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
If you’ve sustained injuries in a car accident due to the negligence of another person, you may be hesitant to hire a personal injury lawyer. You’re not alone. Many drivers fear that after paying the attorney’s fees they are going to end up with a smaller insurance payout. Others believe their injuries are just too insignificant to even justify hiring a lawyer, and then there are those who are simply intimidated by the whole process. The truth, however, is quite the opposite. In fact, one study reports that claimants who chose to hire an attorney received on average three and a half times more compensation than those who tried to settle the claim on their own. Plus, you should keep in mind that some injuries can show up weeks or even months after the accident occurred. Many clients don’t initially consult a lawyer because they believe that insurance companies will offer them a fair compensation that will…Read More
