Field sobriety tests are assessments of drivers' balance and coordination. Florida law enforcement officials administer them when those officers believe that drivers may be operating their vehicles while under the influence of alcohol. Such tests generally require...
When Your Life Is On The Line
Year: 2017
Legislature debates minimum sentences for drug convictions
A mandatory minimum sentence is a criminal punishment that a judge must apply in a case where the defendant is found guilty of the underlying crime. For many crimes in Florida, judges have the discretion to consider the crime, the defendant and the extenuating...
Enhanced protections for “stand your ground”
Not every state permits the use of deadly force as a means of self- defense. Florida residents are fortunate to have a statute permitting you to "stand your ground." Since the law is relatively new, it is still evolving, and lawmakers are presently considering a bill...
Protect your legal rights when facing drug charges
A conviction on drug charges can derail a Florida resident's life plans and throw into question the possibilities for their future. Whether they are arrested and then convicted on possession charges, manufacturing charges, distribution charges or others, there is...
Is there a criminal defense to an assault charge?
A number of defenses exist that may mitigate or overcome an assault or battery charge. However, the availability of each defense will turn on whether the facts of the case support its assertion. If a Florida resident fails to prove a defense and support it with...
Defenses may be available to drunk driving charges
A drunk driving charge such as DUI or DWI can leave a Florida resident with a difficult legal burden to bear. Even if they are able to pay any fines associated with conviction on their charges they may see their license revoked, their insurance premiums increase, and...
How drug trafficking charges could affect you
Difficult circumstances can befall anyone during his or her lifetime. Though each person's hardships differ as part of their specific circumstances, you may have found yourself in a position that resulted in authorities bringing criminal charges against you. Such...
Can you get arrested for driving while high?
Although the process has been slow, states in America are starting to legalize recreational marijuana for its citizens. Although it is uncertain what the new Trump administration will do, for now it seems as though Americans want to the option of enjoying pot, and...
How to handle a plea bargain
You may be familiar with the phrase "copping a plea," which is commonly uttered in crime and courtroom movies and TV shows. Copping a plea refers to pleading guilty and accepting penalties for criminal charges in exchange for not going to trial. Negotiating this...
The start of the year is a good time to assess your marriage
Now that the holidays are well behind and you are getting back to your usual routine, you may once again have time to focus on yourself and where you are in your life. And if you are married, the beginning of the new year is a good time to assess your relationship...