To be convicted of a crime in Florida, the state must present proof beyond a reasonable doubt. Essentially, this means that jurors must have a firm conviction that you are guilty before they can vote to convict. This principle was central to a recent appellate court decision in Florida. At issue was whether the criminal defendant “possessed” drugs found...
Continue ReadingHundreds of people are arrested for drunk driving each year in the Orlando area. In Florida, driving under the influence (DUI) can lead to serious criminal and administrative penalties. With that in mind, here are a few things you need to know about how DUI laws work in Orlando. What Is Considered “Drunk Driving” in Florida? The most common...
Continue ReadingMedical marijuana remains a complicated topic in Florida. As you probably know, voters approved a state constitutional amendment in 2016 to authorize the use of marijuana for medical purposes. But this doesn’t mean you can simply roll your own joint and smoke it because you think you have glaucoma. The Florida legislature adopted extensive regulations to implement the voters’...
Continue ReadingIn Florida, the rules of the road are not just about cars and other motor vehicles. Even bicyclists and skateboarders must follow the law when they’re out and about on public streets. In cities like Orlando, it is currently illegal to ride a bicycle or skateboard on a public sidewalk. But the Orlando City Council recently considering adoption of...
Continue ReadingWe have good news for our fellow Floridians. We are no longer the worst drivers in the nation! Unfortunately, Florida drivers still rank very near the bottom of a new survey of states that graded them on the safety of their drivers. As reported by the Sun Sentinel, Florida ranked eighth in this survey—a minor improvement over the previous...
Continue ReadingIn Florida, vandalism is called “criminal mischief” and it is covered by Florida statute 806.13. If you have been accused of criminal mischief, you will need an aggressive criminal defense attorney on your team. Penalties can be quite serious, and you will need to begin building a defense right away. Defining Criminal Mischief In Florida A person commits criminal...
Continue ReadingSynthetic marijuana is made up of dry leaves or herbs, which are then impregnated with synthetic cannabinoids. In theory, synthetic marijuana should produce the same high as real marijuana by working on the same receptors in the brain. However, synthetic marijuana tends to produce different effects—anger, aggression, seizures, heart attacks, and hallucinations. There are currently around 400 varieties of...
Continue ReadingEach year, thousands of teens move through Florida’s juvenile criminal justice system. However, questions continue to mount about whether the justice system is failing Florida’s young people. A recent story from ABC News has highlighted many of the problems with juvenile systems around the country, including in Florida. Basics of Juvenile Justice At the center of the juvenile criminal...
Continue ReadingThe mass shooting that happened in February 2018 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida is still on the minds of many. Victims who survived are still recovering from the tragedy. The 19-year-old boy who committed the crime is currently behind bars. But authorities believe that a threat still exists: the boy’s younger brother. While the boy...
Continue ReadingIf you are convicted of a DUI in Florida, a first offense can cost you your driver’s license for up to one year. This is in addition to other potential penalties, which include a $1,000 fine, six months in jail, the mandatory impoundment of your care for at least 10 days, and a requirement to use an ignition interlock...
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