
In this article, you can discover… The application of self-defense when you’re facing criminal charges. The role of victim credibility in criminal charges. How your mental health can impact the circumstance and outcome of your case. How Can Self-Defense Be Used As A Defense In A Violent Crime Case In Florida? Often, the claim of self-defense is raised during trial. In this scenario, your attorney makes a case for self-defense, and a jury agrees that while you may have used violence against someone, this violence was justified because you were trying to protect yourself from harm. If you had a legitimate fear that the other person was using violence or was about to use violence against you and that you would be harmed if you did not act first, you could use an argument of self-defense. Another way to argue self-defense is through Florida’s “stand your ground” law. This means…Read More

In this article, you can discover… How theft, robbery, and burglary differ in Florida law. Differences in charges between crime types. The long-term consequences of a conviction, and how an attorney can help you. What Are The Legal Definitions Of Theft, Robbery And Burglary In Florida, And How Do They Differ? Theft is when you take something from someone (such as a bike or purse) without their permission. Robbery is when you take something from someone but use force to accomplish it. For example, if I were to take someone’s wallet from off a table where they’d placed it, this would be theft. But if I push someone to the ground, demand their wallet, and take it from them, that’s robbery. Burglary involves entering or remaining in a house or premises (such as a garage or office) without the owner’s permission with the intent to commit an offense (such as…Read More

In this article, you can discover… How property crimes, such as theft, are defined in Florida. The legal penalties for a theft conviction. Possible ways a theft conviction could impact your future. How Are Property Crimes Defined In Florida? A property crime is a crime that impacts the property or possessions of another person. While there are many different types of property crimes, among the most common is theft, where someone takes another person’s property without their permission. Other types of property crimes include criminal mischief, which involves damaging someone else’s property maliciously (or on purpose). Burglary, a more serious offense, involves breaking into someone’s property (such as their home, office, or garage) with the intent to commit an offense or to steal something. What Are The Legal Penalties For A Theft Conviction In Florida? The legal penalties for theft depend on the quantity or value of items that were…Read More

The criminal justice process can often feel confusing and overwhelming, especially if you’re not familiar with the legal system. Attorneys spend years developing the knowledge and experience necessary to effectively navigate this complex process. At the Law Office of Michael D. Barber, we understand how stressful facing criminal charges can be, and we are here to guide you every step of the way. If you're dealing with criminal charges, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of the defense process. Having the right attorney by your side ensures you’re informed and supported throughout. This guide is designed to help you break down key concepts, so you can better understand your rights and the legal process in Winter Park, Florida. Keep reading to learn more about… The differences between misdemeanors and felonies. The meaning of due process. What acquittal is, and what it could mean for your case What Is A…Read More

In this article, you can discover… What documentation is needed for an academic discipline hearing. The role of medical records in a disciplinary hearing. How to document verbal interactions with school staff. Why Is Documentation Crucial In School Academic Discipline Hearings? Documentation memorializes evidence and helps make it presentable during a hearing. For this reason, it’s important to ensure that all communication between yourself and the school board, teachers, and staff is done in writing; this helps create a paper trail and preserves this evidence for your education attorney to later review and use in your defense. Text messages and emails should be preserved, screenshotted, and saved. Make sure that your attorney receives every possible piece of documentation related to your child’s case, even if it seems trivial. This documentation can be used during a hearing, an appeal, or even a lawsuit, if necessary. What Types Of Documents Should Be…Read More

In this article, you can discover… How to protect your child’s rights during an academic discipline hearing. What to do if your child’s rights are violated. How to appeal an unfavorable decision from a hearing. How Can I Ensure My Child's Rights Are Protected During The Academic Discipline Hearing? Hire a seasoned legal representative. An ideal lawyer has been through this process before, knows what to expect, and can help you protect your child’s rights throughout each step of the process. You should also read up on your rights as a parent and seek out reliable online resources to better understand the law and how it applies to you and your child. You can find information about your rights at the Devoted To Justice website. However, online research is no substitution for consulting with an experienced education law attorney. What Can I Do If I Believe My Child's Rights Have…Read More

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