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…
The coronavirus pandemic has shifted how almost all institutions operate, including businesses across all industries and government agencies. Even non-essential law enforcement services have changed to slow the spread of COVID-19 throughout the United States. However, when it comes to registering as a sex offender, alleged offenders are met with all kinds of directions. Many…
Throughout the country, Americans are facing an urgent crisis that has already taken more than 120,000 lives. The novel coronavirus is rapidly spreading, and some experts believe the situation will worsen as more states reopen for business. In Florida’s prisons, the situation is dire. Prisoners in confined spaces are facing the threat of the virus,…
Most people are familiar with the concept of a GPS monitoring bracelet that tracks the wearer’s location at all times and can’t be removed. GPS monitors are usually ankle bracelets that the court orders a defendant to wear when they’re on probation, parole, or house arrest. The judge may order a GPS monitoring device before…
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 37 people die each day because they were a victim of a drunk driving accident. Because of the high risk of death when people drive while intoxicated, drivers are encouraged to report those they witness driving dangerously. However, an anonymous tip from a fellow driver doesn’t…
Tens of thousands of people in the U.S. lose their lives each year because of drunk driving. The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration estimates that almost 30 people die daily because of DUI crashes. Law enforcement agencies throughout the country have the duty to curb DUI deaths, and in Florida, DUI offenders face harsh…
