The Khonsari Law Firm Blog

Criminal Defense Attorney St. Petersburg Florida

Six Tips for Being an Effective Witness

Testifying in court at a criminal trial can be a nerve-wracking experience. Not only are you speaking in front of people you don’t know, but you also might be aggressively cross-examined by an aggressive prosecutor. Fortunately, there are a few tips that can help you survive your time on the stand with flying colors. Tip #1: Look Good This is a [...]

Rohom Khonsari January 4, 2018

Criminal Defense Lawyer St. Petersburg Florida

What Is Grand Theft in Florida?

In Florida, grand theft is the term used when someone takes property intentionally and without permission. If you stand accused of grand theft, then you need an aggressive St. Petersburg criminal defense attorney to defend you. Grand Theft Defined Section 812.014 of the Florida Statutes defines grand theft as consisting of the following elements: [...]

Rohom Khonsari January 3, 2018

The Jury Selection Process

As a defendant, you have the right to a jury trial in a criminal case, except if you are accused of a minor infraction. If the state charges you with a capital crime, your jury will consist of 12 persons; otherwise, your jury will contain six members. These people, whom you have never met, will hold your fate in their hands. For this reason, jury s [...]

Rohom Khonsari January 2, 2018

Appealing a License Suspension in a DUI Case

You can lose your license as part of an administrative suspension even before a DUI conviction. Fortunately, you can file an appeal, but you’ll need the help of an experienced St. Petersburg criminal defense attorney to guide you through the process. Bringing an appeal requires organization and familiarity with the law, which many people find dif [...]

Rohom Khonsari January 1, 2018

Penalties for Identity Theft in Florida

Identity theft can result in financial devastation for victims, and for this reason, Florida law criminalizes and imposes severe penalties for several different forms of identity theft. The most important are: Criminal use of personal identification information. A person who commits this crime possesses someone’s personal identification witho [...]

Rohom Khonsari December 31, 2017

What to Do if You’re Accused of Shoplifting over the Holidays?

During the busy holiday season, store owners will look out for shoplifting. It’s not beyond possibility that a merchant might confront you, either in the store or in the parking lot, and accuse you of stealing. Here’s how to protect yourself: Don’t Fight Even if the store has the wrong person, you’ll only make things worse for yourself if [...]

Rohom Khonsari December 30, 2017

Criminal Drug Defense Lawyer St. Petersburg Florida

Common Fourth Amendment Violations in Drug Cases

So the police caught you with illegal drugs in your possession. Now what? Although the police might pressure you to confess, you should instead carefully analyze whether police legally conducted the drug bust. Fortunately, the U.S. Constitution puts strict limits on how police can investigate potential drug crimes. If you are charged with drug poss [...]

Rohom Khonsari December 29, 2017

Florida’s Stand Your Ground Law: An Overview

The killing of Trayvon Martin shined a spotlight on Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law. This poorly understood 2005 law seems here to stay. If you’ve defended yourself using force, then you’ll need to know how the law can possibly protect you from prosecution. The Old Self-Defense Law United States common law is the set of rules that early [...]

Rohom Khonsari December 28, 2017

What Are the Penalties for the Possession of Opioids in Florida?

Opioids are powerful drugs that contain opium or its derivatives and are used in medicine for the purpose of inducing sleep and relieving pain. Florida law regulates and criminalizes possession of certain narcotics and pharmaceutical drugs obtained without prescriptions, and the law generally refers to them as controlled substances. Illegal drug p [...]

Rohom Khonsari December 27, 2017

How Long Can the Police Keep You in Jail after an Arrest?

Once you’re arrested, you’re probably anxious for release. After all, meeting with an attorney, finding witnesses, piecing together your alibi, and generally building a defense is much harder when you’re sitting in jail. Fortunately, Florida can’t keep you in custody too long after arresting you. The Court Must Arraign You Within 24 Hours [...]

Rohom Khonsari December 26, 2017