Author Archives: Site Administrator
How does Florida define first degree murder?
If you face first degree murder charges in Florida, the specific charge against you may be one of three types of homicide. Florida defines homicide itself as an unlawful killing of another person. As FindLaw explains, you commit first degree murder, a/k/a capital murder, if you commit one of the following three types of homicide: Kill… Read More »
Eyewitness lineup errors could lead to wrongful conviction
When people are charged with a violent crime, they may be sentenced to spend years in prison or face a number of other penalties. Those who are guilty of committing a crime deserve the punishment given to them by the court. Unfortunately, not everyone convicted of a crime is actually guilty. Flaws in eyewitness… Read More »
What is fentanyl?
The opioid crisis is impacting states all over the country, including Florida. Fentanyl is a particularly dangerous synthetic opioid that was originally approved as a treatment for severe pain related to cancer. It has since become widely abused and sold illegally and is also linked to high overdose risk. According to the Centers for Disease… Read More »
Exercise your civil rights during a traffic stop
Although the law requires you to pull over when an officer stops you in traffic, you still have legal rights as a private citizen. You should understand your constitutional rights so you know when law enforcement has acted illegally. Start with the answers to these common questions about retaining your civil liberties during an encounter with… Read More »
What are your rights during a traffic stop?
Getting pulled over by the police can be a frightening event. If you get stopped or pulled over by the police while driving in Florida, it is important to understand what your rights are. Knowing what rights you have may help you feel calm and confident, which may help you conduct yourself in a way that… Read More »
What does the Sixth Amendment say about a speedy trial?
The Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution provides you with various rights when you have a criminal accusation against you in Florida. One of those rights is to a speedy trial, but the meaning of “speedy” does not always mean what you think it means. Obviously, if you are sitting in jail waiting for… Read More »
What circumstances do not require a warrant?
The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you against unreasonable searches and seizures of your property. This means that law enforcement typically must obtain a warrant in order to conduct a search of your person or premises. However, in the eyes of the law there are situations in which reasonability dictates that it is… Read More »
What can I expect after a bar fight assault charge?
Alcohol can lead to some interesting consequences, but a bar fight in Florida does not have to ruin your life. There are things you can do if the other person presses assault charges. Remaining silent and calling a criminal defense attorney are the first things you should do. According to the 2019 Florida Statutes… Read More »
Can officers search your car if they smell cannabis?
Although the U.S. Constitution protects you against unreasonable search and seizure, law enforcement can bypass the need for a warrant by showing reasonable cause for a search. Police generally need to show that they had reason to believe you were breaking the law. This often happens during traffic stops. In the past, officers in… Read More »