It’s easy for people to think of felons as “bad people” who did something wrong and deserve to be punished. But U.S. criminal law is more complicated than you might think. Many people get convicted of a felony for doing something they had no idea was even illegal....
Month: September 2019
Consequences of a first-time underage DUI charge
You're at a party, and a friend pressures you to have a drink. The only problem? You're not of legal drinking age. Still, you take the drink and then decide to drive home--only to get pulled over for drinking and driving.The legal drinking age in the United States is...
Will your medical license survive a criminal conviction?
Being charged with a crime can turn your life upside-down. The idea of going to court and defending yourself is hard enough, but you’ll also be fighting for the right to continue your career. If you’re facing charges, your license to practice medicine may be in...
Drug court delivers justice, compassion and opportunity
Drug court started in Miami-Dade County in 1989. Today it is a growing trend in the criminal justice system. If you’re facing non-violent criminal charges due to substance abuse disorder or a drug-related crime, you may be eligible for drug court.Successful...
What situations lead to aggravated DUI charges in Florida?
Any criminal charges related to impaired driving in Florida can derail your educational plans and cause major hiccups in your professional development as you deal with court and the criminal consequences. However, there are certain circumstances in which individuals...
Wal-Mart extorting those it suspects of shoplifting
You’ve been there hundreds of times, it’s just another trip to Wal-Mart. You pick up what you need and check out at a self-service register. Suddenly, an intimidating security officer steps in front of you and accuses you of not paying for everything. You’re only...
When can self-defense claims help you in Florida?
Many people who find themselves accused of violent criminal offenses in Florida are not guilty of any crime. The legal code is clear in the fact that those who seek to protect themselves, their family or other people nearby from threats of harm, do not violate the...
Do all ex-cons in Florida have voting rights?
Florida voters made a choice in November 2018 that affected more than 1 million other Floridians. They voted to approve Amendment 4, which gave Floridians with felony convictions the right to vote. This did not apply to felons with murder or sexual offense...
How college students face consequences for drugs in Florida
Drug use of any kind used to be something that people didn't talk about or approve of. However, drug use has become increasingly acceptable in American pop culture. From television shows glamorizing people cooking methamphetamine to the legalization of marijuana in...
Why is the “Stand Your Ground” law so controversial?
An argument at a gas station escalated, and in a matter of moments a shove to the ground lead to a bullet in the chest. Sound like an overreaction? Well, that’s what Florida law aims to find out.In late August, Michael Drejka was none too pleased with Markeis...