If you face criminal charges, a conviction could leave you with a permanent record that will impact your life in many ways. You may not realize that a criminal conviction can specifically affect your higher education goals. Misdemeanor and felony convictions stay on...
Sarasota, Florida, Criminal Defense Blog
Can I refuse to take a breath test if suspected of DUI?
If police believe you are under the influence of alcohol while operating a motor vehicle, they will likely ask you to take a Breathalyzer to try to measure your blood alcohol content (BAC). Under Florida law, you don’t have to submit to a breath test, and many people...
When can taking legal drugs for medicinal purposes lead to a DUI?
When most people think about DUIs, alcohol often comes to mind, but what about the prescription drugs that you take? While taking medicine to relieve pain may seem quite different from spending a night at the bar, the effects on your driving can be similar. According...
Could using facility dogs in trial prejudice juries?
Facility dogs are used in many courtrooms across the country – including Florida. The dogs are specially trained service animals, which are frequently used to help calm child witnesses while testifying about a traumatic event in court. The dogs have been lauded for...
5 things to remember if you are pulled over for a DUI
Seeing a police car’s flashing lights in the rearview mirror can send a chill down anyone’s spine, especially if you’ve been drinking. However, it’s in your best interests to remain as calm as possible and understand how to protect yourself if officers suspect you of...
Florida Contractors can appeal decisions of the Board
A licensed contractor in the State of Florida who faces discipline from the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) can appeal the decision of the Board and may be able to continue to practice contracting while the appellate court hears the case. For some...
Why having a lawyer at a Board meeting is a good idea?
If you are scheduled to appear in front of a Board in the State of Florida, such as the Contractor Industry Licensing Board or the Electrical Contractors Licensing Board, you have the right to have an attorney present with you and you should consider hiring an...
Florida Nurses must self-report any plea to criminal charges
When a Florida nurse faces discipline for a criminal matter, often a minor criminal matter such as a misdemeanor, the nurse is usually able to resolve the case. However, if the resolution of the criminal matter results in a criminal plea by the nurse, the Florida...
Study finds ‘implicit’ bias in forensic testimony
While many believe forensic testimony is an objective tool helping achieve justice for law enforcement and criminal defendants, a new report says it propagates a “presumption of guilt” for people of color in the criminal justice system. The report’s authors say...
Can juror vaccination requirements skew trial outcomes?
We’re now more than 18 months into the pandemic. In many areas of life, things are starting to inch towards normal again. Courthouses across the country are starting to resume in-person trials. However, concerns about maintaining health and safety in the courtroom are...
