Shoplifting in Florida is referred to as “retail theft.” According to Florida criminal statutes, retail theft occurs when a person, “unlawfully takes goods from a merchant or store with the intent to either temporarily or permanently deprive the owner of the property from realizing a monetary benefit,” from its sale. If you are arrested for … Read more
In Florida, child pornography charges can have long-term repercussions that can negatively impact both your professional and personal life. Due to the severity of these offenses, charges carry severe punishments that include imprisonment and fines. If you are facing charges, consider enlisting the help of a Florida child pornography lawyer. Crimes against children are harshly … Read more
Both Florida and federal laws strictly prohibit money laundering, and harshly penalize organizations and individuals for participating in any behavior that the laws consider laundering. If you believe you are under investigation or officers have already arrested you for this crime, speak to a St. Petersburg money laundering lawyer at Goldman Wetzel today. How Does … Read more
Compared to other sex crimes, a charge of indecent exposure in Florida might not seem very serious. Nevertheless, if the prosecution finds enough evidence to convict you, your charges can result in a permanent criminal record, incarceration, and fines. In some cases, a charge of indecent exposure might be the result of a prank, a wardrobe … Read more
Florida does not have a specific statute addressing embezzlement. Rather, the state categorizes and punishes embezzlement under Florida Statute § 812.014, the section that details theft crimes. Because embezzlement convictions usually mean prison time and large fines (and potentially the end of your career and your reputation), it is essential to contact an St. Petersburg … Read more
Florida child abuse laws aim to protect children from serious harm, but unfortunately many abuse allegations are unfounded or exaggerated. Given the sensitive nature of these cases, child neglect and child abuse are felony offenses whose conviction can result in severe punishments. Hence, you might need the help of an experienced Florida child abuse lawyer. … Read more
Kidnapping charges should not be taken lightly, as they can result in serious penalties. These charge can also impact your work, family, and living situation. When you face these type of legal charges, you should contact a St. Petersburg kidnapping lawyer to help defend your case and get your charges mitigated or dropped. Connect with … Read more
Due to its characteristics, Florida classifies robbery as a violent crime. Since this offense implies the use or threat of violence to another person, the state takes the prosecution of these crimes very seriously. As a result, a conviction for this crime leads to severe consequences, which is why you should retain the help of … Read more
When an argument or dispute spirals out of control and results in violence or threats, one or both parties involved might be arrested for assault and battery. Given their violent nature, a conviction for assault and battery in Florida leads to a permanent criminal record, fines and imprisonment. In order to avoid these consequences, consider … Read more
To respect people’s right to protect themselves, Florida does not prohibit the use of certain weapons. As a result, if you meet certain requirements, you are allowed to possess a gun. But, since these are self-defense tools there are some regulations by which you need to abide. If you violate some of the laws, you might … Read more
People accused of trying to influence public servants illegally by offering money or some other benefit, along with elected officials or government employees who agree to accept money or under-the-table benefits in exchange for some type of favorable action, can face bribery charges [Fla. Stat. § 838.015]. Viewed as a white-collar crime, bribery is a … Read more
The law stipulates that someone commits forgery when he “falsely makes, alters, forges, or counterfeits” a legal document, public record, check, or other important document or record with the purpose of defrauding or causing injury. Forgery is a serious type of theft crime in the state of Florida, punishable by up to five years in … Read more
With the increase in telephone scams in recent years, the federal government and state authorities have cracked down hard on telemarketing fraud schemes. If your company is under investigation for telephone fraud or you are facing charges, seek out a skilled fraud attorney as soon as possible. For help from a St. Petersburg, telemarketing fraud … Read more
Like many white-collar crimes, wire fraud is a severe criminal offense that can result in federal or state charges. Given that this crime carries harsh penalties, it is important to understand the characteristics and definition of wire fraud. Both federal and state law define wire fraud as the offense of using an electronic device or … Read more
A securities fraud charge is a serious, potentially life- and career-altering ordeal for any executive or investor. Because the financial market is highly regulated and the definition of securities fraud is so broad, a professional might find himself in hot water under many different circumstances. Securities fraud is a felony offense with harsh penalties. A … Read more
When found guilty of certain crimes, offenders might be sentenced to probation. Although many times this prevents them from imprisonment, people still need to comply with strict conditions and requirements. If you do not follow these terms, you might be charged with a violation of probation. In the criminal justice system, probation is considered a privilege … Read more
Facing charges of immigration fraud is a frightening experience because the penalties you may face if convicted are so great. Immigration fraud, crimes for which the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has very little tolerance, comes in many forms. So if you have been charged, hire a St. Petersburg immigration fraud lawyer at Goldman … Read more
Insurance fraud, according to Florida Statute § 817.234, is a serious crime in this state, as it is throughout the U.S. It is defined in the statute as “an action a person takes with the intent to fraudulently obtain payment from an insurance company or insurer.” The state will pursue fraudulent claims, so it is … Read more
Like adults, youths can make the mistake of breaking the law which can result in a criminal record and penalties. In Florida, most juvenile cases are not treated the same way as adult crimes. Nevertheless, when accused of a delinquent act, a youth has the right to have criminal defense attorneys on his or her … Read more
In Florida, most crimes are prosecuted under the state laws. However, due to their characteristics, certain offenses can be classified as federal crimes. Federal offenses are pursued in federal court with the cooperation of federal law enforcement agencies. As a result, facing criminal federal charges can result in harsher penalties than a state crime. These crimes … Read more
The Goldman Wetzel criminal defense law firm handles many fraud crime cases in the St. Petersburg. We understand the fear and emotional stresses that accompany fraud and white-collar crime charges. If you are facing fraud charges in or near the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metro area, you need a criminal defense attorney who understands the local and … Read more
Florida misdemeanors are considered to be less serious crimes. While they may not be as severe as a felony, a misdemeanor charge can still result in incarceration, expensive fines, and a permanent criminal record without a proper defense. If you are facing charges, you should seek advice from a Florida felony lawyer near you. In the … Read more
Florida law lists several types of credit card fraud in Fla. Stat. §§ 817.57 – 817.685 (known as the State Credit Card Crime Act) including fraudulent use of a credit card, stealing credit cards, using an expired credit card, and much more. And those alleged to have committed credit card crimes might face other charges … Read more
Mortgage fraud – a white-collar crime that either lenders or borrowers can commit – is a felony offense punishable by imprisonment. And it is quite commonplace in Florida. If you are facing such charges, call a St. Petersburg mortgage fraud lawyer at Goldman Wetzel for help. Our hard-working fraud attorneys can help craft the best … Read more
Felonies are the most severe crimes that a person can be charged with. A conviction for these charges can result in hefty fines, long-term prison sentences, or the death penalty in murder cases. As a result, if you are facing felony charges in Florida, you should contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. … Read more
Tax fraud is a serious criminal offense punishable by imprisonment and steep fines. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) does not take kindly or go easy on those who try to sidestep the system, so the penalties for tax fraud convictions are harsh. If the IRS is investigating or you are already facing charges, seek a … Read more
Drug crimes is a broad term that encompasses offenses including and related to the illegal possession, sale, manufacture or trafficking of a controlled substance. A conviction for a drug offense comes with hefty fines, jail or prison sentence and, in many cases, the loss of some of your civil rights. So, if you are fighting … Read more
As its name suggests, violent crimes are offenses that involve a violent act or the threat of committing violence against another person. Given that these actions represent a risk for people’s welfare, violent crimes are associated with hefty penalties. Therefore, if you are facing charges, you should enlist the assistance of a Florida violent crimes … Read more
Being accused of theft in Florida can not only damage your personal and professional reputation, but if you are convicted, it also means fines, imprisonment, and restitution. Given that these offenses are severely punished, you might want to consider retaining a skilled Sarasota theft lawyer. Facing a criminal charge or an arrest can be very … Read more
In fact, most of these offenses are classified as felonies. This means that if you have been charged with a violent crime and found guilty, you will face fines, imprisonment and the potential loss of some of your civil rights. Given that a conviction for a violent crime leads to severe punishments that can change … Read more
“Violent crimes” refer to offenses that involve force, violence, or the threat of force or violence. It is a broad term that refers to various offenses spanning from aggravated assault to murder. Because of the sensitive nature of cases involving harm, Florida imposes the harshest of penalties on defendants convicted of violent crimes. If you … Read more
Pinellas County does not take drug charges lightly. Depending on the severity of the offense, a drug charge may lead you to face fines, probation and even prison time. If you’re facing a drug related allegation, your future will be at stake and you may need the help of a criminal defense attorney. The consequences … Read more
Drug crimes are common in Florida — and some of the most harshly prosecuted. Florida invests substantial resources and manpower into fighting drug crimes and putting violators behind bars. Most drug-related offenses result in imprisonment, fines, and other penalties if convicted. Moreover, certain cases mandate a minimum prison sentence. However, being accused of a drug … Read more
Florida laws have low tolerance for drug offenses. Hence, these types of crimes can result in a harsh prosecution and if you do not have a strong defense, a drug-related crime accusation could end in a negative outcome. In order to prevent this, you should have a skilled criminal defense attorney fighting for you. Drug … Read more
In a broad definition, a theft crime consists of knowingly and intentionally stealing or taking a person’s property without their permission. The punishments for these unlawful acts depend upon the amount and the value of the property stolen. As a result, if you have been accused of stealing, you should consult a St. Petersburg theft … Read more
There are different types of drug-related offenses in Florida and drug trafficking is the most serious of all. In order to fight drugs, the state harshly prosecutes drug traffickers. Thus, this offense carries severe penalties if the offender is found guilty. Due to the severity of these charges, it is important to understand what drug … Read more
In Florida, theft crimes is a broad term that covers a wide range of offenses. As a result, the penalties for a theft charge vary depending upon the severity of the offense. Nevertheless, being convicted for these crimes can result in imprisonment, fines and other severe penalties. If you have been accused of a larceny … Read more
Florida has a very low tolerance for drug-related crimes. Thus, facing a drug possession conviction might carry severe fines, imprisonment and even the loss of some civil liberties. Given the impact that these charges can have on your life, it is important to understand what drug possession is in Florida. In Florida, drug possession is … Read more
Even though they might not seem severe, DUI charges in Florida can result in long and serious consequences that can affect your life and your civil rights. As a result, if you were arrested for driving under the influence, you should seek the counsel of an experienced Tampa DUI lawyer. For some people, driving after … Read more
In Florida, there are numerous crimes that can be classified as larceny of theft. In broad definition, a larceny offense is the illegal act of taking or attempting to steal someone’s personal property. Being accused of larceny could result in criminal charges, a conviction and a civil suit to pay restitution for the stolen assets. … Read more
DUI offenses are very common as oftentimes people feel that they are able to drive safely. However, if your blood or breath alcohol level surpasses certain limits, Florida law will not see your situation the same way and you might be charged for driving under the influence. Given that these offenses can carry severe sentences, … Read more
A conviction for a sex offense will stay with you for the rest of your life. As frightening and uncomfortable as facing these charges might sound, you may have no choice but to fight the allegations. If you’re facing sex offense charges, it’s important that you consider seeking the help of a Pinellas County sex … Read more
Larceny offenses encompass a wide range of crimes such as petty theft, grand theft, robbery, and burglary. Overall, these offenses are classified based on the value of the stolen property. For example, grand theft in Florida consists of stealing property whose value exceeds $750 or $300 if the property was owned by law enforcement or … Read more
Goldman Wetzel is a Florida criminal defense law firm serving clients in Manatee and Sarasota Counties with an office conveniently located in Bradenton, FL. Given that they imply the use of force or intimidation against another person, in Florida, domestic violence charges are taken very seriously. Since these cases are harshly prosecuted, if a family … Read more
In Florida, sealing or expunging your record can effectively remove an arrest, charge or deposition from your criminal history and help avoid future problems in your personal and professional life. However, in order to be eligible for these processes, there are certain requirements that people need to meet. The Pinellas County sealing and expungement lawyers … Read more
Florida officials have little tolerance for domestic violence offenses, and the court imposes harsh penalties (including a mandatory minimum jail sentence) on defendants convicted of domestic violence-related crimes. Moreover, because Florida subscribes to a very broad definition of domestic violence, a large number of offenses fall under that umbrella. Defendants facing offenses categorized as domestic … Read more
A person accused of domestic violence can face severe penalties that might result in the loss of their freedom, parental rights and more. If you are facing criminal charges, a Tampa domestic violence lawyer will protect your rights in court. Facing domestic violence charges can be a nerve-racking and overwhelming experience, especially, if you do … Read more
In Florida, criminal records are public. This means that anyone can run a background check and see if a person has a criminal history. Since this sensitive information can be detrimental to your opportunities in life, you might be able to apply to seal or expunge your record. But what does it mean to seal … Read more
Restraining orders, formerly known in Florida as injunctions for protection, are binding court orders that forbid someone to contact or come near a person. The purpose of these legal documents is to protect victims of violence. In order to get a restraining order, both parties must attend a hearing and explain the reason and situation … Read more
Defense for Drug Manufacturing Charges in St. Petersburg Drug manufacturing or cultivation in Florida are complicated drug crimes that do not have their own statutes. Rather, they are added to drug possession offenses, which also include intent to sell and distribute. Depending on the nature of the case, drug manufacturing charges in St. Petersburg can be federal … Read more