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 [...]
Search Warrants in Florida As a private citizen facing criminal charges in Florida, one of the most intrusive actions the government can take against your constitutional rights is to conduct a search, often done pursuant to a judge-approved search warrant. Understanding how search warrants work is key. This comprehensive post breaks down the search warrant process so you understand [...]
Hearsay Evidence in Florida Criminal Trials You're sitting in court, watching the prosecutor question a witness on the stand. Suddenly, your defense attorney objects and shouts, "Hearsay!" But what does "hearsay" mean? As your Miami criminal defense attorneys, we know Florida's rules about hearsay evidence inside and out. We fight daily to prevent unreliable hearsay statements from being used [...]
Marsy's Law: Crime Victims' Rights in Florida In Florida, crime victims and their families have certain constitutionally guaranteed rights under what is known as Marsy's Law. The constitutional amendment, named after Marsalee "Marsy" Nicholas, a victim of a brutal crime, was designed to protect and empower crime victims. The amendment to the state constitution was approved by voters in [...]
Discovery in Florida Criminal Cases If you’ve been arrested and charged with a crime in Florida, you probably have many questions about what happens next. One important part of the criminal justice process is something called “discovery.” Keep reading to discover what discovery is, why it matters, and how an experienced Miami criminal defense lawyer can help ensure you [...]
What Is an Arrest Under Florida Law? Being arrested can be a scary and disorienting experience. Suddenly, you're in handcuffs, being read your rights, and taken into police custody. It's important to understand what constitutes an arrest under Florida law and your rights during the process. This guide breaks down the key things to know if you find yourself arrested [...]
The Abandonment Defense Under Florida Criminal Law If you have been charged with a criminal attempt, solicitation, or conspiracy in Florida, you may be able to raise an abandonment defense under Section 777.04(5) of the Florida Statutes. This defense applies when you have taken steps toward committing a crime but voluntarily renounced your criminal purpose before completing the actual [...]
Florida's Romeo and Juliet Law Offers Protection Some Other States Don't A recent article highlighted a disturbing case where an 18-year-old named Henry was sentenced to 6 years in prison for having consensual sex with a 16-year-old he met online. The story, included in sociologist Emily Horowitz's new book From Rage to Reason, illustrates the severe consequences that strict statutory [...]
How to Withdraw a Guilty or No Contest Plea in Florida If you have entered a guilty or no contest (nolo contendere) plea in a Florida criminal case, you may be able to withdraw your plea under certain circumstances. Withdrawing a plea after it has been formally accepted by the court is not easy, but it can be done. This [...]
