In this article, you can discover: The most common types of juvenile offenses and the age range for juvenile court jurisdiction. An overview of the juvenile justice procedure, from arrest to sentencing. The importance of understanding the unique rules and processes of the juvenile justice system. What Are The Most Common Types Of Juvenile Offenses Cases You Handle? In our practice, we frequently encounter a variety of juvenile offenses, mirroring the spectrum of crimes found in adult court. One prevalent issue among younger individuals is physical altercations, leading to charges such as battery and disruption of a school assembly. Theft-related offenses, including shoplifting, burglary, and grand theft of motor vehicles, are also common. Additionally, we see a significant number of drug and alcohol-related offenses among juveniles. It's important to note that certain crimes, like traffic violations, are typically handled in adult court, regardless of the offender's age. In more serious…Read More
In this article, you can discover… How to prepare yourself and your child for an academic discipline hearing. Evidence and documentation to bring to your lawyer prior to the hearing. How to successfully respond to allegations made by the school board. What's The First Step I Should Take If My Child Is Required To Attend An Academic Disciplinary Hearing? Reach out to an experienced legal advisor who can help guide you through the process. Call the moment you are made aware of an impending hearing, as these proceedings tend to move quickly without much notice. This gives your attorney more time to review evidence and help you and your child prepare for the disciplinary hearing. Next, reach out to your child’s school in writing and request a copy of all evidence that they’re going to be using against your son or daughter. This can include witness statements, reports, and video…Read More
In this article, you can discover… What an academic hearing involves. Reasons a student may face academic discipline. The rights of parents and students during an academic hearing. What Is An Academic Discipline Hearing? An academic discipline hearing occurs when your child has violated the school’s code of conduct and now faces disciplinary action. Academic discipline hearings can be called by a variety of names depending on which school district your child attends. An academic discipline hearing serves as an opportunity for your child to be given due process prior to possible r expulsion from that school. The hearing allows you and your child, who has a legal right to a free education, the opportunity to hear the school’s complaints against your child and to be heard in turn before action is taken to deprive your child of that education, whether temporarily or permanently. What Are The Most Common Reasons…Read More
In this article, you can discover: Various alternatives to jail for juveniles, such as probation and pretrial diversion programs. How alternative punishments can potentially keep convictions off a child's record. The crucial role of legal representation in securing favorable outcomes for juvenile offenders. What Are Potential Punishments for Juveniles? In the realm of juvenile justice, the focus is on rehabilitation rather than punishment, resulting in the courts favoring alternatives to incarceration. Juvenile courts most commonly impose probation, which can encompass various conditions like counseling, curfews, school attendance, and anger management classes. Another approach is the utilization of pretrial diversion programs, such as teen court programs, which can result in the charges being dismissed if the Juvenile completes the program and all of the related sanctions. These programs offer juveniles a chance to engage in rehabilitative activities, like community service and counseling, while also providing an educational insight into the court…Read More
In this article, you can discover: How a defendant's past domestic violence history can affect bond determination and trial proceedings. Essential steps to take once domestic violence charges are filed against you. The long-term effects of a domestic violence conviction and the importance of experienced legal representation. Can The Prosecution Introduce Evidence Of A Defendant's Past Domestic Violence? Evidence of prior Domestic Violence cases can sometimes be admissible depending on what type of hearing you are at. For example, during an initial appearance following an arrest for domestic violence battery, it is common and appropriate for the prosecutor to inform the judge about the defendant's past arrests and convictions related to domestic violence. This information can influence the judge's bond determination. However, in a jury trial where the prosecution aims to prove the defendant's guilt, past conduct is generally not allowed to be presented to the jury. There are exceptions,…Read More
In this article, you can discover: The serious implications of domestic violence allegations, including potential jail time and no-contact orders. The process and conditions for obtaining an order of protection or a restraining order. How domestic violence charges are classified and the role of evidence and witnesses in these cases. How Serious Are Domestic Violence Allegations? Domestic violence allegations are not to be taken lightly. They carry both immediate and long-term repercussions. Upon arrest for a domestic violence allegation, it's crucial to understand that you cannot simply post bond and be released from jail. Instead, you must remain in custody until you can appear before a judge, who will then set your bond. This process means you might stay in jail longer than you would for other offenses. Typically, judges will issue a no-contact order, prohibiting you from contacting the victim, be it your spouse, partner, or child. However, if…Read More
In this article, you can discover: Why DUI penalties in Florida vary based on offense and circumstances. How trial outcomes can influence the severity of DUI penalties. The importance of experienced DUI attorneys in mitigating DUI conviction penalties. What Are The Penalties For DUI In Florida? In Florida, DUI convictions come with strict penalties, and the severity of those penalties depends on the specific circumstances of each case. There is no mandatory jail time for a first-time DUI conviction, but the court can sentence first time offenders to up to six months in jail. If the blood alcohol level is above 0.15, then the court can impose a sentence of up to nine months in jail. In addition to the potential jail time facing those charged with DUI, the driver also faces a six to twelve-month license suspension and a fine ranging from $500 to $2000, with higher minimums for…Read More
A sealed or expunged record allows you to move on from parts of your life that you do not want to be made public. A criminal record can have tremendous effects on a person’s life. It has the potential to dictate how important life events will play out. With a criminal record, it becomes more difficult to access benefits that may have otherwise been available without a record. Benefits like good housing, loans and grants, quality education, and gainful employment become more difficult to access. A person with a criminal record may be obligated by law to disclose such records during job interviews, when applying for loans, grants, and housing benefits, and when applying to schools. In addition, most criminal records are discoverable during a simple background check, making it more likely that a routine check may put you at a disadvantage. Sealing or expunging your criminal records can help…Read More
Having your property or cash seized by law enforcement in Florida can be a surprising and frustrating experience. Most people do not know that under civil asset forfeiture laws, law enforcement agencies can seize your property. In most instances, the seizure may even result in a forfeiture, meaning they get to keep the property or cash permanently. As a result, most people react with outrage when they learn that their assets have been seized by law enforcement. While your feelings are understandable, and only natural, it is important to act quickly in order to have any hope of recovering your property. The civil asset seizure and forfeiture process can move very quickly, and within a matter of days, you may lose your right to reclaim your property. To ensure the best chances of success, you should immediately consult with an experienced Florida civil asset forfeiture attorney for help. Attorney Michael…Read More
The United States Constitution and state statutes are replete with protections for the rights of persons accused of crimes. In the U.S. Constitution alone, there are roughly 20 different rights and protections that are guaranteed an accused person in a criminal trial. Yet until recently, there have been little to no provision for the rights of victims in state and federal law. That has changed in Florida upon the passing of the Marsy’s Law amendment to the Florida State Constitution. The Florida crime victims’ laws, otherwise called Marsy’s Law, aims to fill an important void in the criminal laws of the state. Marsy’s Law protects the rights of victims of crime and creates valuable protections for them before, during and after a criminal prosecution. The law recognizes that when a crime is committed, victims are the ones that suffer the most, yet they are the ones most often ignored. Now,…Read More
