Many of our readers in Florida have probably seen news coverage of reported "crime sprees." These reports, which can be particularly hyped up by law enforcement officials and media personalities, can tend to inflame the passions of the public - oftentimes making a...
When Your Life Is On The Line
Criminal Defense
Some common criminal defense options in Florida
After Florida residents have been arrested on criminal charges, usually the first step as the criminal defense strategy develops is to determine what charges the defendant will face and what evidence the prosecution has to attempt to prove those charges in court. From...
Florida middle-school teacher facing a litany of charges
Every time there is a news story about an inappropriate teacher-student relationship or incident, there is a little bit of "shock value" associated with the coverage. No parent expects that their children will be the victims of sexual assault when they go off to...
Can you legally sell a gun to your neighbor?
If there's one topic besides immigration than tends to lead to contentious political debate in Florida and throughout the nation, it's firearms, more specifically, whether or not people should be allowed to buy, sell and use guns as private citizens. Whether you are a...
Assault and battery basics
Assault and battery charges are serious criminal charges. In many situations, these two charges will go hand in hand so it is important for accused individuals to understand what they are. Assault refers to when one party places another party in fear of immediate...
It is important to understand the basics of plea bargains
Plea bargains are an important part of the criminal justice system that every accused individual should understand. Plea negotiations are a way that criminal charges are resolved without the need for a trial. There are different types of plea negotiations that it is...
Deputy charged with domestic battery
Domestic assault charges are both sensitive and serious charges which is why it is important to understand the legal resources available to parties involved in a domestic violence situation. Recently, a Hillsborough County Sheriff's Deputy was arrested and relieved of...
Former law enforcement officer, son, facing battery allegation
Florida authorities in a city near Tampa arrested a former sheriff's deputy and his son on charges related to what the police described as a case of road rage. In addition to battery charges, police have filed other charges against the duo, including a criminal...
Overview of collateral consequences to convictions
People who live in the Tampa area probably do not need to be told that getting convicted of a crime, even a misdemeanor, can carry with it serious consequences like jail time, fines and strict terms of probation. Additionally, there are court costs and other fees...
Did you stand your ground then land in jail?
What do you do if you are in a public place, or even in your own backyard for that matter, and a situation arises where another person threatens to harm you? Do you turn around and walk away? What if you firmly believe that turning your back on the angry person will...
