There’s a school of thought that believes smiling in your mugshot following a criminal arrest is a good idea. Public officials charged with crimes sometimes do this as a way of showing defiance or that they consider the charges politically motivated. But even private citizens are known to smile when the police take a mugshot, perhaps because they do...
Continue ReadingThe Fourth of July is a time for celebration. Of course, the first Independence Day was a tumultuous time for the nation’s founders–they were literally facing treason charges from the British Crown. Fortunately, few Orlando residents will find themselves in that kind of legal trouble today. But there are other more ordinary crimes that can lead to your arrest...
Continue ReadingMany Florida residents are accustomed to sharing their daily activities with friends via Facebook and other social media networks. But the darker side of this phenomenon was on display recently when a 22-year-old Tennessee man took to his Facebook page to confess to the murder of two people, including his own mother, shortly before taking his own life. According...
Continue ReadingDrugs are widely used in the United States, but it’s not just illegal ones that are leading to criminal charges and deaths. Prescription drugs have become an epidemic in the country over the past decade. People are living longer and relying on painkillers to help them feel good. The problem with prescription drugs, though, is that they stop working...
Continue ReadingThe mass shooting that happened in February 2018 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida is still on the minds of many. Victims who survived are still recovering from the tragedy. The 19-year-old boy who committed the crime is currently behind bars. But authorities believe that a threat still exists: the boy’s younger brother. While the boy...
Continue ReadingAlthough violent crime has seen a decrease nationally, at least according to the most recent statistics from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, murder remains a major problem. Indeed, the FBI said reports of murder and “non-negligent manslaughter” increased 1.5 percent from the first six months of 2016 to the same time period in 2017. Pulse Nightclub Attack Causes Orlando...
Continue ReadingHow Much Weed Is A Felony in Florida? To many people, marijuana is considered a harmless drug. However, given that the laws vary from state to state, many would disagree. While it may seem as though marijuana is pretty much decriminalized in the United States, some states still have harsh penalties in place when it comes to possession of...
Continue ReadingUnderstanding Simple Battery in Florida: Definitions, Penalties, and Legal Defenses In Florida, Simple Battery is legally defined under § 784.03, Fla. Stat., as either the intentional touching or striking of another person against their will or intentionally causing bodily harm to someone. This misdemeanor offense can lead to penalties including fines, jail time, and mandatory community service. Defenses against...
Continue ReadingHunting is a popular activity over the country, especially in Florida, where the weather is beautiful and animals abound. Just like any sport, though, there are rules that need to be followed. When certain rules are not followed—such as hunting on private property without permission—criminal charges may apply. A fire chief from Orlando is facing charges for hunting without...
Continue ReadingMany parents are in denial when it comes to sexting. They think their children would never do such a thing, but sexting is more common than they think. Approximately 40 percent of teens have sexted at some point. While boys do it more often than girls, girls are more likely to send nude photos. Seventy percent of these teens...
Continue Reading