Blog Posts in July, 2014

Tampa Petit Theft Lawyer

What is the Crime of Petit Theft in Tampa, Florida? In Tampa, Florida, "petit theft" is the name for the crime where a person steals under $300 worth of goods from a person or place of business. What is the Punishment for Petit Theft? The punishment will depend upon the value of the item stolen. If the value is under $100, the defendant will be charged with a second degree misdemeanor offense, ...

What are field sobriety exercises in a DUI case?

Hillsborough County Florida has one of the highest DUI arrests in the country. Between checkpoints, officers stopping for traffic violations, and people getting into crashes; DUI arrests are commonplace. When an officer conducts a DUI arrest, they are required to go through certain procedures. One of the things officers want someone who they believe is impaired to do, is perform Field Sobriety ...

Street Racing Laws in Tampa, Florida

What are the Street Racing Laws in Florida? In Florida, street racing, also known as "Highway Racing", is a crime pursuant to Statute 316.191. According to the statute: "A person may not: (a) Drive any motor vehicle, including any motorcycle, in any race, speed competition or contest, drag race or acceleration contest, test of physical endurance, or exhibition of speed or acceleration or for the ...

Can I Own a Gun in Florida if Convicted of Domestic Violence?

In Florida, domestic violence battery is a misdemeanor criminal offense punishable by up to one (1) year in jail and a fine of up to $1000. There are also several other felony crimes of domestic violence, including domestic violence battery by strangulation. What many people do not realize is that a conviction for any crime of domestic violence prohibits that individual from owning a firearm FOR ...

Florida's Sexting Law

Technology is evolving daily. With improvements in computers and cell phones, sexting has become very prevalent in society today. In Florida, sexting may be considered a crime if committed by a minor. Under Florida statute, a minor may face penalties for sexting, ranging from a noncriminal offence and community service hours, a misdemeanor in the first degree, or a possible felony in the third ...

Failure to Register as a Sexual Offender or Sexual Predator in Tampa, Florida

Failure to Register as a Sexual Offender or Sexual Predator in Tampa, Florida In Florida, after you have been convicted of a sexual offense you are required to register with local law enforcement as a sexual offender or sexual predator. This enables local law enforcement agencies to track convicted sex offenders/predators in local communities. Failure to register or report in a timely manner can ...

How Do I Expunge My Criminal Record

Many people have never been in trouble with the law. When someone goes through the legal proceedings, they are often overwhelmed and having a lawyer who is in court every day and knowledgeable about the law plays an important role in helping someone get through this process. Sometimes, a lawyer can work with the State Attorney to be able to get someone into a diversion program or to avoid a formal ...

Warrant in Florida? Live Out of State? We Can Help.

Do you have an outstanding warrant in Florida, but live out of state? If so, an attorney with our firm can help. In many instances we can negotiate with the State in order to resolve your case without you ever having to be present in Florida. Because there are lots of tourists who come to this area and, unfortunately, end up in trouble, our firm deals with clients who are in your exact situation ...

Contracting Without a License in Tampa, Florida

In the State of Florida it is illegal to contract work or act as a contract without a valid, state issued contractor's license. Initial convictions for this crime are misdemeanors; however if you have priors the charge may be upgraded to a felony offense. Florida Statute 489.127 governs contracting without a license. According to the Statute, no person shall: falsely hold himself or a business ...

Tampa Violation of Probation (VOP) Attorney

One of the first things you must understand is what exactly a violation of probation, also known as a VOP, actually is. A violation of probation (VOP) is a criminal charge which, if proven, enables the Court to impose a new (and possibly increased) sentence upon you. The State frequently asks the Court for a harsher/more severe sentence than what was initially imposed as a punishment for you ...

Federal Prostitution / Human Trafficking Charges

Have you been charged with a federal crime related to prostitution? When a person (male or female) under the age of eighteen is transported across state lines for the purpose of committing sexual acts, the accused will likely be charged in federal court. The exploitation of children for prostitution / human trafficking purposes are matters of extreme interest to federal investigators, particularly ...

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia in Tampa, Florida

In Florida, a person can be arrested and charged with the crime of "possession of drug paraphernalia" for a number of reasons. Possession of drug paraphernalia is a misdemeanor offense; however it does often carry serious penalties. What is the definition of "possession of drug paraphernalia?" In Florida, possession of drug paraphernalia is defined as having any materials or tools that are used to ...

Criminal Defense Lawyers for USF and University of Tampa Students

If you know a University of Tampa or University of South Florida (USF) Student who has been arrested and charged with a crime it is imperative that you contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. As a student, the accused will face both criminal penalties as well as potential penalties at the University level, including suspension or expulsion from school. Our firm has ...

Sale of Electronic Cigarettes (Nicotine Products and Nicotine Dispensing Devices) to Minors

As of July 1, 2014 it is illegal for anyone to sell a nicotine dispensing device (AKA, an electronic cigarette) to a minor. This is a second degree misdemeanor offense; however a third conviction becomes a first degree misdemeanor offense punishable by up to a year in jail and a fine of $1000. There are also administrative penalties associated with this offense, which may result in an owner of a ...

Warning! Fourth of July DUI Checkpoint in Hillsborough County

Warning! On Friday, July 4th there will be a DUI Checkpoint in Eastern Hillsborough County between the hours of 9 PM and midnight. The checkpoint location has not been announced; however it will be in district 2 which covers Eastern Hillsborough County. Drivers in the area should expect delays and should be prepared to stop and provide information to law enforcement officers upon request. Always ...

Are Fireworks Legal in Florida? The Answer Will Surprise You!

Did you know: in Florida, the sale of fireworks to the public is illegal; however there is an exemption for agricultural use which allows for sale of fireworks to the public so long as they are going to be used for "explosive pest control?" Sellers are not required to confirm what the fireworks will be used for, therefore this "loophole" allows for fireworks to be sold in the Sunshine State! Have ...