The Khonsari Law Firm Blog

What are the Penalties for Looting in Florida? 

During Hurricane Irma, Florida police arrested several people for breaking through windows, breaking down doors, and looting stores, despite officers’ warnings to stay at home and look after their loved ones. Many of these looters were charged with burglary under Florida law. Florida and most other states view looting and burglary charges seriou [...]

Rohom Khonsari December 4, 2017

Can Manslaughter Be a Misdemeanor

Under Florida law, manslaughter involves the killing of a human being that does not fit within the definition of murder or felony-murder. Murder generally involves either a "depraved heart," "reckless disregard for human life," or felony-murder, which is a murder committed during the commission or attempted commission of an inherently dangerous fel [...]

Rohom Khonsari December 1, 2017

An Ignition Interlock Device Can be Costly

In Florida, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent or more. Breathalyzer test results are the most important piece of evidence for a Florida prosecutor to have during a criminal trial. In Florida, if you are arrested by an officer who has probable cause to believe that you were operating your ve [...]

Rohom Khonsari November 29, 2017

Criminal Defense Lawyer St. Petersburg Florida

How a Lawyer Can Help You Avoid Imprisonment

A criminal defense lawyer may help you avoid incarceration in your criminal case by asserting good legal defenses to your charges or reaching a favorable plea deal with the prosecution. In some cases, the prosecution may agree to a period of criminal probation to keep you from being incarcerated. Criminal probation in Florida is not a conviction. [...]

Rohom Khonsari November 27, 2017

Instagram Model Gets a DUI in Florida

DUI charges and convictions are all too common in Florida. Such was the case for a south Florida Instagram model who calls herself the “Cuban Kim Kardashian.” Katherine Ferreiro, 25, was arrested for drunk driving several days ago as she was leaving a popular Florida nightclub. Allegedly, Ferreiro was initially stopped by police for running a [...]

Rohom Khonsari November 24, 2017

Probation attorney St Petersburg Florida

Can a Probation Violation Be Dismissed?

Following a misdemeanor or felony conviction, a Florida judge may impose probation instead of—or in addition to—incarceration in a county jail or state prison. However, a probation sentence requires the offender to comply fully with all of the terms of the probation. These conditions usually include some or all of the following: Mandatory re [...]

Rohom Khonsari November 22, 2017

Can a DUI be a Felony in Florida?

DUIs in Florida may be prosecuted as either felony or as misdemeanors, depending on many factors, such as the person’s history of DUI and whether anyone was injured or killed. Generally speaking, felonies are punishable by more than one year in prison, and misdemeanors are punishable by up to one year of incarceration, plus fines and other penalt [...]

Rohom Khonsari November 20, 2017

criminal expungement Lawyer St. Petersburg Florida

Can an Assault Conviction be Expunged?

Unfortunately, a criminal record can have a serious impact on your ability to find a job, find a decent place to live, or gain admission to the college or university of your choice. In some cases, however, depending upon the nature and circumstances of the offense, you may be eligible to seal or expunge a criminal record in Florida. To seal or expu [...]

Rohom Khonsari November 17, 2017

Do You Have to Provide a Breath Sample During a ‘Driving Under the Influence’ Stop?

In the State of Florida, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. Breathalyzer test results are often the most important piece of evidence for a Florida prosecutor to have at her disposal during a criminal trial or during plea bargain negotiations. Under Florida law, you are required to take a [...]

Rohom Khonsari November 15, 2017

The Juice is (Almost) Loose: Parole and Probation Violations

On July 20th of this year, one of the most noted parole hearings in recent memory resulted in former NFL-player and actor O.J. Simpson winning his case for freedom. O.J., who was convicted of armed robbery, kidnapping, and assault with a deadly weapon, served the minimum amount of his 33-year sentence and could be released as early as October 2017. [...]

Rohom Khonsari November 13, 2017