Recently, former Terra Verde beauty queen Meghan Brown shot and killed an intruder who broke into her Pinellas County home. As the intruder grappled with her fiancé, Brown calmly reached into a drawer and removed her pink .38 special. Four shots later the intruder was dead. This has prompted many Tampa Bay residents to question […]
Drivers who are involved in reported or alleged motor vehicle accidents have a legal duty to provide law enforcement officers with their name, address, driver license, and other relevant information under Florida Statute 316.062. To ensure that this requirement does not infringe on constitutional rights or protections (i.e.; 5th Amendment protection against self incrimination), […]
A high-profile burglary in the Tampa area made headlines after reports revealed that Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Evan Longoria was the victim of a break-in at his spring training rental home. According to law enforcement, the burglary occurred sometime between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM on Saturday, while Longoria and fellow teammates were away […]
The protections offered by the Fourth Amendment are some of the most important safeguards offered to a people by their government anywhere in the world. The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees you the right to protection from unreasonable searches and seizures. Essentially, this requires the State to obtain a judicially issued warrant, […]
Former UCF Star and now NY Giant Joseph Burnett was charged with DUI last week, reports say. Burnett was arrested by Orlando Police after submitting to “Field Sobriety Exercises” where the police conducted roadside tests (traditionally the “walk-and-turn” and “one-leg-stand” tests.) Police indicated that Burnett failed these tests; however he gave breath samples under […]
Under Florida Statute 932.703, any contraband article, vessel, motor vehicle, aircraft, other personal property or real property used in violation of any provision of the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act may be seized and forfeited subject to the provisions of the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act. A similar provision under federal law is known as the Comprehensive […]
The New Port Richey police department announced today that it will begin issuing tickets for jaywalking outside of designated crosswalks on US 19. Those who are caught jaywalking will be issued a $62.50 ticket. Police say that there have been several traffic accidents related to jaywalking and they hope to make US 19 safer by […]
Below is a list of some of the most commonly used criminal law terms. If you have a question regarding your case or a specific term, please call a Tampa criminal defense lawyer at Taracks & Associates. We will be happy to answer your question and evaluate your case free of charge. Dial 813-281-2897 […]
If you have had your Florida Driver License permanently revoked after a fourth (4th) DUI, you may be eligible to apply for a hardship business or employment license. Under Florida Statute 322.271, you are eligible for an employment hardship license ten (10) years after your revocation before October, 2011; after October of this year […]
Have you received a letter from the U.S. Department of Justice notifying you that you are the target of a federal grand jury investigation in the Middle District of Florida? If so, you are in serious legal jeopardy—and time is not on your side. A federal grand jury does not determine guilt or innocence. Its […]