Whether you face charges in Florida state court or federal court depends on whether you are accused of violating Florida state law or federal statutes. The court that handles your case can affect your defense, the legal process and the possible result. Knowing the...
When a teenager is stopped by law enforcement, the question most families immediately ask is whether this moment will follow their child forever. Florida's juvenile justice system, overseen by the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, is built around rehabilitation...
A domestic violence injunction hearing may affect your life much sooner than you expect. After someone files a petition, the court could issue a temporary injunction within days and schedule a final hearing shortly afterward. Even if you do not face criminal charges,...
Actual possession means drugs were found on your person. Constructive possession means they were found nearby. In Florida, the legal consequences of both can be identical, and the standard of proof prosecutors must meet is where the defense begins. When people think...
When you see flashing lights in your rearview mirror after a night out, you might get anxious and anticipate what could come next: questions, tests and potentially life-changing consequences. The prospect of facing driving the influence (DUI) charges can be scary....
Motorists involved in car crashes sometimes receive traffic tickets. Police officers evaluate what occurred, determine if a traffic violation played a role in the crash and issue a ticket if necessary. In particularly serious scenarios, drivers involved in collisions...
You sit in a Clearwater or New Port Richey jail cell wondering when you'll see a judge, and the answer is within 24 hours of your arrest. Florida law guarantees you this first appearance hearing, where a judge decides if you stay locked up or go home while your case...
Police officers help enforce the law by investigating crimes, intervening in criminal activity as it occurs and taking people into state custody as necessary. The Fourth Amendment to the Constitution, however, protects people from unlawful searches and seizures, and...
Individuals involved in the distribution or trafficking of drugs are at risk of criminal prosecution. Florida statutes impose very serious penalties for the trafficking of controlled substances and prohibited drugs. Occasionally, those involved in unregulated drug...
Shoplifting, also known as retail fraud or retail theft, is one of the most common theft offenses regularly prosecuted in the U.S. Many retail establishments have loss prevention specialists monitoring shoppers. They may also have security guards and managers on...