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  • Administrative Order Concerning Community Control/Felony Probation Violation in Pinellas County

    When you face charges for a community control (i.e., house arrest) or felony probation violation, your probation officer or any other law enforcement officer can arrest you without a warrant on the spot, as per Florida Statute § 948.06(1)(a). He can also instead ask the court to set a court date...

  • What does it mean to provide “substantial assistance” in my drug case?

    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 criminal history, and the presence of any aggravating factors. The...

  • Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties “Outliers” in Use of Death Penalty

    A new report from Harvard University’s Fair Punishment Project lists Pinellas and Hillsborough counties among the top 16 in the U.S. in death penalty sentences. Two other Florida counties, Miami-Dade and Duval, also made the list. The report tracked criminal convictions from 2010 to 2015. During that time span, each of...

  • Florida DUI Checkpoint Law – What All Drivers Need to Know

    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...

  • DUI Driver’s License Suspension in Florida: Your License Could Be Suspended Twice

    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...

  • Stalking Laws in Florida: Definitions, Charges & Sentences
    Stalking Laws in Florida: Definitions, Charges & Sentences

    While it may seem that you are not breaking the law when following or harassing a person, stalking is a criminal offense in Florida. And as such, this activity can have severe consequences. Given that this term may be overused, you may wonder what constitutes stalking in Florida.  According to Florida...

  • Withhold Adjudication in Florida: Definition & Laws
    Withhold Adjudication in Florida: Definition & Laws

    If you are found guilty of a crime, the judge may decide to convict you or withhold the adjudication of guilt. These legal terms can be very confusing for people that are not familiar with the law. As a result, people often want to know what adjudication withheld is in Florida. In...

  • Felon in Possession of Firearm in Florida: Charges & Penalties
    Felon in Possession of Firearm in Florida: Charges & Penalties

    A felony conviction can result in long periods of imprisonment and hefty fines. But, even after they served their time, felons must face additional restrictions, such as losing their right to own a gun. If you were convicted of a felony and found in possession or control of a weapon,...

  • Self-Defense & Stand Your Ground Laws in Florida
    Self-Defense & Stand Your Ground Laws in Florida

    From time to time, people may find themselves in a risky situation where they need to defend themselves or others. Stand your ground laws in Florida justify using force to respond to an imminent threat. Floridians are legally allowed to exercise their right to self-defense when they find themselves in...

  • TSA Civil Penalties

    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...