What Life Circumstance Can Affect the Sentence Imposed in a Criminal Case?
We’ve all heard the term, “throw yourself on the mercy of the court.” What that saying is referring to are mitigating factors that the defense would present at the time of trial to support leniency in sentencing. In the 1978 decision in the case of Lockett v. Ohio, the judge ruled that courts can hear […]
Here’s What You Need to Know About Your Miranda Rights
Whether you’re a die-hard true crime fan or have only seen a few episodes of Law and Order, the following phrase is one you’re probably very familiar with: ‘You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law’. While the idea behind those […]
What Are the Penalties for DUI in Florida?
Have You or a Loved One Been Arrested for DUI? Under Florida law, driving under the influence of alcoholic beverages, chemical substances, or controlled substances, is one offense, proved by impairment of normal faculties or unlawful blood alcohol or breath alcohol level of .08 or above. What Are the Penalties for DUI in Florida? Fine […]
What Is the Misdemeanor Intervention Program?
There is a Misdemeanor Pretrial Intervention Program (MIP). The court shall dismiss the charges upon finding that the defendant has successfully completed the pretrial intervention program. In Florida, the Pretrial Intervention Programs are provided through Sections 948.08 and 948.16, Florida Statutes. Misdemeanor Pretrial Substance Abuse Intervention Program A person who is charged with a nonviolent […]
What is the Florida Criminal Appeals Process?
Occasionally, the state oversteps the line between a legal conviction and an illegal conviction. Sometimes the state or its agents: create a crime obtain statements or physical evidence illegally improperly stop a vehicle and obtain evidence based on that improper stop fail to obtain a search warrant or obtain an illegal search warrant based on […]
How Do I Get an Arrest Warrant Resolved?
Here are the basic court procedures surrounding your trial proceedings, including what to wear, how early to come to the courthouse, and what type of participation will be expected of you when in front of the judge.
What is a Fraud or Financial Crime and Do I Need an Attorney?
If you or a loved one is under investigation or have been arrested for fraud or financial crime you may need to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney. Fraud and financial crimes are a form of theft that occurs when a person takes money or property with the intent to gain a benefit from it. […]
What Is the Youthful Offender Act?
The youthful offender act was created to deal with offenders who do not belong in the juvenile justice system and should not be treated as harshly as adults in the criminal justice system. Its sort of a halfway point between the two. The youthful offender act provides sentencing alternatives to criminal penalties if the court […]
Is Federal Child Pornography A Serious Offense?
If you or a loved one have been arrested for a child pornography offense you may need a competent criminal trial attorney. Being accused of a child pornography crime can adversely affect your job, personal life, and standing in the community. If convicted of a child pornography charge you may be facing harsh penalties. It […]
Should I Hire a Violation of Probation Attorney?
If you have been accused of violating your probation you may be able to get the matter resolved without more jail time. A violation of probation occurs when a probationer willfully and substantially fails to comply with terms and conditions of his or her probation. Why Should I Contact a Violation of Probation Lawyer? The […]