If you've ever wondered about the accuracy of "CSI: Miami," you may have heard that real life is not at all like that. First, real crime scene investigators don't have access to all the expensive equipment they use on TV. Also, even popular cops can't speed up the...
Felonies
Biscayne Park setup scandal is a call for recorded interrogations
You've heard the story. In Biscayne Park, just north of Miami, officers were directed to pin crimes on innocent people in order to improve their percentage of closed cases. In many cases, the people targeted were African-Americans with prior criminal records. and one...
The inherent flaws in eyewitness testimony
The increased sophistication of DNA technology in recent years has affirmed what many defense attorneys and criminal defendants have suspected for years: eyewitness testimony is a flawed form of evidence. In fact, in 70 percent of cases where DNA evidence exonerated...
Why certain crimes can send you to court twice
In the American legal system, there are two different categories of cases: criminal and civil. Criminal cases typically involve an infraction that is considered detrimental to society at large. If you sell drugs or conduct insider trading, then the government can...
When should I accept a plea bargain?
You’ve been arrested for burglary—a felony offense in Florida. At a minimum, you could be facing up to five years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines. You hire a strong defense attorney, and you begin to prepare for your trial. But then, before the trial even begins,...
Brass knuckles: Avoid the weapon, art and jewelry
Brass knuckles have been a fashion trend and a dangerous weapon. They're also known as knucks and knuckle dusters; they cover your knuckles and deliver a hard, metal blow to anyone you strike.These hand weapons were used in both World Wars, and they often had knives...
The right defense can help prevent charges for weapons crimes
Certain people with criminal histories are unable to legally obtain or own a firearm or weapon in most cases. In Florida, a convicted felon is not legally able to own a firearm, ammunition, electric weapon or concealed weapon. Anyone who has received a felony...
Felonies affect you in all aspects of your life
Felonies affect your life in many ways other than the penalties you face in court. When you are convicted of a felony, you lose some of your civil rights. Some civil rights may be restricted. Felons, for example, have no right to vote. They may not hold a public...
Can you go to jail for disturbing the peace?
You didn't mean to cause a disturbance in the middle of the night, but you got a little out of control with your drinking and made a scene in your neighborhood. Unfortunately, this isn't the first time it's happened, so your neighbors want the police to pursue charges...
This is how a judge determines your sentence
If you are convicted of a crime, the next thing that happens is criminal sentencing. Your sentence is based on many factors including whether or not there is a minimum sentencing requirement. Criminal offenses may be penalized with things like community service or may...