The Khonsari Law Firm Blog

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Ask These Five Questions When Hiring a St. Petersburg DUI Lawyer

After a DUI arrest in St. Petersburg, many defendants assume their lives are over. After all, there’s no need to fight the charges when the officer has such overwhelming evidence, right? In reality, the right attorney can make a substantial difference in the outcome of your case. Ask these five questions, however, before hiring a lawyer. #1. [...]

Rohom Khonsari November 28, 2018

a scale of justice sits on a wooden table in a courtroom

The Pitfalls of Going Pro Se (As Your Own Attorney)

Are you charged with a crime in St. Petersburg? Are you thinking of representing yourself in court? In the United States, you certainly have the right to pro se representation—that is, arguing on your own behalf. However, understand the many risks of going through the criminal justice process without an experienced attorney. Here are some of t [...]

Rohom Khonsari November 23, 2018

Standards for Opioid Intoxication When Driving

The opioid crisis is the headline on local and national news every day. Daily, more than 115 people in the United States die after an opioid overdose. Prescription pain pills, heroin, and synthetic opioids like fentanyl cause those who are addicted to the drugs to contribute to the rising costs of healthcare, lost productivity, treatment expenses, [...]

Rohom Khonsari November 19, 2018

What Happens if I Violate a Restraining Order?

A restraining order, or as it’s more formally called in Florida, a personal protection order, is a court order designed to restrict your behavior. In most cases, the court issues a restraining order to keep you from bothering or harming a specific person. While people have requested restraining orders for some pretty silly reasons, courts will on [...]

Rohom Khonsari November 14, 2018

Juvenile Arrest for Possession of Alcohol

In 2009, minors consumed 9.5 percent of all alcohol sold in Florida. Nationwide, the CDC reports that people ages 12 to 20 years drink 11 percent of all alcohol, more than 90 percent in the form of binge drinking. According to Florida Statutes §562.111, however, people younger than 21 cannot possess alcohol. This prohibition includes commercial be [...]

Rohom Khonsari November 9, 2018

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Busted for Cocaine? Now What?

Getting caught with cocaine in Georgia is a serious affair: In agreement with the DEA, Georgia lawmakers consider cocaine a Schedule II drug. Having cocaine in your possession carries far more serious ramifications than getting caught with a few ounces of marijuana, for example. Whether police find you with a quarter ounce of cocaine or carrying [...]

Rohom Khonsari November 5, 2018

a man is using an electronic device to check his blood alcohol level

Is It Worth Getting a Lawyer for a DUI if I Failed the Breathalyzer?

Like most states, drivers in Florida accept that they are subject to implied consent statutes when they operate a motor vehicle. This means if police stop you for suspicion of operating under the influence, you are obligated to take field sobriety tests—one of which is a Breathalyzer test. What is not always clear is what options you have should [...]

Rohom Khonsari October 24, 2018

Methamphetamine Arrests in Florida

Methamphetamine, also known by its street names ice, crystal, speed, and crank, is a highly addictive and dangerous drug. While its medicinal forms are legal, albeit highly restricted, a user who does not possess a valid prescription may face third degree felony charges. Beyond that, a person who possesses a chemical essential to making methamphet [...]

Rohom Khonsari October 19, 2018

three women laughing and having a drink outside

Am I Responsible for a DUI That a Guest at My Party Received?

Last year in Florida, authorities issued 43,899 driving under the influence (DUI ) violation tickets, resulting in 24,334 DUI convictions. If you host a party that involves alcohol and/or drugs, and from which some guests are driving home, there is always a chance that one or more of your guests end the night with a DUI arrest. Not only do drunk [...]

Rohom Khonsari October 15, 2018

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Can You Vote in Florida With a Felony?

People convicted of felony offenses often continue to struggle with the consequences for years after their release. Felony convictions are included on your criminal record, and most background checks will reveal them. Felony convictions can make finding employment, obtaining federal loans, and securing housing more difficult. A felony conviction c [...]

Rohom Khonsari October 10, 2018