Gun crime is a pervasive problem in the U.S.; 38,000 people lose their lives to gun violence every year. In Florida, relatively loose gun restrictions create a favorable environment for people to own them. Individuals seeking to purchase guns in Florida need to pass background checks to buy from shops, but they can easily purchase…
Many people believe that jails and prisons serve to rehabilitate and punish criminal offenders for wrongdoing; however, this isn’t always the case. Unfortunately, inmates don’t usually receive the guidance and services they need to start a new life after serving time for their mistakes. Without counseling to tackle addiction, anger, and other health issues and…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
