person has falsely accused you of domestic violence, make sure you do the following: Stay calm. Contact a St. Petersburg domestic violence attorney. Avoid contact … Read more

You can get domestic battery charges dropped; however, it can be very difficult and your options depend on the circumstances of your case. The attorneys at Goldman Wetzel will investigate your arrest and determine the best approach to getting the state to drop your charges. And because our attorneys work together on every case, we … Read more

The best DUI defense strategy for you depends on the specific circumstances of your case. Call our determined DUI defense attorneys at Goldman Wetzel to discuss your case today. With a strong defense, we can work to have your case dropped before the state even files charges, get your charges and penalties reduced, or even … Read more

When facing charges, having the right criminal defense lawyer on your side can greatly affect the outcome of your case. Your legal team will serve as your advocate, your counselor, and your voice in the criminal justice system. Of course, no one can predict the outcome of a case, but having the best criminal defense … Read more

Gun trafficking laws are a topic of ongoing debate amongst legislators, lobbyists, and the public. Some believe our nation’s gun laws are too sparse or lenient, while others vouch for the opposite. Currently, gun trafficking is not a federal crime; however, federal statutes do prohibit other gun-related activities, e.g., straw purchasing, that can warrant felony … Read more

Probation is a common alternative punishment to imprisonment. In March 2017, there were over 136,000 people serving probation time in Florida, according to the Florida Department of Corrections (DOC). Probation works by allowing defendants to retain many of their freedoms, as long as they meet strict conditions mandated by the court. Probation involves court-ordered formal … Read more

All defendants convicted of a DUI in Florida must complete a DUI course from a provider approved by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). The court will order you to take one of two DUI school programs: Level I for first-time offenders or Level II for offenders with multiple DUIs. The … Read more

After Governor Rick Scott changed the regulations regarding the death penalty last March, the Supreme Court of Florida was faced with the task of amending both its process for capital cases and its death penalty jury instructions. The amendments include a form that guides jurors through the process of making a sentencing decision in capital … Read more

If you have been arrested for domestic violence (DV), you need to know what happens next. You will need to appear before a judge before posting bond and ready yourself to go through the criminal court proceedings. Below, we provide a broad overview of what happens after you have been arrested for DV. The penalties … Read more

On May 22, the Supreme Court of United States (SCOTUS) refused Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi’s petition for a writ of certiorari in Florida v. Hurst. The SCOTUS refusal left intact a Florida Supreme Court ruling in the case that made it unconstitutional for a judge to impose the death penalty unless jurors unanimously recommended … Read more

The difference between murder and manslaughter is simpler than it seems. Manslaughter refers to the act of taking someone’s life unjustly, but without forethought. Manslaughter may be voluntary or involuntary, but it lacks premeditation. Murder, on the other hand, is the act of taking someone’s life intentionally after having planned the killing. They are both … Read more

Pointing a gun at someone is a felony crime in Florida, punishable by imprisonment and fines. If you are undocumented or on a visitor visa and you are convicted, you can also be deported. And it makes no difference whether the gun you pointed was loaded. It is aggravated assault either way. If you have … Read more

While Florida Statutes do not differentiate between involuntary and voluntary manslaughter, the circumstances of the case can certainly influence the judge’s decision and sentencing. Even though they might seem to be similar concepts, there are some key differences between voluntary and involuntary manslaughter.  In Florida, the difference between voluntary and involuntary manslaughter revolves around intent. … Read more

Yes, drug trafficking is a federal offense, punishable by fines and time in a federal prison. However, most drug cases are tried on a state level and local law enforcement agencies are typically the ones that make drug arrests. Whether the drug trafficking case will travel through the federal or state system is a significant … Read more

A judge drafts an administrative order to ensure proper administration of the court’s affairs. In 2016, the Sixth Judicial Court (Pinellas County) issued 85 administrative orders. One of these orders dealt with the handling of criminal case files. In April 2016, Chief Judge Anthony Rondolino signed Administrative Order Number 2016-019 PI-CIR, which sets forth rules … Read more

When you are charged with a crime, your prior criminal record comes into play and may affect the outcome your case. If the federal court deems you a “career offender,” the penalties you face in your current case could be much higher. Below, we explain who the government considers career offenders and how the classification … Read more

Chief Judge Anthony Rondolino signed Administrative Order 2016-016 PI-CIR in March of 2016 to address the assignment of traffic court cases in Pinellas County. To provide a more even distribution of traffic cases between the South County Traffic Facility and the North County Traffic Facility, and to minimize officers’ time spent in court, Judge Rondolino’s … Read more

Battery on a law enforcement officer is a felony crime in Florida, punishable by fines and imprisonment. The offense encompasses more than just striking. It can include essentially any aggressive physical contact with an officer. It is a harshly prosecuted offense, even for first-time offenders. However, there are several viable defenses that have proven effective … Read more

In March 2016, Chief Judge Anthony Rondolino signed an administrative order that expanded the Sixth Judicial Circuit Adult Drug Treatment Court to include additional offenders. The order established the protocols for identifying the which defendants the expanded adult drug court, referred to as section Z, would serve. Prior to the expansion, only defendants with sentences … Read more

Thousands of Spring Breakers flock to Sarasota County each year to play in the powdery white sand, take in the salt life culture, and hit the party scene. And given the number of craft beer breweries and plethora of pubs in the area — and the fact that you can drink on the beach — … Read more

State and federal laws classify all controlled substances into five different “schedules” of drugs. Legislatures consider three aspects of each substance when determining the schedule in which to place it: Whether the drug has a currently accepted medical use; Its relative abuse potential; and The likelihood of causing dependence when abused. Florida’s drug schedules, found … Read more

In Florida, a DUI conviction stays on your record indefinitely. Having this mar on your record can affect you years down the road. It can thwart your career, hurt you in family court cases, and increase your auto insurance premiums. This is why it is so important to hire a defense lawyer to fight your … Read more

Many people use steroids on a short-term basis for performance enhancement, hormone depletion, and anti-aging measures. In fact, in the sports, bodybuilding, and anti-aging communities, steroids are quietly and widely accepted. Nevertheless, steroids are still a controlled substance and strictly prohibited without a valid prescription. Sale and possession of anabolic steroids is a federal and … Read more

The Florida Senate Criminal Justice Committee voted unanimously in support of a bill ending some mandatory minimum sentences on Tuesday. According to reports from the Tampa Bay Times, the lawmakers who support the bill believe it could save the state millions of dollars each year. It currently costs Florida taxpayers nearly $20,000 a year to … Read more

The Community Control supervision program, commonly referred to as “house arrest,” is a type of diversion program used as an alternative to imprisonment for eligible offenders. House arrest in Florida is by no means a way for offenders to “get off easy,” but rather a way for them to receive their punishment and work towards … Read more