You were arrested or given a Notice To Appear. It was a petit theft, grand theft, possession of drugs, or some other non-violent offense. You’ve never been arrested before, or if you have, you have a very minor prior record. You’re scared. You don’t know what to expect. Will you…
In Florida, when a defendant pleads guilty or no contest to a criminal charge or is found guilty after a trial, the judge will sentence that defendant. A sentence can involve jail or prison time or a term of probation, or both. If a person is sentenced to probation, that…
In Florida, and other states based on certain United States Supreme Court cases,, the police used to have broad authority to search a person’s property after an arrest. The police used to be able to search the person, a nearby vehicle, possibly the person’s residence and any items reasonably close…
A Motion to Dismiss a request to a judge to throw out a count or counts against you. In Florida, there are several different types of motions to dismiss that your criminal defense lawyer can file, including motions based on being pardoned, double jeopardy, and immunity. However, the most common…
A motion to suppress is an important arrow in the quiver of any criminal defense attorney. It is a weapon to defend the true meaning of the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. It is a powerful tool that protects all Americans from unreasonable searches and seizures…
A Federal Grand Jury is an integral part of almost any federal criminal case. Grand jury testimony often becomes a key issue in a federal criminal trial. But what is a Grand Jury exactly? How is it different than any other jury? How is the federal system different than in…
A twenty seven year old soccer coach has been arrested for interference with the custody of a minor after leaving Jacksonville, Florida with a 17 year old girl. Mr. Rodriguez’s criminal defense lawyer will surely challenge any allegation that the girl was taken against her will or that there was…
Bernandino Bolatete has been arrested and charged by criminal complaint in federal court in Jacksonville, Florida after threatening to a mass shooting at a local mosque. But what he has initially been charged with might surprise you? Rather than a charge related to a terroristic threat, Mr. Bolatete has been…
One of the more common cocktail party questions criminal defense attorneys get asked is whether you can get a DUI while driving a golf cart, or even riding a bicycle. In Florida, the answer is yes. You can be arrested, charged, convicted and sentenced for DUI (Driving Under the Influence)…
MIRANDA WARNINGS You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to talk to an attorney and and have that attorney present with you while you are being questioned. If you cannot afford…