As many people are aware, the U.S. Constitution imposes limits on the power of law enforcement to search property. A police officer requires a warrant or probable cause in order to conduct a search. However, sometimes an officer might claim a rationale to search a car...
Criminal Defense
An overview of Florida’s hazing laws
You are now on your own and off to college. Do you party or do you study? Have your new friends asked you to go along with them as they play pranks and embarrass other students? You may realize that joining your friends in hazing someone is not as much fun as you...
Charges a child could face by bringing a weapon to school
A child could face a serious felony charge if found on or near educational property with any weapon, whether concealed or open. Possessing a firearm, sword, knife or any type of a device capable of causing harm classifies as grounds for a third-degree felony offense. ...
Defense of others is a valid assault and battery defense
Most people are aware that acting in self-defense is a valid defense strategy for assault and battery. What you may not know, however, is that defense may also be valid if you are acting in defense of others. We understand how assault and battery laws work and have...
When less is more: exercising your right to remain silent
“You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.” You’ve seen enough movies and television shows to know your Miranda rights before they’re even read to you. But have you ever stopped to consider what the right...
Manslaughter by the numbers: voluntary vs involuntary
Any case that involves a death requires patience and diligence to unravel. Intent and methods can be the difference between murder and manslaughter. But even in the case of manslaughter, degrees of negligence and reckless behavior can tip the needle. As the Florida...
What’s the difference between embezzlement and theft?
You have access to your business’s petty cash fund. You give into the temptation to take some bills off of the top for your own personal use. Eventually, someone notices that money is missing, and you are charged with embezzlement. Why isn’t this considered theft?...
What happens if you violate probation?
Probation is a service that you may be eligible for after committing a crime. Rather than facing jail time or other harsh penalties, probation serves to correct offenders' behaviors and prevent them from committing the crime again.Types of probationThe probation...
Even nonviolent offenses can lead to prison time
Sometimes, people in Florida and elsewhere do things without realizing that their actions could be deemed unlawful. One such case recently led to a judge sending a 39-year-old man to jail for contempt of court. The man has now filed an appeal, claiming his public...
Fraud allegations lead to investigation of roofing company
Individuals and business owners in Florida who learn that they are being investigated might be unsure of how to proceed without jeopardizing their rights. A judgment error or being misled by another person might lead to allegations of fraud. The circumstances could...