A Tampa criminal defense firm explains how to claim self-defense in Florida: the four elements, Stand Your Ground, immunity hearings, and what to do first.
Continue reading ›From First DUI to Death Penalty
A Tampa criminal defense firm explains how to claim self-defense in Florida: the four elements, Stand Your Ground, immunity hearings, and what to do first.
Continue reading ›Key Takeaway: Vehicular homicide under Florida Statute §782.071 occurs when a person operates a motor vehicle in a reckless manner likely to cause death or great bodily harm, and that operation kills another person or an unborn child. It is a second-degree felony carrying up to 15 years in prison. If the driver also left…
Continue reading ›Key Takeaway: Unlicensed practice of law (UPL) in Florida under §454.23 is a third-degree felony carrying up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine. The statute makes it a crime for any person who is not licensed or otherwise authorized to practice law in Florida to actually practice law, hold themselves out as…
Continue reading ›Key Takeaway: Under Florida Statute §794.05, it is a second-degree felony for a person aged 24 or older to engage in sexual activity with a 16- or 17-year-old — even if the minor consented or initiated the activity. The charge carries up to 15 years in prison, mandatory sex offender registration, and lifelong consequences. However,…
Continue reading ›Key Takeaway: Trespass in Florida ranges from a second-degree misdemeanor (up to 60 days in jail) to a third-degree felony (up to 5 years in prison) depending on the type of property, whether someone was inside, and whether the offender was armed. Florida has separate statutes for trespass in a structure or conveyance (§810.08) and…
Continue reading ›Key Takeaway: Theft in Florida ranges from a second-degree misdemeanor (up to 60 days in jail) to a first-degree felony (up to 30 years in prison) depending on the value of property stolen. Florida also has separate statutes covering retail theft (shoplifting) and dealing in stolen property — each with its own penalties. Because the…
Continue reading ›Key Takeaway: Sexual battery in Florida covers any non-consensual oral, anal, or genital penetration. Specifically, the penalties range from a first-degree felony (up to life in prison) to a capital felony (death or life without parole) when the victim is under 12. Because these charges carry mandatory sex offender registration and potential life sentences, the…
Continue reading ›Key Takeaway: Florida requires anyone convicted of a qualifying sex offense to register as a sexual offender under §943.0435. Registration is lifelong, and the requirements are strict — you must report your address, employment, vehicles, email addresses, and internet accounts. Failure to register or update your information is a third-degree felony. However, incorrect designations can…
Continue reading ›Key Takeaway: Robbery charges in Florida are among the most serious offenses. Robbery means taking something from another person using force or fear. It is always a felony. A strong-arm robbery carries up to 15 years in prison, and armed robbery with a firearm can mean life in prison with a 10-year mandatory minimum. I’m…
Continue reading ›Key Takeaway: DUI charges in Florida cover a wide range of offenses under §316.193. A DUI means driving or being in actual physical control of a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs — or with a blood-alcohol level of 0.08 or higher. A first offense is a misdemeanor carrying up to 6 months in…
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