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Searches Individuals are protected and are guaranteed a reasonable expectation of privacy under Florida and Federal law. Law enforcement must obtain a search warrant before conducting a search of your property or conversation for it to be considered legal, in most circumstances. If law enforcement finds something illegal in your vehicle or on your property, […]

What is Record Sealing? Record sealing is the practice of sealing or, in some cases, destroying court records that would otherwise be publicly accessible as public records. What is an Expungement? To “expunge” is to “erase or remove completely.” In law, “expungement” is the process by which a record of criminal conviction is destroyed or […]

Routine traffic stops are more common than you think. Drivers should understand some things that can help them eliminate contact with law enforcement, so they are not in a position to be arrested. Many drivers who are pulled over, are stopped for driving under the influence or are suspected of being involved in a crime. […]

Robbery According to Florida Statute 812, Robbery” means the taking of money or other property which may be the subject of larceny from the person or custody of another, with intent to either permanently or temporarily deprive the person or the owner of the money or other property, when in the course of the taking […]

The RICO Act The RICO act is a federal law designed to combat organized crime was passed in 1970. This law allows for civil penalties for racketeering activity, including; illegal gambling, bribery, kidnapping, murder, money laundering, counterfeiting, embezzlement, drug trafficking, and slavery. Both the government and civil parties use the RICO law to prosecute both […]

Restraining Orders Restraining orders are also known as domestic violence injunctions, with dozens being filed in all Florida counties each day. Domestic violence is a serious issue. It gives grounds for an individual to file a temporary court order prohibiting a specific individual from carrying out a particular action, approaching, or contacting the person. A […]

Arrest It is essential to know your rights if you are ever in the situation of being arrested. Police are allowed to use reasonable force when making an arrest. However, it is illegal for police to use excessive force, which infringes on the civil rights of the arrestee.

  Prosecutors Prosecutors are lawyers who represent the government and are responsible for presenting a case in a criminal trial against an individual that they think has committed a crime. Prosecutors investigate, charge, and prosecute. At the state level, prosecutors are also known as district or state attorneys.

Probation Not all people convicted of crimes are sent to jail. Many times, people who have been convicted of a crime, but have a clean record, can be sentenced to probation. Provided the convicted meet specific criteria for a prescribed length of time, they can remain free.

What is a Pretrial Intervention? Pretrial intervention is a program run by your State Attorney’s Office. The state will consider sending minor, non-violent cases to the Pretrial Intervention. If you and the state agree to a pretrial intervention, you will both sign a non-binding contract if you complete negotiated conditions. The state will decide to […]