Across Florida and throughout America, law enforcement is cracking down hard on those they suspect may be engaging in Internet sex crimes, especially those involving children. These suspects, even if they are innocent, are often treated similarly to those who have...
Tampa Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer
Year: 2012
Protesting Was Peaceful at the RNC in Tampa
The media had predicted chaos in the form of protestors at this year's Republican National Convention in Tampa. However, the only chaos which occurred outside the convention hall took the form of Hurricane Isaac.At past conventions, scores of protestors have been...
Bath Salts: New Frontier for Drug Enforcement Officers
Widespread media attention has put a spotlight on the newest trend in drug use: synthetic compounds commonly referred to as bath salts. Drug enforcement officials have been making efforts to combat the use and distribution of these drugs, but many have encountered...
The Consequences of White Collar Crime
Law enforcement officials in Florida recently began a crackdown on white collar crimes including financial and investment scams. Since taking office in 2010, the current Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida has led the effort to combat white...
Mortgage Fraud: Florida Is Number One
Florida is once again ranked number one on the nationwide mortgage fraud index. The Sunshine State has had the highest spot on the mortgage fraud index for four of the last five quarters, according to Mortgage Daily. The index is based upon the number of active...
Florida Has Lengthiest Prison Sentences in the Nation
According to a recent study, Florida's inmates serve the longest relative prison sentences in the country. On the surface it looks like Florida's tough criminal laws are working, but a closer look at the statistics reveals another story.The Pew Center on the States...
USA v. Bistline, A Bizarre Child Pornography Decision from the Sixth Circuit
The Sixth Circuit issued a bizarre decision in a child pornography case last week (USA v. Bistline). A rehearing en banc is being sought and the Sixth Circuit Defenders filed an amicus brief. A summary of the case is as follows: The district court judge varied (to one...
Child Pornography Ruling Handed Down By Eleventh Circuit
United States v. Timothy Howard Spriggs, No. 10-14919 (January 10, 2012)This was an appeal from the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, led by Circuit Judge Wilson issued an order that Vacated and...
Crimes of Violence Under §2l1.2 Warranting 16 Level Enhancement
This list was created to assist attorneys in determining whether or not a prior conviction is a crime of violence warranting a 16 level enhancement under U.S.S.G. §2L1.2(b)(1)(A)(ii). This list will be updated on a monthly basis. It will attempt to include the...
The Court’s finding the Stolen Valor Act unconstitutional opens up some First Amendment arguments in the criminal sphere
The test provided by the plurality decision is that "there must be a direct causal link between the restriction imposed and the injury to be prevented."Justice Kennedy (joined by Roberts, Ginsburg, and Sotomayor) found that the respondent who lied about receiving a...