In response to ongoing concerns about police conduct, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced in May 2023 a department-wide policy mandating the use of body-worn cameras (BWCs) for its law enforcement officers. This initiative aligns with President Biden’s Executive Order on Advancing Effective, Accountable Policing and Criminal Justice Practices to Enhance Public Trust and…
The defense in a criminal case may call upon expert witnesses to provide education and clarity regarding a criminal case. Courts prohibit witnesses from testifying based on their own opinions or analysis; however, they make exceptions for expert witnesses who testify on matters pertaining to their areas of expertise. In a DUI case, the science…
Dozens of drunk driving arrests take place in Palm Beach County daily; however, what makes this incident unusual is that both men were arrested at the same time for drunk driving in the same vehicle. One particular incident was with Palm Beach Gardens police who received a tip about a reckless driver at 11:30 p.m….
When you seek a protective order against domestic violence in Florida, you might think that it’s all over from here. You’re serious about leaving your spouse or dating partner and are taking the necessary steps to protect yourself and your children from his or her abuse by going to court for a domestic violence injunction,…
Everybody makes mistakes. Unfortunately, some mistakes turn out to be criminal in nature whether or not others are harmed. As a juvenile, you shouldn’t have your criminal history follow you for life. Fortunately, in Florida, there are ways of having your juvenile record sealed or expunged, which can help you start a fresh life in…
Most people think about violence as physical actions that cause others harm, and understand domestic violence as physical violence that occurs between spouses or two people within a household. While physical violence is the most obvious type of violence, people can also suffer from emotional and verbal abuse. Verbal abuse may consist of yelling, criticizing,…
When a defendant is charged with a crime, he or she may respond to the charges in one of three ways. While most people are familiar with pleading “guilty” or “not guilty” to a criminal charge, the third option — a plea of “no contest” — is less familiar. No contest stems from the Latin…
Crimes against the state cannot be excused because the defendant claims the victim consented; however, there are a few situations in which a victim’s consent may be a valid defense to a criminal charge. In cases of rape or sexual battery, not having the victim’s consent is an element of the offense. Without being able…
Domestic violence victims have long wished for support from the legal system to protect their pets when they seek help from the court to escape their abusers. Most domestic violence shelters don’t allow pets, and a significant number of victims return to abusive situations out of fear for their pets. Many bills have been proposed…
People get pulled over all the time for violating traffic laws in South Florida, and sometimes, it’s difficult to understand the exact violation. There are times when police pull people over because they believe the driver was being a threat to themselves or others on the road, but can’t pinpoint a specific maneuver that broke…
