The Khonsari Law Firm Blog

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Is Marijuana Possession Still a Crime?

Marijuana laws are changing in several states across the country. As laws change, it is not unusual to become confused with how marijuana laws impact you. According to federal law and the Controlled Substance Act, marijuana possession is illegal. Some states, however, have passed laws that make the recreational or medical use of marijuana lawful; [...]

Rohom Khonsari February 7, 2018

Criminal Defense Attorney St. Petersburg Florida

What Is a Bail Hearing?

The right to bail is a critical, early step in the majority of criminal proceedings. Under Florida law, an individual arrested for a crime can apply to be released on bail, also known as a pre-trial release. The vast majority of criminal defendants are released on bail. In order for an individual to secure his or her release, he or she must first f [...]

Rohom Khonsari February 5, 2018

How Expert Witnesses Help in a Criminal Defense

On several occasions, criminal trials turn to the testimony provided by expert witnesses. An expert witness’ testimony provides the jury with a qualified perspective on critical evidence. It is this qualified and specialized knowledge that plays such an important role for criminal defendants. Florida law permits the use of expert witnesses at tri [...]

Rohom Khonsari February 2, 2018

Criminal Defense Lawyer St. Petersburg Florida

When is a Lie Perjury?

When you get on the witness stand, you promise or take an oath to tell the truth, and telling a lie can cost you dearly. Florida takes perjury very seriously and people convicted of lying can be fined and even sentenced to time in jail. If you have a question about how to testify, you should contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. [...]

Rohom Khonsari January 29, 2018

Testimonial Privileges in Florida

As a criminal defendant, almost anything you say can be introduced later in court. However, some communications are kept private because of a privilege. Depending on the circumstances, you might be able to strengthen your defense by keeping certain statements away from the jury. Some of the more important testimonial privileges include the followin [...]

Rohom Khonsari January 26, 2018

Should a Criminal Defendant Testify?

The Fifth Amendment gives you an absolute right not to testify at your criminal trial and the jury can’t use your decision not to testify against you. But in some situations, might it be a good idea to testify anyway? Before you can answer that question, you need to analyze the evidence in your case and with your experienced defense lawyer. Many [...]

Rohom Khonsari January 24, 2018

Can I Withdraw My Guilty Plea?

Often, a plea bargain is an ideal resolution for a criminal defendant. You might plead guilty to a reduced charge and avoid prison. However, defendants sometimes change their minds and want to withdraw their guilty plea. In Florida, you can sometimes withdraw an earlier plea agreement, but a lot depends on timing. Withdrawing a Plea Before Senten [...]

Rohom Khonsari January 22, 2018

Florida Doctor Sentenced for Health Care Fraud

In November, a Florida doctor was sentenced to a four-year prison term for health care fraud and money laundering. This case is a reminder that the federal government continues to pursue health care fraud aggressively and isn’t afraid to use its full resources to go after suspected scammers. Accused defendants will need a skilled health care frau [...]

Rohom Khonsari January 18, 2018

What Is Hearsay?

A fundamental rule of criminal trials is that witnesses can only testify about what they saw or heard. When witnesses try to testify to second-hand information, they may be offering hearsay, which is generally prohibited. A skilled criminal defense attorney should lodge an appropriate objection asking the judge to exclude any hearsay testimony. He [...]

Rohom Khonsari January 16, 2018

Surgery Injury Attorney St. Petersburg Florida

Were You the Victim of a Gallbladder Surgery Error?

Many people need to have their gallbladders removed for a variety of health reasons. The medical industry has developed a minimally invasive way of doing so by performing laparoscopic gallbladder surgery, and the vast majority of gallbladder removals use this technique. Laparoscopic procedures use specialized tools that only require small incisions [...]

Rohom Khonsari January 15, 2018