Category Archives: Criminal Law
Burglary: Structures and Conveyances
March 3, 2015 The crime of burglary in the state of Florida means entering or remaining on another’s premises with the purpose of committing a crime inside, even if the crime was not committed. Florida law identifies two ways to commit a burglary: Unlawfully entering a dwelling, structure, or conveyance with the intent to commit… Read More »
Vanilla Ice Arrested for Home Burglary in Florida
February 24, 2015 Robert Van Winkle, better known as ‘90s rapper Vanilla Ice, was arrested Wednesday, February 18th, and charged with burglary of a residence and grand theft. Furniture, a pool heater, a bicycle, and other items were taken from a Lantana home; police believe that the burglary took place between December and February. The… Read More »
Revenge Porn Bill Proposed
February 10, 2015 Florida State Representative Tom Goodson (R-Titusville) announced recently that he is sponsoring a bill that would criminalize revenge porn. Bill HB 151 would make disseminating pornography for the purpose of harassment a third degree felony. This is the third time that an attempt has been made to pass this bill in Florida…. Read More »
Collateral Consequences of Crime – Part 2
February 18, 2015 Criminal convictions can have far-reaching consequences, beyond jail time, fines, or probation. Felons lose the right to vote, those convicted of drug crimes lose driver’s licenses, and non-citizens who reside in the U.S. may be deported. Besides these and other legal penalties, there can be social and economic repercussions as well…. Read More »
Withdrawal of Guilty Pleas in Florida
February 26, 2015 When you are charged with a crime, you can plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest. Entering a plea of not guilty means that your case will go to trial, while a guilty or no contest plea means that you will receive a sentence without going through the trial process. If… Read More »
Collateral Consequences of Crime – Part 1
February 12, 2015 When we think about the consequences of being convicted of a crime, the first things that likely come to mind are imprisonment, fines, and probation. But, criminal convictions can have many other consequences as well. Some of these consequences, such as the loss of civil liberties, loss of driving privileges, or housing… Read More »
Defenses to Drug Possession
February 1, 2015 Being charged with the possession of drugs is frightening. In addition to the legal penalties—whether probation, fines, or incarceration—come the collateral costs. A conviction for a drug offense can deter possible employers, make it more difficult to obtain professional licenses, cause loss of eligibility for welfare benefits or student loans, and… Read More »
The Consequences of Marijuana Possession
January 28, 2015 A conviction for drug possession can be devastating and life-altering. The serious consequences of this crime mean that it is very important to understand the nature of the crime. In Florida, drug possession is the offense of holding, but not manufacturing or selling, a controlled substance, presumably for personal use. To… Read More »
Probable Cause: an Overview
January 21, 2015 Probable cause is the standard by which officers of the law determine whether they have grounds to obtain an arrest or search warrant, to arrest without a warrant, or to charge someone with a crime. The probable cause standard is guaranteed by the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution: “The… Read More »
Have You Been Charged With a Criminal Offense? The Importance of Being Represented
January 19, 2015 If you are under criminal investigation or have been charged with a crime, you are probably feeling nervous, afraid, and overwhelmed. Your whole world may be upended. The legal world is complex and difficult to understand, and if you get it wrong, the consequences can be devastating—fines, community service, probation, or… Read More »
