Is a Withhold of Adjudication a Conviction in Florida? Short Answer: Under Florida state law, a withhold of adjudication is not a conviction. Long Answer: Whether a withhold counts as a “conviction” depends on who is asking. Under federal law, immigration law, certain professional licensing schemes, and many private background check systems, a withhold can be [...]
Federal vs. State Charges in Miami If you or a loved one has been arrested in Miami, the first and most critical question is often not what the charges are, but where they are being filed. Most people assume that “court is court.” They believe that a trial in the Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building (state court) is basically [...]
HOA Crimes in Florida: What Property Owners and Board Members Need to Know As experienced Miami criminal attorneys, we represent clients facing charges related to homeowners' associations (HOAs). Florida's new HOA law took effect on July 1, 2024, so understanding both existing and new criminal penalties is more important than ever for property owners and board members. [...]
Florida's New "First Responder Buffer Zone" Law Starting January 1, 2025, Florida's new law (Senate Bill 184) will make it a crime to approach first responders within 25 feet after being warned to keep your distance. As Miami criminal lawyers, we want to help you understand your rights and responsibilities under this significant change in Florida law. [...]
The False Narrative Surrounding Amendment 3: Debunking the "Home Grow Ban" Myth As Miami criminal defense attorneys, we feel compelled to address the misleading claims being circulated about Amendment 3, which would legalize recreational marijuana in Florida. A recent lawsuit filed by Trulieve against the Florida Republican Party has brought attention to a particularly deceptive narrative pushed by opponents [...]
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 Miami criminal defense attorneys, we've [...]
New Florida Domestic Violence Laws for 2024 As experienced Miami domestic violence defense attorneys, we always stay current on Florida law changes that could affect our clients. Two significant new laws regarding domestic violence will take effect in 2024, and you must understand how they might impact domestic violence cases. While these laws primarily affect how law enforcement responds [...]
New 2024 Florida Criminal Laws As we approach July 1, 2024, several new laws are set to take effect in Florida that could significantly impact your rights and legal situation. At our Miami criminal defense firm, we believe in keeping you informed about these changes. Here are the key updates you need to be aware of. Tougher Penalties for [...]
Governor DeSantis Signs New Bills into Law Targeting Illegal Immigrants On Friday, Governor Ron DeSantis signed three new bills into law that aim to crack down on illegal immigration in Florida. These laws, CS 1036, CS 1589, and HB 1451, introduce stricter penalties for crimes committed by illegal aliens, revise penalties for driving without a valid license, and prohibit counties [...]
Can You Openly Carry a Gun in Florida? While the new Florida gun law, which went into effect on July 1, 2023, has garnered significant attention for its impact on concealed carry regulations, it's crucial to note that it does not address the state's existing ban on openly carrying firearms. Despite the media coverage and public discourse surrounding the [...]
