Tag Archives: Tampa Criminal Defense Lawyers
Florida Appeals Court Denies Defendant’s Motion to Suppress Evidence
Recently, Florida’s Second District Court of Appeal issued a decision in the case of Zachary Daniels v. the State of Florida. This appeal involved a dispute over the issue of how police officers are allowed to legally obtain evidence. While this is certainly a highly technical issues, it is one that is critically important… Read More »
Understanding Evidence: The Chain of Custody
Evidence is the foundation of any legal case. As such, it is critically important that criminal defendants are able to ensure that all forms of evidence being presented against them are legitimate. Before the prosecution can submit a piece of evidence at trial, they must first prove that they can authenticate the evidence. In… Read More »
What Happens if You Violate Probation in Florida?
Under Florida law, a Violation of Probation (VOP) occurs when a criminal defendant violates the terms of their probationary punishment. An accusation that you have violated your probation must always be taken seriously. Those who are found in violation may potentially face some very stiff penalties. Indeed, depending on the terms of your probation… Read More »
The Importance of Gathering Evidence in a Florida DUI Case
In Florida, a conviction for DUI can come with very harsh consequences. Not only could a DUI conviction cost you a lot of money, but you may lose your ability to drive and even your freedom. If you have been arrested for drunk driving in Florida, it is imperative that you contact an experienced… Read More »
The State of Marijuana Laws and Enforcement in Tampa Bay
When Floridians went to the polls on November 8th, 2016, they overwhelmingly voted in favor of allowing the expanded use of medical marijuana. In fact, the Tampa Bay Times reports that the medical marijuana ballot initiative won 71 percent to 29 percent. This is no doubt a decisive victory in our very polarized era…. Read More »
Florida DUI Arrests: Administrative License Suspension
Under Florida law, all drivers who are arrested for DUI, including those who are arrested for refusing a breath test, will face an immediate administrative suspension of their license. In fact, this suspension is automatic and will become official unless a valid appeal is submitted within ten days of the arrest. You must take… Read More »
Florida DUI: What is ‘Actual Physical Control’
In Florida, you can be arrested for a DUI even if the responding police officer never saw the vehicle move. This is because Florida’s DUI criminal statute includes an ‘actual physical control’ element. These cases are always very complex. If you were arrested for a DUI in Florida, and you have questions about actual… Read More »
Arrested in Florida? What You Need to Know
Florida criminal law is extremely complex. If you find yourself facing a criminal charge, it is normal to feel both confused and intimidated. You need to take swift action. A criminal conviction could come with severe penalties, and it could stay on your record for the rest of your life. If you, or a… Read More »
Florida Drug Charges: Probable Cause
Your due process rights ensure that you will receive fair treatment under the law. Florida police officers and prosecutors must always uphold the legal principles of due process. One of the most valuable due process rights that we all have is the freedom from an unlawful search or seizure. The Fourth Amendment protects you… Read More »
Supreme Court of Florida Clarifies ‘Duty to Retreat’ Obligation
In 2014, a Florida man had his murder convicted overturned by the First District Court of Appeal, due to allegedly conflicting jury instructions relating to the defendant’s right to self defense. Recently, the Supreme Court of Florida issued a clarifying opinion in that case. The Supreme Court, in State of Florida vs. Robert Franklin… Read More »