Recent Blog Posts

Car Crashes Live on News Channel 8!

Tampa Defense Attorneys — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:06:00 GMT

Last night, News Channel 8 was broadcasting live from a Tampa area gas station when a car crash occurred behind the reporter. While this video is surprising and funny, it is an unfortunate reminder of how important it is to stay safe on the road. Click the jump below to view the video.

http://www2.tbo.com/news/news/2012/feb/22/cars-crash-behind-reporter-during-live-news-channe-ar-361556/

Anthony Rickman on Fox 13 Tampa Discussing Stand Your Ground

Tampa Defense Attorneys — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:35:00 GMT

Attorney Anthony Rickman was featured on Fox 13 Tampa last night discussing Florida's Stand Your Ground law. Click here to view the story and watch the video.

Florida Hardship License After 10 Year Revocation / Suspension

Tampa Defense Attorneys — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 21:17:00 GMT

Did you know that in Florida you may be eligible for a hardship license just two (2) years after a court imposed ten (10) year revocation / suspension of your license? At Taracks Gomez & Rickman we have a staff of lawyers dedicated to helping people just like you earn back their driving privileges. We have helped thousands of people get hardship permits after DUI's, and countless others get hardship permits after ten (10) year or lifetime revocations. Call us today at 813-281-2897 for a free consultation.

We will first start by helping you prepare for your hardship hearing. This will include a mock-interview where we ask the same questions the DMV asks. We will then set you a hearing and help you prepare the appropriate documentation. Finally, we will attend the hearing with you and will be by your side during the entire interview.

If you win your hearing, you may get back your ability to drive. This can be especially beneficial if you need to drive to and from, or for, work. Call us today at 813-281-2897 for a free consultation. Taracks Gomez & Rickman - The Advocate For You.

Pinellas County "Wolf Pack" and DUI Checkpoints Return

Tampa Defense Attorneys — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 16:30:00 GMT

As of Friday, Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri reinstituted DUI checkpoints and Wolf Pack patrols throughout Pinellas County. The goal of DUI checkpoints and the so-called "wolf pack patrol" is to reduce injuries, save lives, and enforce the Sheriff's Office zero-tolerance for driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol and/or drugs.

"We have seen an epidemic of overdose related deaths as many citizens of all social and economic backgrounds have become addicted to prescription drugs," said Sheriff Gualtieri. "We know these same people are getting behind the wheel of a motor vehicle and driving. Through aggressive enforcement we hope to save lives."

The Wolf Pack patrols will target high traffic areas to identify and stop impaired, aggressive, and/or otherwise reckless drivers. The patrols will not occur on the same night that a DUI checkpoint is running.

On Friday, Feb. 17, 2012, the first of the 2012 checkpoints was held. Overall, there were a whopping 32 arrests, including 8 for DUI, 12 for Driving on a Suspended License, 6 for possession of a controlled substance, and 2 misdemeanor warrant arrests.

If you or a loved one was arrested at one of these checkpoints, call a lawyer at our firm today. We have three former prosecutors on staff who know how the State will build a case against you and what can be done to fight the charges. Often times, we can have your charges dismissed or reduced to a lesser charge to help avoid harsh penalties. Call today for a free consultation at 813-281-2897. Taracks Gomez & Rickman – The Advocate For You.

Tampa Warrant Inquiry - Tampa Warrant Search

Tampa Defense Attorneys — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 16:43:00 GMT

Are you concerned that you may have a warrant for your arrest in Hillsborough County, Florida? If so, you should visit http://www.hcso.tampa.fl.us/PublicInquiry/Warrants/Inquiry/ and search your name.

Knowing that there is a warrant for your arrest is only the first step. You risk being "picked up" at any time, including at work or in front of your children. Therefore, it is important that you contact a skilled criminal defense lawyer.

A criminal defense attorney may be able to get the warrant withdrawn without you having to go to jail. Alternatively, a criminal defense lawyer may be able to assist you in turning yourself in and getting a reduced bond, reducing the amount of time you spend being processed.

If you have a warrant for your arrest or fear that you may be arrested soon, call a lawyer at Taracks Gomez & Rickman today at 813-281-2897 for a free consultation. Our legal team is dedicated to helping people in your same situation avoid jail time or a conviction. We will fight for your rights and help you through this matter. Call today. Taracks Gomez & Rickman - The Advocate For You.

Hardship License After 5 / 10 Year or Life Revocation - Tampa Hardship License Lawyer

Tampa Defense Attorneys — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:42:00 GMT

Was your license recently revoked for 5 or even 10 years as a Habitual Traffic Offender or for multiple DUI charges? Was your license suspended for life? Unfortunately, if you have answered yes to one of these questions, you have had a rough couple of years. Hopefully, the worst is behind you.

What many people do not realize is that they may be eligible for a hardship license prior to the revocation expiring. This hardship permit could allow you to drive to work, or even handle your day-to-day affairs like trips to the doctor or Church. After a five year revocation, you may be eligible for a permit after only one year. On a ten year revocation, you may be eligible after two years. For a life time revocation, you may be eligible after just five years.

There are many things you must do in order to become eligible for a hardship permit. At Taracks Gomez & Rickman we have helped thousands of people obtain hardship permits. We are experienced in the process and will help you prepare for the hearing, gather your documentation, set the hearing, and even help guide you through the process you must go through after receiving your permit.

We know that being able to drive is of the utmost importance to you. A hardship permit will help your career and get you back on your feet. Call us today at 813-281-2897 for a free consultation to determine whether or not you are eligible. Our firm has three former prosecutors on staff who know how the system works and are ready to help you get back behind the wheel. We cover all counties in the greater Tampa Bay Area. Taracks Gomez & Rickman – 813-281-2897 – The Advocate For You.

Increased DUI Patrol Scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 15 2012 in Hillsborough County

Tampa Defense Attorneys — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 14:20:00 GMT

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is planning increased DUI patrol for Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012 throughout the entire county. Drivers should plan to be extra cautious whenever there is heightened patrol, as there will be more units on the road looking specifically for impaired drivers. Traditionally, officers will look for things like the odor of an alcoholic beverage on a driver's breath; blood-shot, watery eyes; wrist bands from bars; or any other factor that might indicate that the driver had been drinking. From there, the driver may be asked to step out of the vehicle and perform Field Sobriety Exercises, including the "walk and turn" test (9 heel-to-toe steps up and down a straight line) and the "one-leg-stand" test (balancing on one foot for thirty seconds). Based on performance, drivers may then be taken into custody and asked to submit to a breath or urine test.

An arrest for DUI can be a traumatic experience. Many people who are arrested for DUI never thought they would be in the back of a police car for any reason. If you have been charged with DUI, contact the legal team at Taracks Gomez & Rickman today for a free consultation. We have three former prosecutors on staff who know how the state is building a case against you. We fight aggressively to defend our clients and help them avoid a conviction at any costs. Taracks Gomez & Rickman – The Advocate For You.

Polk student collapses after smoking synthetic pot

Tampa Defense Attorneys — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 01:44:00 GMT

Polk County Sheriff's Office is reporting that a 16-year-old Lake Gibson High School student was taken to a hospital Friday after smoking synthetic marijuana on campus. She was taken to Lakeland Regional Medical Center, where she was treated and released. The synthetic pot was purchased by another student, over the age of 18, who in turn sold it to the student. She then smoked it in the car of another 18 year old student before heading back into class, where she collapsed and became incoherent.

One student was charged with sale of a counterfeit controlled substance and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Another wass charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor, as well as possession of drug paraphernalia. Polk deputies notified Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office about the K-2 being sold at the Mobil store, 501 North County Line Road, Plant City. The acting manager at the store told Polk and Hillsborough detectives he would no longer sell K-2 in that store.

If you have any questions regarding this or any other legal matter, contact the legal team at Taracks Gomez & Rickman. We have four lawyers on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help you in your time of need. Call us at 813-281-2897 for a free consultation. We practice in all counties surrounding Tampa Bay.

Taracks Gomez & Rickman - The Advocate For You.

Tampa Arrest Warrants Attorney / Lawyer - Tampa Warrant Inquiry / Check

Tampa Defense Attorneys — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 21:06:00 GMT

Is there a warrant for your arrest? In Hillsborough County, you can check for a warrant by visiting http://www.hcso.tampa.fl.us/PublicInquiry/Warrants/Inquiry/. If there is a warrant for your arrest, you risk being "picked up" at any moment - including in front of your family or employer. This can be very embarrassing and traumatizing for those around you. Therefore, it is important that you turn yourself in on your terms. Our firm can file a motion and potentially help prevent you from being arrested or spending a lengthy time in jail. We can then move forward and help you fight the charges against you.

At Taracks Gomez & Rickman we offer free consultations and would be honored to help you through this matter. Call us today at 813-281-2897 to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney about your warrant. We have three former prosecutors on staff who know the law and how to help you fight your case. Taracks Gomez & Rickman – The Advocate For You.

Teens Using Bracelets to Smoke Marijuana

Tampa Defense Attorneys — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:39:00 GMT

Schools are warning parents that teenagers may be using bracelets to smoke marijuana. The bracelets, which can be purchased online for approximately $40, look like normal woven charm bracelets. However, once opened, they contain a filter and pipe. Teens have been wearing these bracelets to school across the state. Parents should be aware of these devices and should caution children against using drugs or possessing the bracelets, which could be considered drug paraphernalia.

For more information on the bracelets, visit http://www.shhmokewear.com/ , one of the retailers of the bracelets. If you have a legal question regarding possession or marijuana or drug paraphernalia, contact a criminal defense lawyer at Taracks Gomez & Rickman today for a free consultation. Taracks Gomez & Rickman - The Advocate For You.

Super Bowl Sunday crash crushes Tampa Police cruiser

Tampa Defense Attorneys — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:11:00 GMT

Investigators say a TPD cruiser was heading south on Bruce B. Downs Boulevard at the intersection of 42nd Street in North Tampa at around 11:30 p.m. on Super Bowl Sunday when a pickup truck made a left-hand turn directly in front of the police car. The crash left pieces of vehicles scattered through the intersection. There were two other people along with the TPD officer in the police cruiser, though it wasn't clear at the scene if those people were passengers, prisoners, or there for another reason. All three of the people in the car were hurt, but -- thankfully -- rescuers said they had only minor injuries.

They victims were taken to Tampa General Hospital for treatment. Two people were in the pickup truck; they were not hurt. Hillsborough County Sheriff's deputies at the scene arrested the driver of the pickup on suspicion of drunk driving. Under Florida's DUI laws, investigators will likely be able to take the driver's bodily fluids to test the blood alcohol level.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there's a deadly crash involving alcohol every 52 minutes on Super Bowl Sunday.

Breasts Blamed for Bad DUI Test Performance

Tampa Defense Attorneys — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:06:00 GMT

NBC Miami is reporting that a Port St. Lucie woman facing DUI charges told arresting officers her "big boobies" were to blame for her inability to perform field sobriety tests. Maureen Jane Raymond, 49, was arrested in Jensen Beach on last week after she was stopped by officers who responded to a reckless vehicle call, according to the Martin County Sheriff's Office report. According to the report, a deputy saw Raymond driving over 50 mph in a 35 mph zone and crossing over the double yellow line twice before parking in two spots at a Walgreen's store. The deputy allegedly smelled an odor of alcohol on Raymond and noticed she had slurred speech, glassy eyes and staggered when she walked, the report said. According to the report, Raymond started drinking out of a glass, telling the deputy it was just tea. A second glass found in the car smelled like an alcoholic beverage, the deputy later wrote in the report.

"When I told her we were going to do some roadside tasks she told me that I needed to understand that she is big chested and if I asked her to close her eyes and balance she is not going to balance well," the deputy wrote in the report. "She told me 'big breast you don't balance well.'" When asked if she had any injuries, Raymond replied she had big breasts and whiplash, the report said.

"When I told her she had to keep her hands at her side she stated hell no not with these. Telling me again she can't do it, not with her big boobies," the deputy wrote, adding Raymond "began to take her clothes off to show me her breast and I stopped her."

The deputy arrested Raymond for DUI, and she was taken to the station for a breath test.But before the breath test, Raymond insisted she pray, the report said."She told me she was praying and that I need to relax because she is praying and God is first," the deputy wrote.Raymond wasn't able to provide a valid breath sample, and was booked into jail, the report said. She was released on bond the next day.

While our staff has never used the "big breast" defense, we do know plenty of other tactics to fight your DUI. Call us today for a free consultation at 813-281-2897. Taracks Gomez & Rickman - The Advocate For You.

TAMPA DUI CHECKPOINT - WED. FEB. 8 2012

Tampa Defense Attorneys — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:50:00 GMT

On Wednesday, February 8 2012, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office will be conducting a DUI Checkpoint at 8603 E. Adamo Drive in Tampa, Florida. Drivers in this area should use caution and expect delays.

There will be heightened DUI patrol throughout the county on Feb. 15, Feb. 22, and Feb. 29. Drivers should also remember to use caution on these dates as well, although there will be no formal checkpoint/road block.

If you have been arrested for DUI, call Taracks Gomez & Rickman today for a free consultation. We have three former prosecutors on staff who know how to fight the charges you are facing. Act now - 813-281-2897. Taracks Gomez & Rickman - The Advocate For You.

Florida's Boating Under the Influence Law

Tampa Defense Attorneys — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 21:17:00 GMT

Boating Under the Influence, also known as BUI, is a criminal offense in the State of Florida governed under Florida Statute 327.35. Under the law, a person is guilty of the offense of boating under the influence if the person is operating a vessel within this state and that person is under the influence of drugs or alcoholic beverages when affected to the extent that the person's normal faculties are impaired, or the person has a BAC over .08.

BUI's are extremely easy to come by for several reasons. First, boat operators are often times much less experienced than automobile operators. Second, unlike a traditional motor vehicle stop, law enforcement officers on the water can stop your boat and board it for a safety inspection at any time. Third, if you are required to perform field sobriety exercises, you may be experiencing sea sickness or dizziness from being on the water, which could impact your performance.

If you have been charged with BUI, contact a lawyer with our firm today at 813-281-2897. We have several experienced attorneys on staff who know how to fight BUI's. Additionally, we have three former prosecutors working for our firm who know the law and know how the state will build a case against you. Call today for a free consultation.

Arrested at Gasparilla? Tampa DUI, BUI, Disorderly Conduct, Criminal Mischief, Possession of Marijuana, Underage Drinking Lawyer

Tampa Defense Attorneys — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:04:00 GMT

This year, it is an unfortunate fact that hundreds of people will be arrested at Gasparilla. What should be a fun event often times ends up out of hand for certain parade goers, resulting in arrests for DUI, BUI, Disorderly Conduct, Criminal Mischief, Possession of Marijuana or other drugs/paraphernalia, or underage drinking/possession of alcohol by a minor. These charges, while typically only misdemeanor offenses, can leave you with a criminal record and can make applying for a job or school nearly impossible.

When facing serious charges, you need a serious legal advocate. The law firm of Taracks Gomez & Rickman is comprised of four experienced criminal defense lawyers, three of which are former state prosecutors. This means that our staff knows how the State will build a case against you, and what must be done to beat those charges.

Call us today at 813-281-2897 for a free consultation. A lawyer with our experienced firm is standing by waiting to provide you with a free consultation. Taracks Gomez & Rickman – The Advocate For You.