Felonies vs. Misdemeanors: Understanding the Key Differences in Florida Criminal Law If you've been charged with a crime in Florida, one of the first things you'll want to know is whether it's a felony or a misdemeanor. The distinction between the two types of crimes is important, as it can have significant implications when it comes to sentencing and [...]
Double Jeopardy: What Every Miami Criminal Defendant Needs to Know Double jeopardy is a critical legal principle that every Miami criminal defendant should understand. This constitutional protection can bar further prosecution and prevent harsher punishment in certain circumstances. As your criminal defense attorney in Miami, I want to provide you with a comprehensive overview of double jeopardy and how [...]
When U.S. Criminal Laws Apply Overseas As a criminal defense attorney in Miami, I often come across cases involving activities that took place outside of the United States. While criminal law is usually limited to the jurisdiction in which the alleged crime occurred, there are many circumstances in which crimes committed in other countries can be prosecuted in the [...]
Can a Police Officer Arrest You Outside Their Jurisdiction in Florida? You're driving down the highway when you see those familiar flashing red and blue lights in your rearview mirror. You pull over, expecting to get a speeding ticket from the local police department. But when the officer approaches your window, you notice his uniform says he's from a [...]
Understanding No Informations and Nolle Prosequis in Florida If you've been arrested and charged with a crime in Florida, you may be wondering what comes next. Many people assume that an arrest automatically leads to prosecution and a trial. But in reality, the State Attorney's office can decide not to pursue charges after an arrest occurs. This is known [...]
The Role of Grand Juries in Florida's Criminal Justice System As a criminal defense lawyer practicing in Miami, I am often asked about grand juries and how they operate in Florida. Grand juries play a crucial role in our criminal justice system, yet much of what they do occurs behind closed doors, leading to many misconceptions. In this post, [...]
Charging Documents in Florida: What They Are and Why They Matter Being accused of a crime can be a stressful and confusing experience, especially if you don't understand the legal processes involved. One of the key steps in these processes is the filing of a 'charging document.' This is a critical component of any criminal case, so let's unpack [...]
Immigration Consequences of Criminal Activity Imagine, for a second, that you've made Miami, Florida, your home. You're contributing to the local economy, embracing the vibrant culture, and building a life for yourself and your family. Yet, there's a pressing concern looming over your head—your immigration status. Now, imagine that you're entangled in a criminal charge. As a non-citizen, you [...]
Florida's Mandatory Minimum Sentencing Understanding Florida's criminal justice system, with its mandatory sentencing Florida law, can be overwhelming, particularly when dealing with the multifaceted aspect of mandatory minimum sentencing. These are obligatory punishments that judges, per a Florida statute, must give defendants for specific crimes, limiting their discretion to adjust sentences based on each case's nuances or the defendant's [...]
Understanding Florida's 10-20-Life Law Florida's criminal justice system is known for its tough stance on crime, especially when it involves the use of firearms. One of the best examples of this is the 10-20-Life law, a mandatory minimum sentencing law. This law has profound implications for anyone facing criminal charges involving a firearm. It’s critical for anyone living in [...]
