Category Archives: Criminal
When Can Police Search Your Cell Phone? Understanding Your Constitutional Rights In Digital Search Cases
Over the past decade, cell phones have evolved from an on-the-go communication device to a portable mini-computer that stores nearly all of our life’s data, photos, messages, banking information, and other intensely personal details. In some ways, smartphones have become extensions of ourselves. For this reason, law enforcement officers will almost always want to… Read More »
What To Know About DEA Raids And Legal Options In Florida
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is among the most law enforcement agencies operating in Florida and across the United States. This federal agency’s goal is to stop the distribution and smuggling of drugs everywhere in the country by targeting drug traffickers and their operations. The DEA enforces the Controlled Substances Act as well as… Read More »
What Are The Differences Between Federal And State Charges In Florida?
If you are accused of any type of crime in Florida, you’re not alone, and you will have many questions and fears about the criminal justice process. One of those questions, depending on whether you face state or federal charges – or both – is what the differences are between the two. The main… Read More »
What To Know About Extradition And Your Legal Rights
Extradition is the process of bringing a person back to Florida from another state to answer for criminal charges. Through this procedure, the Florida fugitive is held in custody in another state so law enforcement officials can transport them back to Florida when an arrest warrant is outstanding. What is a “fugitive”? A fugitive… Read More »
What To Know About RICO And Racketeering Charges In Florida
What is racketeering and RICO? The “Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act” (known everywhere as RICO) was designed originally as a tool to prosecute and punish those involved in organized crime. RICO was passed into law in 1970 as a response to Congressional hearings and widespread attention on mafia activities. Since that time, RICO… Read More »
Stages In A Florida Criminal Proceeding: What To Know
If you have been arrested or charged with a crime, one of your first questions will be: what comes next? This is one of the most stressful, upsetting, and uncertain challenges a person can face in their lives. A defendant wants their day in court and wants to prove their innocence as soon as… Read More »
Trends In Florida White Collar Crime
“White collar crime” is a catch-all term generally referring to financial misdeeds committed by business or government professionals. Tax crimes, fraud, bribery, embezzlement, tech-related crimes, illegal pyramid schemes and kickbacks – among other activities – all fall under the white collar crime umbrella. According to recent data from the U.S. Department of Justice, the… Read More »
Differences Between Theft, Robbery, And Burglary Crimes In Florida
In Florida, “theft” is a broad category covering a wide range of potential crimes. It is easy to get this confused with crimes like robbery or burglary, but the crimes and potential penalties can vary dramatically based on what the prosecution charges. It is important for those facing any of these potential charges to… Read More »
What Is “Hearsay” In A Florida Criminal Trial?
For anyone even vaguely familiar with the criminal trial process, the word “hearsay” will seem familiar. It is one of the most important and frequently cited rules in a criminal trial, as it involves statements that can be incriminating or prejudicial to a defendant. The definition of hearsay under Florida’s Evidence Code is an… Read More »
What To Know About The Right To Appeal In Florida Criminal Cases
When faced with any type of criminal charge, a defendant’s goal is to be acquitted or have charges dropped. Alternatively, they may seek a favorable plea agreement that is less harmful than a conviction. Sometimes, despite all efforts by the defendant and their legal team, they find themselves convicted of a crime. The question,… Read More »
