In Florida, child abuse means intentionally or recklessly causing a physical or mental injury to a minor under 18 years old. Additionally, any abuse toward a minor is considered child abuse and it doesn't matter if the alleged offender is a parent or family member. Child abuse or neglect without...
Although spouses, dating partners, and family members care about and love each other, disagreements can happen from time to time. However, when an argument turns physical and the police knock on the door, it is possible that they may have to make an arrest. While some states have mandatory arres...
Fraud is nothing new. One of the earliest documented cases dates back to 300 B.C. when a Greek merchant took out an insurance policy called a bottomry on a load of corn. The policy was essentially a loan that was to be paid back with interest after his cargo was delivered. In this case, the merch...
If your child was arrested for a crime as a juvenile in Florida, there may be consequences that last well beyond childhood years. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement keeps a youth's criminal record until the individual turns 24, at which point most records are expunged. However, the six yea...
In Florida, once you've passed your drivers' education class and your driving test, your reward is a driver's license. For those who drive safely, renewing it regularly will be the only concern you have. Traffic violations, however, will assess points against your license, and too many points wil...
Fraud is one of the most serious of white-collar crimes because it has the potential to be seriously costly to victims. Fraud can usually be charged at either a state or federal level, causing complexities that require a legal team to determine the seriousness of the crime, as well as any potenti...
In what is considered a precedent-setting decision, a Pennsylvania court determined in September of this year that stripping away second amendment rights - the right to keep and bear arms - after a second DUI was considered unconstitutional due to the nonviolent nature of the crime. In the case o...
If you try to enter Canada with a DUI or even a reduced offense like negligent or reckless driving on your record, you will almost certainly run into immigration complications. Canada takes a comparatively harsher stance on these convictions and can bar offenders from crossing its border for up t...
The criminal arrest process can be confusing and overwhelming. If you have a loved one going through this procedure now, you may wonder what to expect next and how you can help. Below is a brief overview of what happens immediately after someone is arrested in Florida. 1. The Arrest The arrest it...
Breathalyzers get a lot of attention in DUI cases, and rightfully so. They can determine whether or not you will be charged with a DUI in Florida. A DUI conviction can be extremely expensive, and it can haunt you for the rest of your life—from tarnishing your driving record to keeping you from ga...
"When watching the typical crime drama on television, one might come to the conclusion that white-collar crimes really aren't that big of a deal. The individual charged gets a great attorney and is either found innocent or gets in minimal trouble. In real life, however, that is not the case. Thes...
You have the right to keep and bear arms. It is the second amendment to the U. S. Constitution, and arguably one of the best known. That being said, however, the right to carry a firearm is also one of the most debated and legislated rights in America. As a Florida resident or even just a visitor...
“To blow or not to blow?” is a question that DUI attorneys are asked very often. This is not surprising since there is ample discussion on the internet and in the courts about the inherent weaknesses of the approved intoxillyzer instruments and subsequent test results. “Failing” the test comes wi...
“Drunk Driving,” the “Legal Limit,” “Under the Influence,” and Alcohol or “Drugs” Many people believe that you can only be charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) if you are driving drunk. This is not true. In Florida, the State must prove you were impaired, not drunk. Impaired means a dim...
On Thursday, the Judicial Qualifications Commission (JQC) recommended the Florida Supreme Court remove Circuit Judge Scott DuPont for intentionally making material false statements about his 2016 judicial election opponent, Malcolm Anthony, and his family. For example, he accused Mr. Anthony of: ...
Florida sees its fair share of domestic violence claims and the numbers seem to be rising every year. We are aware that not all of these claims, however, will be based on truth or actual events. Nevertheless, the system must investigate and determine that the claim is not valid. Here's what you s...
First-Time Possession Charge in Florida You can get into legal trouble just for having certain drugs in your possession. In these cases, you have not manufactured, distributed, or sold the controlled substance. Instead, the charge is usually against individuals who have an illegal material that i...
Many drivers find themselves in the crosshairs of the Florida Dept. of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Driver's License Division, when they commit three offenses of certain designated violations within a 5-year period to become “habitual traffic offenders” (HTO). This status often means: Fi...
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