Most would consider a traffic stop to be a relatively minor criminal offense. In many cases, you will go to traffic court which is a simpler procedure than the usual circuit court proceeding.Problems arise when, in the course of a routine traffic stop, law...
When Your Life Is On The Line
Year: 2014
Criminal defense challenges judge’s sentencing discretion
The reassignment of a judge at the courthouse in Hillsborough County illustrates how the work of a criminal defense attorney may continue long after the conclusion of a criminal trial and the imposition of penalties at sentencing. A Florida appellate court cited the...
How is illegal drug distribution defined in Florida?
Florida law distinguishes between two types of crimes that involve illegal drugs: possession, and possession with intent to distribute. This post breaks down how these two crimes differ from each other.Under the law, possession with intent to distribute illegal drugs...
Successfully defending against a drunk driving charge is possible
The general perception about being accused of driving under the influence is that it is an easy matter for police and prosecutors to prove. After all, they have modern technology on their side, in the form of devices that can sample your breath or even your blood to...
Appealing a criminal conviction in the state of Florida
If you have been accused of a crime in Florida, your first line of defense – if the matter goes to trial, and you have pleaded not guilty – is to contest the charges in court. If you and your attorney are successful in establishing at least a reasonable doubt as to...
Better late than never? DNA may reverse criminal conviction
Over the years, as scientific advances have made DNA evidence more prevalent in determining guilt and innocence, cases that were decided years ago without its use may be subject to reexamination. One of those cases involves a man convicted of three murders, which...
4 Florida teens overdose on synthetic marijuana
The legal status of marijuana has gone through a dramatic change over the past decade. For many years the federal government has been embroiled in a nationwide and international war against drugs which has yielded mixed results.With the overpopulation of federal and...
What is the difference between theft and robbery in Florida?
In an earlier post we addressed the question of what constitutes theft in the state of Florida. As a refresher, Florida defines theft, and its variations, including larceny and embezzlement as well as other specific crimes that involve taking the property of another,...
Florida man arrested while bringing marijuana to ailing father
A Tampa man was recently arrested for marijuana possession after being pulled over because a light was out on his car. Police smelled the medical marijuana he was taking home for his father's treatment and searched his car.After the man's father became ill with...
Defense attorneys for Curtis Reeves to investigate theater related to murder charge
Given their potentially severe and long-lasting consequences, felony charges require the most painstaking and vigorous defense possible on behalf of the accused. In this respect, what you may observe in a courtroom defense, its arguments, exhibits, cross-examinations...