October has been designated National Cyber Security Awareness Month. As a result, Florida officials are cracking down on cyber theft crimes, internet child pornography crimes and other electronically-based offenses. Florida is being targeted by both state and federal officials especially, due to the number of identity theft cases which have been reported to the Federal Trade Commission in recent...
Continue ReadingThe last patient still being hospitalized after being injured during the horrific Colorado movie theater shooting in July was finally discharged from the hospital earlier this week, according to a statement released by the University of Colorado Hospital. The patient, a comedian by profession, was one of the 58 people injured during the movie theater mass shooting that also...
Continue ReadingNeighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman made headlines after being involved in an altercation that left 17-year-old Trayvon Martin dead. The incident brought many issues to the forefront of our nation’s collective conscience, race relations, racial profiling and self defense – specifically Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law. Since the incident, Zimmerman has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder, he...
Continue ReadingAccording to a report by WFTV Eyewitness News, four out of 10 Florida drivers stopped by police for suspected drunk driving refuse breathalyzer tests. However, what these Florida motorists may not know is that simply refusing a breathalyzer can be a serious offense in Florida. Breathalyzer Refusal Rates in Florida Given the high rates of breath test refusal in Florida,...
Continue ReadingA Kissimmee man accused of lying about being robbed and assaulted during an attempted drug buy was recently taken into custody. The man told Osceola County Sheriff’s deputies that he had planned to meet with an unknown woman to make a drug deal. But when he went, the Kissimmee man said two men accosted him, taking his wallet and...
Continue ReadingIn a criminal trial, eyewitnesses can play a major role in whether the prosecution will obtain a conviction. Eyewitnesses, however, can sometimes prove to be unreliable, as shown by the recent Trayvon Martin case in Florida. When witnesses give inconsistent testimony, criminal defense for the accused can use these inconsistencies to discredit their testimony. For example, recently four witnesses...
Continue ReadingOrange County Commissioners voted to limit and regulate where new pain management clinics can open. New pain clinics will now be restricted to industrial zoning areas. These new restrictions were recommendations based upon Orange County’s prescription drug task force and is an attempt to limit prescription pill abuse. Clearly, prescription drug abuse is an epidemic not only in Orlando...
Continue ReadingInteresting day in 9th Circuit. Today sitting State Attorney Lawson Lamar defended his record as the circuit’s top prosecutor against rivals Ryan Williams and Jeff Ashton. Also in attendance was Joerg Jaeger. I say “also in attendance” was Joerg Jaeger as it is clear that his sole role in this election is to support Lawson Lamar. That support comes in...
Continue ReadingThe Orange County State Attorneys office has finally implemented a juvenile program run by the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) allowing first time misdemeanor offenders an opportunity to avoid a criminal record. Since July of 2011, over 5000 juveniles have entered into the DJJ civil citation program across the state of Florida. This new civil citation program is intended for first time offenders charged with select...
Continue ReadingMuch safer than dealing drugs, experts say identity theft – especially tax identity theft – has become increasingly popular in Orlando and abroad. Though it often goes untracked, those accused of identity theft in Florida face lengthy prison sentences and hefty fines. The Federal Trade Commission reports Florida is at the epicenter of the remote crime in the United...
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