Criminal Defense

When someone pleads the Fifth Amendment, you might think of courtroom scenes or tense interviews. However, this right applies to everyday situations where your words could place you at risk. This is because you are not required to provide information that could be...

When someone is facing criminal charges, they naturally want defense options that can lead to an acquittal -- or even hope to get the charges dropped. Their goal is to avoid a conviction entirely. Why, then, do so many people end up accepting plea deals? The whole...

If you’re a first-time offender in Florida, your criminal record can create significant barriers for you in the job market. Most employers usually run routine background checks before hiring or promoting you. Hence, your record could resurface to threaten your career...

Anyone who watches television has likely heard the phrase “you have the right to remain silent.” Law enforcement is required to read you your Miranda Rights when you are in custody and being interrogated. But what about your other rights? If you are ever arrested,...

Criminal conspiracy in Florida happens when two or more people agree or plan to commit an unlawful act. You don’t even have to carry out the crime to face criminal conspiracy charges. The prosecution only needs to prove you agreed and intended to break the law in...

The Fourth Amendment protects people in the United States from unreasonable searches. Officers need legal justification to conduct searches of people or personal property. Police searches are subject to strict legal limits. Inappropriate searches can violate people's...

One of the most pressing issues that you might be dealing with if you’re facing criminal charges is determining the best option to get the case resolved. For some people, that means going through the court process, complete with a jury trial. For others, the ideal...

Being interrogated by police officers when you’re in custody may seem like a situation that strips you of all your rights, but it’s not. Your constitutional rights still apply in those cases, so it’s critical that you know exactly what they are.  Once you’re in...

Florida is a mecca for the rest of the country because of the gorgeous miles of beaches on both sides of the peninsula. Those soft white sands and turquoise waters may beckon to you, but beware of racking up criminal charges while you’re here. It may seem like a funny...

If a police officer asks you to unlock your phone, what should you do? Are you obligated to go ahead and do as they say, giving them access to all the information stored on your phone? Or you can point-blank refuse? If the police don’t have a warrant, then you can...