| Read Time: 2 minutes | Criminal Defense

Most Popular Legal Drama TV Series

For decades, Floridians have been watching legal dramas on television. Whether you grew up watching Perry Mason or more recently have begun watching Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, television shows that deal with the law are extremely popular. While these shows do not always “get the law right,” so to speak, they have helped to introduced thousands of...

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| Read Time: 2 minutes | Criminal Defense

Claiming Intoxication in a Criminal Defense Case in Florida

Learning that you are facing criminal charges in Florida can be scary and frustrating, especially when you do not have any recollection of the crime itself because you were intoxicated or otherwise impaired. If you are charged with a crime in Florida but you were under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time the crime was committed, can...

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| Read Time: 3 minutes | Criminal Defense

2017 Scholarship Winner Essay by Aleschia Hyde

By Aleschia Hyde I am interested in this scholarship because I want to practice criminal or immigration law and the additional funds from the scholarship would help to defer many of the costs associated with law school while still allowing me to invest fully in my 1L coursework. Since college, I have worked and gone to school, thus sacrificing...

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| Read Time: 2 minutes | Criminal Defense

Expungement vs. Sealed Records

A criminal record can affect your job and housing prospects years after your case is over. Even if you are never convicted of a crime, there is still a public record of your arrest and trial. But it is possible in certain cases to seal or expunge that public record, allowing you to legally state that you do not...

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| Read Time: 2 minutes | Criminal Defense

Common Criminal Charges Against School Teachers

Teachers exercise an important role in supervising and mentoring our children. It is a position of trust. And when that trust is violated, the legal consequences can be quite severe. We have all heard sensationalized stories in the news about teachers having sex with their underage students. Sometimes people write this off as a “victimless” crime. After all, if...

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| Read Time: 2 minutes | Criminal Defense

Domestic Abuse and First Responders

Domestic violence is a complex issue. Many victims are afraid to come forward because they fear being judged. And many first responders train to render assistance, such as firefighters and paramedics, may not be properly trained to identify and properly deal with potential domestic violence situations. Orlando Joins Other Local Governments in Protecting Firefighters, EMTs It is important to...

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| Read Time: 2 minutes | Criminal Defense

False Rape Accusations on the Rise?

Rape and sexual assault are among the most heinous crimes a person may be charged with short of murder. Any type of sex crimes conviction carries serious penalties in Florida. A defendant is facing not only possible jail time, but also a lifetime of legal and public condemnation as a “sex offender.” Rolling Stone Scandal Shows How False Rape...

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| Read Time: < 1 minute | Criminal Defense

Dani Mathers Update as of 1/25/2017

Since the initial public outrage, Ms. Mathers has been charged with Invasion of Privacy.  In California, where this incident occurred, this crime carries a maximum penalty of 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine.  She had a court appearance on December 21, 2016.  At that hearing it is being reported that her attorney has been attempting to negotiate...

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| Read Time: 2 minutes | Criminal Defense

Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor

Teenagers and other minors interact with law enforcement whenever a police officer suspects a minor violated the law. As a result of the interaction, a minor may be arrested, given a citation or held in custody until a parent can arrive. These interactions can be straightforward and simple to resolve. Matters become more complicated if a minor claims he...

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| Read Time: 2 minutes | Criminal Defense

5 Things You Didn’t Expect From a Drunk Driving Charge

by David W. Bate Emotional As a criminal defense lawyer in Bangor, ME, I have been practicing for over 20 years and it still surprises me every time: Ordinary people charged with drunk driving are devastated by the prospect of facing real criminal charges with real criminal consequences.  You are afraid to face family and friends.  Through mere negligent conduct,...

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