Category Archives: Criminal Defense
Defendants in criminal cases often make these 3 mistakes
Whether you have been arrested or think you may be, there are steps you can take to minimize the negative consequences. However, being arrested — or simply being questioned by police — can be a very stressful situation, and often people are not thinking clearly when they speak with police officers and investigators. That… Read More »
The Sixth Amendment gives you the right to a ‘speedy trial.’ What does that mean?
The Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution provides for multiple rights and protections for people accused of crimes. One of the most crucial aspects of the Sixth Amendment guarantees you the right to a speedy trial by an impartial jury. However, a speedy trial doesn’t mean you should rush through the trial process…. Read More »
Important things to know about probation violations in Florida
With any criminal conviction, there is the chance of probation as part of sentencing. Probation often serves as an alternative to jail time and may be applied to minor crimes or felonies. However, there are serious consequences when anyone violates their probation, including possible jail time or even prison. What constitutes a probation violation?… Read More »
Exercising your right to remain silent
First and foremost, it’s important to understand that anything you say to a law enforcement officer may be used against you or others. You have the constitutional right to remain silent. You should not lie to government authorities, but you can remain silent until you are able to speak with your lawyer about your… Read More »
Understanding the scope of search warrants
When a judge grants a search warrant, it allows police to search for evidence of a crime. The warrant must state the specific place to be searched, as well as the items to be seized. In other words, a search warrant does not give police unlimited permission to search. They may search only the… Read More »
What constitutes entrapment in criminal cases?
In many criminal investigations, undercover police officers and informants are used to gather evidence to build a case. However, when an informant or undercover cop entices a person to commit a crime, the actions of law enforcement may amount to entrapment. What does that mean for defendants? Entrapment can be difficult to prove in… Read More »
Can police search your car after smelling cannabis?
It’s important for drivers to know that, since the legalization of hemp, Florida has taken steps to stop the practice of so-called “sniff and search.” What has changed? Previously, police officers relied on marijuana odor as reasonable suspicion for searches and potential arrests. However, when hemp was legalized statewide, state attorneys in Palm Beach,… Read More »
Understanding due process
Both the Fifth Amendment and the Fourteenth Amendment of the Constitution state that if you stand accused of a crime, you have the right to due process before the government can deprive you of your life, your liberty or your property. This is the only provision that the Constitution states twice, which should give… Read More »
No charge, no investigation is too minor
If you find yourself under investigation in Florida, suspected of a crime, it is very likely that police and prosecutors will take the process very seriously. Although there are different grades of criminal offenses, such as misdemeanors and felonies, those who work in law enforcement tend to view every one of them as a… 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 »