Our Second Amendment rights may grant the privilege to keep and bear arms, but there are some stipulations. Concealing a firearm in Florida requires holding a valid permit, and choosing to carry a concealed weapon without one could land you with severe consequences. If you are facing a criminal charge for carrying a concealed weapon…
You may have heard that a police officer in Florida needs probable cause before they can legally pull you over. However, this is untrue as Florida police officers only need what is known as “reasonable suspicion” to perform a traffic stop. Although probable cause and reasonable suspicion are similar, there is a notable difference that…
Under certain conditions, some people convicted of misdemeanor or felony crimes in Florida can complete their sentence in their own homes or communities. Known as probation agreements, these arrangements are ordered by the court and cannot last longer than the maximum sentence for the crime that was committed. Are you facing a criminal charge in…
In Florida, protective orders are typically issued in criminal cases involving domestic violence, assault, battery, and other violent crimes where the courts are concerned for the safety of the victim. These court orders, commonly referred to as “restraining orders,” “injunctions,” or “no contact orders,” may require the respondent to attend a hearing. If you or…
Florida is one of 28 states that have habitual offender laws, also known as three-strikes laws. These laws are implemented as part of the United States Justice Department’s Anti-Violence Strategy and radically increase the severity of punishment for anyone convicted of multiple serious crimes. If you are facing a significant criminal charge in Florida, you…
Domestic violence does not care how old you are, what your sexual preference is, what color you are, or what gender you identify as. Because anyone is vulnerable to becoming a victim of domestic violence, sometimes children under the age of 18 may seek to file a restraining order against their abuser. If you or…
Every person in the United States is presumed innocent until they are proven guilty, meaning you cannot be convicted of a crime unless you have been proven guilty beyond any reasonable doubt. Because of this, before jury members in Florida can even begin deliberations, they must study the Florida Supreme Court Standard Jury Instructions, which…
After making its first courtroom debut in the 1980s, DNA evidence quickly became a vital component in thousands of cases across the country. Generally considered extremely reliable by attorneys and juries alike, DNA evidence is also susceptible to crucial faults that could make or break a case. If you are suspected of committing a criminal…
Being investigated for a crime is scary, especially if you are sure you are not guilty of the charges. Unfortunately, false allegations occur in Florida more often than many realize. No matter the crime of which you’re accused of committing, your first step should be to secure legal representation from an experienced Florida criminal defense…
Disorderly conduct, also known as “breach of peace” or “disturbing the peace,” is a sometimes vague and subjective offense, often left up to interpretation. Laws banning disorderly conduct are typically designed to allow the police to arrest people whose behavior offends or disrupts those enjoying a public space. If you or someone you know has…
