Absent-Mindedness vs Criminal Intent in Florida Shoplifting Cases As Miami criminal defense attorneys, we regularly hear from distressed clients who say they simply forgot to pay for an item before leaving a store. While this may sound like an excuse, absent-mindedness can lead to genuine mistakes that shouldn't result in criminal charges. Understanding Criminal Intent in Florida [...]
Return Fraud in Miami: Understanding When Returns Become Criminal Charges We regularly represent clients charged with retail theft related to return fraud. What many shoppers view as "bending the rules" can actually result in serious criminal charges. Here's what you need to know about return fraud and how it can lead to theft charges in Florida. Common [...]
The False Narrative Surrounding Amendment 3: Debunking the "Home Grow Ban" Myth Editor’s note: This article was published before Florida’s November 2024 election and discusses that year’s Amendment 3. The proposal received 55.9% support but was defeated, according to the official election results. The discussion below addresses the proposal and campaign claims as they stood before that vote. We [...]
Violations of Domestic Violence Injunctions in Miami-Dade County If you've been granted a domestic violence injunction in Miami-Dade County, you should know how to report a violation and seek enforcement. Florida law provides a process involving the clerk, the court, prosecutors, and law enforcement. Our attorneys help petitioners seeking enforcement and respondents accused of violating an order. If an [...]
First Appearance and Bond Hearings in Miami If you or a loved one has been arrested in Miami, you're likely feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about what comes next. One of the most critical stages in the early part of your case is the first appearance hearing, also known as a bond hearing. As experienced criminal defense attorneys, we've guided [...]
Posting Bail in Miami Domestic Violence Cases If you or a loved one has been arrested for domestic violence in Miami, you're likely feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about what comes next. One of the most pressing concerns is how to secure release from jail. As experienced Miami domestic violence defense attorneys, we've guided countless clients through the bail process. [...]
When Self-Defense Leads to Domestic Violence Charges You're at home, minding your own business, when suddenly an argument with your partner escalates. Things get physical, and you find yourself defending against an attack. In the heat of the moment, you push back or strike out to protect yourself. The next thing you know, the police are at your door, [...]
New Florida Domestic Violence Laws for 2024 As Miami domestic violence defense attorneys, we help clients understand changes in Florida law. In 2024, Florida enacted new lethality-assessment requirements and created the Hope Card Program for people protected by qualifying final injunctions. These changes affect police investigations and access to protective-order information, while preserving the rights of people accused of [...]
Fifth Circuit Rules Geofence Warrants Unconstitutional in Landmark Decision On August 9, 2024, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit held in United States v. Smith that the geofence-warrant process before it violated the Fourth Amendment’s ban on general warrants. The court nevertheless upheld the convictions under the good-faith exception. This article explains that decision and the [...]
Defending Against VAWA and False Domestic Violence Accusations As criminal defense attorneys in Miami, we investigate the evidence behind disputed accusations. If you’re facing domestic violence charges, specific statements or conduct may raise questions about whether an expected immigration benefit affected the accuser’s account. Immigration status alone does not show that an accusation is false. The Hidden [...]
