Blog Posts in 2018

How Are Sex Offense Charges Defended?

If you are facing sex offense charges in Florida, you need a knowledgeable and experienced defense attorney – I cannot overstate this enough. In many cases, the penalties for a Florida sex offense are daunting. Sex offender registration, fines, and a lengthy prison sentence are only the beginning. If someone has to register as a sex offender for life, the stigma can be devastating and affect every ...

What is the Difference Between State & Federal Courts?

In the United States, we have two types of courts – state courts and federal courts. The state courts handle violations of state laws, which are enacted by state legislators. Meanwhile, the federal courts handle violations of federal laws, which are established by Congress. State and federal courts have different jurisdiction. Jurisdiction refers to the types of cases a court is authorized or ...

What Does Withhold of Adjudication Mean?

You’re probably aware of the traditional consequences of a criminal conviction – fines and imprisonment, but you may not realize some of the collateral consequences of a conviction, such as losing the right to vote , serve on a jury, and hold public office. A conviction can lead to other consequences as well. Convictions typically affect housing, employment, insurance, college scholarships, and ...

What is Restitution in Florida?

In Florida, certain criminal defendants are ordered by the court to pay what’s called “restitution” to the victims of their crimes. Under Section 775.089 of the Florida Statutes, the court can order that an offender make restitution to their victim(s) for damage or loss caused by the offender’s criminal episode, or indirectly caused by the offense. According to the National Center for Victims of ...