January 7, 2018
Read MoreCategory: Crime Information
The Importance of Objections at Trial
A criminal prosecution has several stages and your trial is not always the final stage. If you’re convicted, you will then have the right to an appeal, in which you ask a higher court to set aside your guilty verdict because of errors made in the court below. But to [...]
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 [...]
December 28, 2017
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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 [...]
December 18, 2017
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The Bright White Line of White Collar Crime: Money Laundering
Money laundering dates back as early as 2000 BCE; people have always felt the frustration of seeing hard-earned dollars go to kings and queens or governments as taxes. So it’s not surprising that people have been trying to avoid paying taxes for centuries. What has advanced money laundering in this [...]
October 17, 2017
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Did You Violate Your Probation?
Under Florida law, violating one’s criminal probation can come with very serious penalties and consequences. It is also important to note that in probation violation cases, the State—or the prosecution—has a much lower burden of proof than in other criminal cases, and there are fewer procedural hurdles and constitutional restrictions [...]
October 11, 2017
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Murder v. Manslaughter: The Fine Line
Although both charges involve taking human life, the primary difference between murder and manslaughter boils down to planning and/or intent. For example, if you take a life because you were driving under the influence but had no intent to harm another, you will likely be charged with vehicular manslaughter. However, [...]
February 17, 2017
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Uncovering Juvenile Crime Myths
Crime is one of the most troubling and misunderstood aspects of our society. Unfortunately, public interest in memorable and frightening crime stories means the media often panders to these fears. Misunderstanding the causes and consequences of juvenile crime does a disservice to youth and damages society as a whole. Here [...]
December 17, 2015
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Most Common Crimes That Occur During the Holidays
The holidays bring friends and families together in celebration and a spirit of giving. However, seasonal trends also lead to criminal activity. The following crimes occur most often during the holidays. Identity Theft While identity theft happens all year, increased spending by consumers makes the public particularly vulnerable during the [...]
December 11, 2015
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Safe Strategies for Driving in the Rain
Driving during bad weather, especially rainstorms, presents special challenges and requires additional precaution. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration, 46 percent of all weather-related accidents involve driving in the rain. For Floridians, driving in a downpour is a natural occurrence, but there are some strategies to [...]
November 20, 2015
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Open Container Laws in Tampa Bay: What to Know
In Florida, there are restrictions on possession of an open container of alcohol. The City of Tampa has also adopted open container restrictions that apply to every area within the Tampa city limits. Violations of the Florida law or Tampa ordinance may result in financial penalties. With the holiday season, [...]
October 30, 2015
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