Recent Blog Posts
Criminal Trespass
Aug 04, 2015 In Florida, a person commits criminal trespass when he or she enters another’s property or remains on the property without the owner’s permission. A key requirement of trespass is that the person had notice that he or she was not supposed to be on the property, yet entered or remained on… Read More »
Sexual Battery
July 28, 2015 In Florida, assaults that are sexual in nature are punishable under the state’s sexual battery statute. A conviction for sexual battery can have lifelong consequences for both the victim and defendant, so it is vital that all parties have a sound understanding of the law in this area. If you have… Read More »
Violating a Release on Recognizance
July 20, 2015 Release on recognizance is an option offered to certain defendants, enabling them to avoid jail time while they wait for their first hearing without being required to post bail. Release on recognizance requires that defendants offer a written promise to the court agreeing to appear in court when ordered and to… Read More »
Florida’s Statutory Rape Law
July 20, 2015 The age of consent as it applies to sexual activity varies from state to state. Florida’s standard states that a child younger than 16 years of age is incapable of consenting to sexual relations. This means that any sexual activity with minors under the age of 16 constitutes statutory rape. The… Read More »
Social Hosts and Underage Drinking
July 14, 2015 Florida Open House Parties Law The use of illegal drugs and alcohol is dangerous and can cause serious harm. Drug and alcohol use at a young age can ruin lives, and Florida law particularly discourages their use by minors. Not only can juveniles be convicted of possession, but adults who furnish… Read More »
Mandatory Disclosure in Florida Divorces
July 1, 2015 In a trial such as a divorce, one of the first steps is discovery. The discovery process entails gathering documents and information from the other party, which, in divorce, is the other spouse. The purpose of discovery is to resolve any disputed facts before trial. One important type of discovery in… Read More »
Pretrial Release in Florida
July 06, 2015 When a person is charged with a crime, it can be a while before the trial. Both sides need time to gather evidence and prepare the prosecution and the defense. However, especially for minor crimes, defendants do not want to wait in jail for the trial. In Florida, pretrial release means… Read More »
Florida Arrest Warrants
July 06, 2015 An arrest warrant is a court order to take a person into custody. Warrants give law enforcement officers the power to detain suspects and to take them into police custody. In Florida, an arrest warrant may be issued for a variety of reasons: Commission of a felony, extradition, failure to appear,… Read More »
Consequences of Arrests in Florida
July 1, 2015 An arrest, even when no trial results, or when the arrestee is found innocent, has far-reaching consequences. Arrests are matters of public record and they can affect a person’s ability to get a job, find housing, get into college, and more. In Florida, a person’s criminal history information is a matter… Read More »
Disorderly Conduct
June 29, 2015 When a person causes a disturbance in a public place, disorderly conduct charges may result. Disorderly conduct is a misdemeanor, and the charges may not seem serious. However, the real cost of a disorderly conduct arrest or conviction is often that the offender now has a permanent criminal record, which can… Read More »
