You’re heading home from work, and you’ve been pulled over. The officer finds a small bag of marijuana in your car. Your heart races as you wonder: Will this ruin your life? Understanding whether drug possession is a felony or misdemeanor in Florida can mean the difference between dealing with minor penalties or facing life-altering consequences. Let’s break down...
Continue ReadingUsed to its fullest potential, probation can help turn people’s lives around. But, you must follow all the rules and regulations to make it work. It’s not enough to refrain from committing any new criminal offenses while on probation; you also have to abide by all of the “technical” terms of your probation. Although Florida has relaxed some of...
Continue ReadingInvoking Fifth Amendment rights can lead to severe consequences, such as inferences of liability in civil cases or termination from employment for refusing to answer questions about corporate crimes. The Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees that no person in a criminal case can be compelled to be a witness against themselves. An experienced criminal defense attorney...
Continue ReadingAssault with a deadly weapon is a felony offense that can result in up to five years in prison. A felony conviction can inflict collateral consequences beyond a jail sentence, like losing your ability to vote or hold public office. A criminal defense attorney can review the details of your case and negotiate with the prosecutor about your criminal...
Continue ReadingThe trafficking of any drug is a serious crime, but trafficking fentanyl is considered a particularly egregious offense in Florida. Prosecutors treat trafficking offenders harshly because, unlike simple possession of a narcotic, trafficking implies that you are transporting, dealing, trading, or selling the drug. Often, an individual accused of trafficking possesses more drugs than if the drugs were only...
Continue ReadingAsking how to get a domestic violence charge dropped in Florida is important if you or a family member face domestic violence charges. Once the police do arrest you, you lose control over the situation. The prosecution holds all the cards. That means you will need a strong, aggressive attorney to fight for you. An experienced domestic violence defense...
Continue ReadingPlea bargains are one of the defining features of the criminal justice system, with estimates of about 90% to 95% of federal and state court cases ending in a plea agreement. The best plea bargain for a domestic violence case depends on the unique facts and circumstances of the charges the accused is facing. Despite the benefits of the...
Continue ReadingGoing to court might not be the most enjoyable thing you have to do in life. Missing a court date might seem easier than going to court and missing work, finding someone to watch your children, or maybe finding a ride. However, failing to attend court when ordered could make your legal situation much worse. If you missed a...
Continue ReadingBeing on probation in Florida is like walking a tightrope. One slip could be catastrophic because it could result in incarceration. It may not be as restrictive as being in prison, but make no mistake—your actions and freedoms are significantly curtailed while you are on probation. It is certainly better than being in jail or prison, but if you...
Continue ReadingThe principle of a statute of limitations is crucial in criminal law. It sets a time limit for the Government to take legal action against a person accused of committing a crime, including drug trafficking. The statute of limitations on drug trafficking in Florida varies depending on several factors. It is important to understand these limitations if you are...
Continue Reading