The Khonsari Law Firm Blog

Can a Plea Bargain Avoid a Conviction in a Florida DUI?

In many Florida DUI cases, the state attorney may offer a plea deal that may include a period of probation or community service. By agreeing to a plea deal with the prosecutor, you avoid more serious penalties by pleading guilty to your charge and giving up certain rights in your case—including your appeal rights. Because of Florida’s harsh DU [...]

Rohom Khonsari December 20, 2017

What if I Wasn’t Read My Rights After My Arrest?

In the federal case of Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 (1966), the Supreme Court of the United States held that statements made in response to police questioning are only admissible if the accused is first notified of the right to consult with an attorney before and during questioning. The purpose of Miranda warnings, therefore, is to safeguard an [...]

Rohom Khonsari December 18, 2017

Was Your Traffic Stop Illegal?

Police officers are permitted to pull over your vehicle if they suspect impaired driving. If you are arrested and charged with a DUI, the penalties upon conviction can be extremely serious. If you have been arrested and charged with a DUI in Florida, you need experienced legal representation by your side throughout your case. The DUI criminal defe [...]

Rohom Khonsari December 15, 2017

Criminal Defense Attorney St. Petersburg Florida

Penalties for Shoplifting

Florida shoplifting and theft charges can result in serious criminal penalties, including lengthy jail times and hefty fines. In addition to criminal penalties, offenders may also be subject to civil penalties, such as restitution for stolen property and monetary damages. If you have been charged with shoplifting, known in Florida as “retail the [...]

Rohom Khonsari December 13, 2017

Criminal Defense Lawyer St. Petersburg Florida

Robbery vs. Theft

Florida treats both robbery and theft charges and convictions seriously, and a robbery conviction has the potential to land a criminal defendant in jail for many years. If you have been charged with robbery or theft in Florida, you need experienced legal counsel on your side advocating for your rights every step of the way. The knowledgeable crimin [...]

Rohom Khonsari December 11, 2017

Can the Police Look in the Windows of Your Home?

Pursuant to the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, with few exceptions, any police officer who conducts a search of a person’s home or vehicle must first obtain a search warrant (or the owner of the property must have validly consented to the search). To issue a search warrant, probable cause must exist that criminal activity was afoot an [...]

Rohom Khonsari December 6, 2017

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

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