March 9, 2018
Read MoreThe Khonsari Law Firm Blog
Did Your Heartburn Get You a DUI? The GERD Defense
A police officer who stops your vehicle and believes that you were drinking can—and likely will—ask you to give a breath sample. If the breathalyzer test reveals that your blood alcohol concentration, or BAC, is 0.08 percent or more, the officer can charge you with driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI).
Understand, however, that breatha [...]
Can the Police Lie During an Investigation?
The Florida criminal justice system is responsible for identifying criminals and arresting them, prosecuting them through the Florida court system, and establishing the criminal penalties upon sentencing and conviction. Detectives and police officers are primarily responsible for identifying criminals and arresting them.
To arrest individuals and [...]
March 7, 2018
Read MoreCan Police Claim Protections Under Florida’s “Stand Your Ground Law”?
The initial purpose of Florida’s “Stand Your Ground Law” was to ensure that ordinary citizens have the right to defend themselves without fear of an arrest or trial. Lately, however, Florida police officers have tried to avail themselves of the law.
Proponents say that the law applies to “any person”—and that police officers obviously [...]
March 5, 2018
Read MoreThe Auto-Brewery Syndrome Drunk Driving Defense
Under Florida law, if a police officer stops you and your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is determined 0.08 percent or higher after taking a breathalyzer test, the officer will arrest you for drunk driving. The BAC threshold is even more stringent for minors (those who are younger than 21) and commercial drivers holding a CDL license. Fortunatel [...]
March 2, 2018
Read MoreBoating While Intoxicated in St. Petersburg
Boating is a favorite pastime of many people in the St. Petersburg area. Although most boaters are safe, in some situations boating can result in serious injuries. One of the most dangerous occurs whenever individuals operate a boat while intoxicated.
Consequences for Boating While Intoxicated
It is, of course, illegal to operate a boat while i [...]
February 26, 2018
Read MoreWeapons Offenses in Florida
According to the Centers for Disease Control, Florida recorded 2559 firearm-related deaths in 2016. Florida, a state that is known for being tough on crime, continues to face problems stemming from gun and weapons violence.
Weapons offenses in Florida can range from misdemeanors to felonies. A conviction for a weapons offense can have a lasting im [...]
February 23, 2018
Read MoreHave You Been Falsely Accused of Sexual Misconduct?
Recent major news networks have focused on the growing allegations of sexual assault committed by men in power. Despite the growing attention drawn to this behavior, there are still approximately 321,500 cases of sexual assault in the United States each year. Sexual assault is a serious crime that affects victims both physically and mentally. Sexua [...]
February 21, 2018
Read MoreThe Death Penalty in Florida
One of the most controversial topics in the United States is the use of the death penalty. The death penalty, which is also known as capital punishment, is the most severe criminal punishment. And despite the controversy surrounding the death penalty, it remains in use in Florida.
In Florida, individuals may be put to death if they have been found [...]
February 19, 2018
Read MoreMinors Facing Criminal Charges
Minors—those who are under the age of 18—think differently than adults, and that difference is not always recognized by the criminal justice system. These differences in thinking occur because minors’ brains are still developing. As a result, minors often make decisions and handle situations in a manner opposite of what is expected. Failing t [...]
February 16, 2018
Read MoreWhite Collar Crime Basics
The term "white collar crime" is more of a widely acknowledged phrase given to the classification of crime than an actual legal definition. White collar crimes are inherently nonviolent crimes and involve either fraud or dishonesty. The nature of these crimes is financial as opposed to more "violent" crimes such as assault and battery.
Although th [...]
February 14, 2018
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