Florida law includes separate definitions for different crimes that involve stealing. In order to understand the possible punishments someone could face if convicted of one of these crimes, it is first necessary to differentiate between how the law defines theft and...
Tampa Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal Defense
What a search warrant must contain to be valid
Before they can search your home, office, vehicle or other private property for evidence of a crime, local police and federal agents generally (with certain exceptions) must get a search warrant first. Otherwise, the search could violate your Constitutional right...
Man serving life sentence for murder files motion for new trial
A man serving a life sentence for the 1997 Tampa murder of a nine-year-old girl may be looking at a new trial. His co-defendant in the same matter is likely on the same path to filing a similar motion. New evidence challenges conviction Imprisoned for over 20 years,...
SCOTUS: “Community caretaking” is no excuse for warrantless home searches
On May 17, 2021, the United States Supreme Court ruled that engaging in non-investigative "community caretaking" does not excuse police from getting a warrant before entering a home and seizing property. The Court's unanimous decision in Caniglia v. Strom could have...
All About Ponzi Schemes
A Ponzi scheme is a business crime that can happen anywhere, including in Tampa, Florida. It is a scam in which money is taken from the newest investors in a company, giving it back to the oldest investors in a company. This is a fraudulent form of activity that will...
The penalties and sentences for felony theft in Florida
Some types of petty theft are dealt with by issuing fines. However, more serious organized theft crimes or the theft of property of a high value will likely lead to serious consequences and potential jail time.If you have been accused of engaging in theft of...
Claiming testing inaccuracies are a great DUI defense
Being accused of a DUI can lead to criminal charges, the inability to use your vehicle and even jail time. That said, so many people are accused of driving under the influence when they were not, in fact, over the limit.If you believe that how your breath test was...
Do you understand what Florida considers assault or battery?
If you recently got into a verbal or physical altercation with another person, you might wind up surprised to find out they want to press charges. Perhaps it was simply an aggressive social altercation in which nothing really occurred. It's also possible that you both...
Will you have to pay for an ignition interlock device over a DUI?
Facing any driving under the influence (DUI) charge in Florida is certainly frightening. There are serious potential consequences involved, even for first-time offenders. In addition to the potential for jail time and significant fines, those who plead guilty or get...
Losing your license is common for those facing a DUI
Florida, like every state, does everything it can to deter people from getting behind the wheel after drinking. Those accused of driving under the influence (DUI) in Florida face a number of criminal and civil penalties that will vary depending on the circumstances of...