On Dec. 17, the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Labor issued a memorandum announcing the government's intention to more vigorously and cohesively prosecute workplace safety crimes in Florida and nationwide. The effort is expected to increase...
Criminal Defense
Youth and incarceration levels
Crowding and budgets are among the issues that can affect detention facilities in Florida and other states. In recent years, these pressures may have contributed to alternative solutions being formulated for dealing with various individuals facing charges for legal...
DUI Checkpoints
While the United States Supreme Court has ruled that DUI checkpoints, also known as sobriety checks, are legal eleven state Supreme Courts have ruled that DUI checkpoints are a violation of the drivers Fourth Amendment rights against unwarranted searches. Florida is...
The Real Cost of a DUI
If you or anyone you know has ever received a DUI you know that the real cost of the DUI is significantly higher than the fine Florida law assigns. Once you calculate the fines, court fees, attorney fees and more the real cost of a DUI is significantly higher than the...
How to Survive and Thrive in Court
Typically there are long months of motions, mediations and prep before two parties have their day in court. The date of the trial may seem far away at times, but it can creep up faster than expected. Odds are that the impending trial has your stomach in knots and your...
Probation may not help in juvenile cases
While sending young offenders to juvenile hall might not be the best choice for rehabilitation, some alternatives also have problems that can cause more trouble than they solve. Residents in Florida may be surprised to know that the number of teens incarcerated in...
Understanding alternative sentencing
In many instances, a person convicted of a minor crime in Florida may be given an alternative sentence in place of incarceration. Alternative sentencing is based on the presiding judge's discretion and could include a pretrial diversion or deferred adjudication,...
The reasons why plea agreements are so popular
Florida residents may be surprised to learn that the overwhelming majority of criminal cases are settled by negotiated plea agreements. While crime dramas on television generally culminate with a dramatic trial, less than 10 percent of criminal cases in the real world...
What To Do After Being Arrested and Charged With a DUI
If you find yourself arrested or charged with a DUI - Driving while Under the Influence - you may face serious monetary, driving and criminal penalties. The most important thing you can do after being arrested and charged with a DUI is to seek legal counsel. Retaining...
1984 crime law deemed by Supreme Court to contain vague language
Although Florida officials may take a tough stance on crime, those facing legal action are entitled to proper interpretation of the laws used to make decisions about their cases. Vague language can create confusion as officials in different jurisdictions make...