Goldman Wetzel Legal Blog

The short answer to this question, is yes; in Florida, you can be charged with a DUI even if you were sitting a parked car. This is because Florida Statute § 316.003(10) defines a driver as “any person who drives or is in actual physical control of a vehicle.” It’s the “actual physical control” bit … Read more

Your car insurance rates will likely increase after a DUI if you are convicted. Because the DUI (and points on your license) will make you a “high-risk” driver, insurers will charge you a higher premium to recoup potential future losses. National auto insurer Progressive explains, “Some insurance companies may not even insure you if you … Read more

Heroin charges can range from a third-degree felony to a first-degree capital felony in the most extreme cases. Charges largely depend on the amount in your possession, whether you were distributing or trafficking drugs (and where you were doing so), and the presence of any additional circumstances. Read on to learn more about heroin possession … Read more

The legality of carrying a gun on a college campus has been a subject of recent heated debate in Florida. In 2015, Florida Sen. Greg Evers and Rep. Greg Steube sponsored SB 68, or the Campus Carry Bill, which would allow students and visitors with concealed weapons permits to carry weapons on Florida campuses. An … Read more

Police officers may ask you to come to the police station for many reasons, even if you are not under arrest. They made need you to give your side of a story, detail an eyewitness account, or provide an alibi for someone. This may seem run of the mill; however, many people do not realize … Read more

Having marks on your criminal record can certainly have an impact when you are applying or interviewing for a new job. Employers may be less likely to hire applicants with a criminal record. However, much depends on the nature of the crime, how much time has passed since conviction, and how you present the information … Read more

When a teen is charged with a crime in Florida, the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) reviews the case and provides recommendations for rehabilitation and to prevent future delinquency. Many of these options for first-time, non-violent offenders include juvenile diversion programs in Florida. These programs are alternatives to the juvenile justice system geared toward teens … Read more

Arrest information is public record. Each county updates its records often; most arrests are added to the county’s database and available online within 24 hours of the arrest. To search arrest records, all you need is the person’s name and, if you are searching for a common name, the date of birth. How do I … Read more

If the court convicts you of a DUI, it will order you to participate in a DUI program through a provider approved by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). You will need to take one of two DUI classes: a Level 1 course for first-time offenders, or a Level 2 course … Read more

Both Pinellas and Hillsborough counties provide a couple of options for visiting a family member in jail. The hours, services, and rules vary slightly from county to county. Below are some of the basics for jail visitation in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties. For more detailed information about jail regulations contact the Sheriff’s Office; for legal … Read more

While police generally must have probable cause to pull you over, DUI checkpoints are the exception. Police have the right to stop motorists so they can identify drunk drivers. However, motorists have rights too. Below we review some of the details surrounding the Florida DUI checkpoint law and how you can protect your rights should … Read more

Florida imposes severe consequences on individuals who the state convicts of possession, distribution, and trafficking. In this article, we will familiarize you with Florida cocaine laws; penalties for possessing, distributing and trafficking cocaine; and possible defenses to the charges you face. First Things First – Get Legal Help Facing cocaine-related charges is undoubtedly a frightening … Read more

Law enforcement arrested over 40,000 people in Florida for DUI in 2014, according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving. It is important to know your rights and what to do if you get pulled over for DUI to assert your rights and reduce your risk of DUI convictions or minimize the repercussions. For legal advice or … Read more

The Florida death penalty law has recently undergone major reforms that leave matters up in the air for current inmates on Death Row. In Hurst v. Florida (March 2015), the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that certain aspects of Florida’s death penalty sentencing system were unconstitutional. As such, capital punishment in the state had been on … Read more

When an officer arrests you for DUI, you will actually have two separate and distinct cases pending against you: an administrative case and a criminal case. Each one can result in a driver’s license suspension. Below are some of the basics you should know about a DUI driver’s license suspension in Florida. How does the … Read more

Despite the ongoing grassroots and lobbyist efforts to legalize marijuana, cannabis is still a controlled substance in Florida; possession, sale, and trafficking carry penalties such as imprisonment and fines, amongst other consequences. In this article, we review Florida marijuana laws, penalties for marijuana-related charges, and the types of defenses you may use. Because convictions have … Read more