Law-abiding gun owners are expected to be responsible for the way they use their firearms. Although Florida allows the permitless ownership of firearms, gun owners must still respect rules such as the prohibition on open carry. Another rule gun owners in the state...
When Your Life Is On The Line
Criminal Defense
What is aggravated assault?
Assault, as defined by Florida law, is an intentional threat – either through words or action – to commit violence against another. Normally, this is a misdemeanor offense. But there’s an even more serious form of assault that Florida treats more seriously: aggravated...
Do people need to retreat before defending themselves in Florida?
People generally have the right to act in self-defense when they are at risk of imminent criminal activity. Those who fear for their safety due to the conduct or threats of another party can potentially engage in acts of physical violence with the intention of...
Revenge porn is a crime punishable as sexual cyberharassment
The digital age has brought convenience but also opened a pathway for harmful activities like “revenge porn.” This term refers to the non-consensual sharing or posting of explicit private images or videos of an ex-partner, commonly through social media. This problem...
Florida’s open carry law: Does it affect concealed carry license holders?
Florida's approach to the open carry of weapons is strict, with the state generally prohibiting the practice. But at the same time, the state issues concealed weapon licenses to eligible residents. So, what happens if a person with a concealed carry permit decides to...
Shoplifting and its legal consequences in Florida
Shoplifting may not be a new crime, but it has been making the headlines lately. Whether the news outlets are overblowing this supposed “crime wave” or not, there’s no denying that shoplifting is illegal in all U.S. states. Florida is no exception; there are grave...
What happens when a rideshare driver gets a DUI?
Transportation services offered by rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft are incredibly handy, especially for people too drunk to drive home themselves. It’s dangerous to drive while inebriated, and Florida police can catch and charge drunk motorists with driving...
The psychological impact of wrongful convictions
The ideal outcome for a criminal case is convicting the guilty and clearing the innocent. However, injustices still occur through wrongful convictions or when the person declared guilty turns out to be factually innocent of the charges. There were 143 exonerations...
Failing to report a sexual battery offense is an offense itself
Sexual battery is one of the most deplorable crimes anyone can commit, and Florida has severe punishments for those convicted of this felony offense. The penalties are based on factors such as the ages of the offender and the victim, whether physical force or a weapon...
Battery charges can ruin a person’s career, personal life
The recent arrest of a Hillsborough County sheriff’s deputy illustrates how devastating battery charges can be even for someone who is an upstanding citizen or has a spotless criminal record. According to news reports, Pasco County officials arrested the deputy after...