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Internet crimes are relatively new since the Internet has only been around since the 1980’s. Since then, technology has come a long way and continues to move forward at a steady pace. It is estimated that as many as 95% of Americans utilize computers with access to the Internet. As technology has increased so has the incidence of Internet crimes. In many cases you may have been involved in an Internet crime that you didn’t realize you were committing. Illegal criminal activity over the Internet is more easily detected today and you will likely be caught if you engage in using the Internet for illegal purposes.

What are Internet Crimes?

There are many various activities that are considered Internet crimes. These crimes may range from fairly innocent to serious intentional acts. There is a wide list of crimes that are often considered Internet crimes including such things as:

  • Spamming
  • Phishing
  • Piracy
  • Hacking
  • Virus creation or distribution

Additionally, Internet crimes may be part of other, more serious crimes such as child pornography or fraud. Any Internet crime charge should be taken seriously. Depending on the nature of the crime it may be classified as a misdemeanor or felony and will carry penalties based on the crime.

Defending Internet Crimes

If you have been accused of Internet crimes you will fair best with the help of an attorney that is experienced in criminal law – particularly with knowledge of Internet crimes. A criminal defense attorney knows the latest laws and understands the legal system. Your attorney will be able to defend your rights no matter what the situation. Internet crimes are specific types of crimes that can be quite technical in nature. It is important that your attorney is familiar with the methods that are used to obtain information regarding the crime. For example, forensic computer analysts are able to extract information from a computer, even if it has been erased. Whether the information was obtained in a legal manner is just one of the issues your attorney will review when preparing your defense of these charges.

What Can I Expect If I’m Charged with Internet Crimes?

Internet crimes, like any other types of crimes, begin with charges and an arrest. Depending on the seriousness of the crime it may be charged as a misdemeanor or as a felony. The first step after an arrest is a hearing to formally charge you with a crime and to set bond. Your attorney will represent you at this initial hearing to try to reduce the charges and lower the bond. An experienced defense attorney will carefully review every detail of your case to provide you with the most successful defense to the charges against you. It is important to vigorously defend these types of charges as they carry penalties that may include jail time and fines. A conviction could negatively impact your ability to get a job. Your attorney will be available to guide you through the process and to answer any questions you may have along the way.

Domestic violence is a serious charge that should be addressed as quickly as possible. Domestic violence is an umbrella term that is usually part of another offense including battery, assault, stalking, kidnapping, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, and false imprisonment, among others. In many cases, it only takes one instance to create a domestic violence charge. In Florida, law enforcement may be required to make an arrest in cases where they have been called for a domestic situation. A conviction on domestic violence charges means severe penalties that will have a long-lasting negative impact. For this reason it is essential to fight to protect your rights.

What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence often begins with minor disagreements between couples.  As the couple continues to argue over time the fights escalate. Everyone argues from time to time. But when the arguments escalate they can become physical and turn into domestic violence. Often, domestic violence may occur numerous times in a toxic relationship. Domestic violence doesn’t consist only of hitting another person. Many acts qualify as forms of domestic violence including such things as:

  • Loud arguing
  • Yelling and threatening
  • Throwing a drink on another person
  • Pushing someone out of the way

You do not need to live with someone to be charged with domestic violence. The law defines domestic violence as a violent act committed by one family member against another. However, the statute includes not only spouses, but also former spouses, blood relatives, people related through marriage (in-laws), children, and anyone who has a child in common. It also includes those who live together as a family or those who formerly lived as a family.

Penalties for Domestic Violence Convictions

Domestic violence crimes carry their own minimum and maximum penalties. In Florida, those accused with domestic violence are not allowed bond until the first appearance. This must occur within 48 hours after arrest. At the first appearance the judge will determine an appropriate bond. Additionally, the judge will usually order that there is no contact with the other person. This is known as a “no contact order”. If you have been living in the same house as the other person, you will not be allowed to continue living together. If convicted, you may face penalties that may include jail time, fines, and completion of a domestic violence class, and will be prohibited from owning a firearm. Additionally, the conviction will appear on your record which can harm you for many years to come.

What To Do If You’re Charged with Domestic Violence

First, if facing domestic violence charges it is important to seek assistance from an experienced attorney. Make sure that your lawyer is present whenever you are asked to speak to police. Your attorney will represent you at your initial hearing, where your bond will be set. He will also try to get the charges against you lowered or even dropped. The minimum jail time for domestic violence is 5 days. After this hearing your lawyer will work to protect your rights and defend your case as vigorously as possible. In some cases you may be provided with a plea deal. Your attorney will discuss this option with you before you make a decision. Domestic violence charges may prove to be false or unfounded. If so, it is essential to take action as quickly as possible to resolve the situation. A skilled attorney with experience in these matters will guide you through the process and assist you in how to proceed.

Domestic violence is a type of assault and battery that carries penalties if convicted. Domestic abuse may be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the specific details of the situation. If you have been charged with domestic abuse it’s best to seek legal advice  Download BlueStacks for PC as soon as possible. In cases of domestic abuse there is typically a “no contact” order put in place as part of bond. The “no contact” order will specify the details. If there is such an order in place it is essential that you do not contact the other party under any circumstances.

No Contact Order

The no-contact order is put into place by the court and can only be lifted through court order. Even if two parties decide that they have calmed down and that they can contact each other, it is not permitted. No contact orders usually state that you cannot contact the other party through any method including in-person, by phone, through texting, or email.https://gmdietplans.org/ It does not, however, preclude a third party from contacting the other person. This is the best way to communicate when it is necessary. A no-contact order can replaced with a “no violent contact” order by the court. The “no violent contact” order is a stipulated order that changes bond conditions.

Penalties for Domestic Abuse

If convicted of domestic abuse the penalties may include:

  • Jail sentence of up to one year
  • Fines
  • No longer allowed to own a firearm

The penalties are more severe for a convicted felony charge than for a misdemeanor charge. Those convicted of domestic abuse will generally face at least some jail time and fines. They may also be required to undergo psychiatric treatment or anger management classes. The penalties are based on the severity of the charges and whether or not this behavior has happened in the past. Your attorney will represent you at the first hearing and will argue to have the charges reduced or dropped, depending on the circumstances surrounding them.

Can My Partner Ask for Charges to Be Dropped?

In most situations, once domestic abuse has been charged it is difficult to have the charges dropped simply because your partner recants the story. In fact, if your partner tries to change the story he or she can be charged with perjury for filing a false police report in the first place. Florida takes domestic violence seriously and will not tolerate false reports. The responding officers must follow Florida law and are required to take the “primary aggressor” to jail. The first appearance is the time for reviewing charges and setting bond. An experienced attorney will represent you at this initial hearing and will help you resolve the case in the best possible way.

In Florida, drug possession and related charges are taken very seriously. If you are arrested for drug possession or other drug charges it is important to understand the possible penalties that you are facing if found guilty. Conviction of a crime can cause a tarnished reputation and can create difficulties both at work and at home. It is extremely important to aggressively defend against drug charges. It is essential to contact an attorney as soon as possible after an arrest. Your attorney will learn as much as possible about what happened to cause your arrest and will immediately begin to develop a defense.

Florida Drug Charges

There are several charges that you may face depending on type of drugs, the amount of drugs, and whether you have paraphernalia.

  • Possession of a Controlled Substance
  • Drug paraphernalia Possession
  • Possession with Intent to Sell
  • Possession with Intent to Distribute
  • Drug Manufacturing
  • Drug Trafficking
  • Prescription Drugs Charges

Possession of a small amount of drugs is considered for your personal use while a larger quantity of drugs will bring harsher charges and penalties. In general, possession of a small amount of drugs carries less severe penalties than if you possess large quantities or are found to be selling drugs. Possession of 20 grams or less of marijuana is a misdemeanor and is punishable by up to one year in jail and fines up to $1,000.

Possession Charges

In Florida, possession of a small amount of drugs, such as marijuana, is considered for personal use. If you are found to possess a larger quantity of drugs or equipment to make or sell drugs, different penalties apply.  Personal possession is considered less than 20 grams of marijuana while possession of more than 20 grams is a felony. Minor possession charges are typically considered misdemeanors while possession of large quantities of drugs may be trafficking and therefore may be felonies. The penalties for a misdemeanor are less severe than penalties for a felony. There are other circumstances of your drug arrest that can turn it into a felony, such as if you are found with drugs within a close proximity to a school.

  • Misdemeanor, Second Degree  – Jail sentence up to 60 days, fine up to $500.
  • Misdemeanor, First Degree – Jail sentence up to one year, fines up to $1,000.
  • Felony, Third Degree – Prison sentence up to five years, fines not to exceed $5,000.
  • Felony, Second Degree – Prison sentence up to 15 years, fines up to $10,000.
  • Felony First Degree – Prison sentence up to 30 years, fines up to $10,000.
  • Life Felony – Up to 30 years in prison, up to $15,000 fines.

Help from an Experienced Attorney

In many cases the charges against you may be inflated. An experienced attorney will work to determine that the charges are correct and may be able to reduce the charges. Your attorney will help you fight for your rights and will review your case to prepare the best possible defense. If this is your first drug arrest you may be unaware of what to expect throughout the process. Drug charges must be taken seriously and defended vigorously to protect against harsh penalties if convicted.

An arrest warrant is a legal document that is used when someone is to be arrested. In many cases, an arrest warrant occurs because you have failed to check in with the court when required or have some other infraction that was not properly addressed within a set period of time. When this happens, the court will submit an arrest warrant. Depending on the type of infraction, an arrest warrant won’t necessarily result in officers coming to your home. In most cases, an arrest warrant will show up on your record and will be found by police if you are involved in another potential arrest situation.

How to know if there is An Arrest Warrant

You may not always know that you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest. Many people don’t find out until they are stopped on a traffic violation, at which time they learn that they have a warrant. If this occurs you will be immediately put under arrest. If you think you may have an arrest warrant you can find out by looking at the Florida online Department of Law Enforcement site or contact the County Clerk for the county where you reside. If you do have an arrest warrant you need to take care of it.

What to Do if You Have an Arrest Warrant

The best thing to do if you have an arrest warrant is to contact an attorney. You will need to get a court date. This is the time you will go in front of the judge to learn the charges against you and how they will be handled. Depending on the charges, you may be remanded at the time. If this occurs, the court will set bail and you will be able to get out of jail by paying the set amount of money. Your attorney will review your warrant and inform you of the details and what they mean to you. It is usually best to try to resolve the warrant before you are caught with an outstanding warrant.

Seek Help From an Attorney

It is a good idea to choose an attorney with knowledge in criminal defense. Your attorney should know and understand the current laws that will govern your specific offense. A good attorney will provide focused defense and stand by you throughout the legal process. No matter what your legal problems, it is best to address them and get the situation resolved. A lawyer will assist in the procedure and answer any questions that you may have. Seek legal counsel as soon as possible if you are facing a possible arrest warrant.

Crimes committed by children are very common. Any child who has not yet reached his or her 18th birthday is considered a minor or underage. In some cases a child may be prosecuted as an adult. If this is the case, you will be told. Even crimes committed by juveniles need to be taken seriously. Almost any crime that can be committed by an adult may also be committed by someone who is underage. The first thing to do is to seek help from an experienced attorney. Some crimes are more serious than others and of course, the more serious the crime, the more severe the punishment. A lawyer will be able to discuss the particular offense that was committed and help determine the best way to proceed.

What Should I Expect If My Child is Arrested?

Many times a child will be allowed to be remanded to his or her parents. This is often true of theft crimes such as shoplifting. Shoplifting is one of the most common crimes committed by those who are underage. If your child was stopped for shoplifting the store may decide to press charges. In this case, the police will be called and the legal process begins. The police and store may determine how to proceed with the case. Some of the criteria that will determine how to proceed may include such things as the age of your child, the severity of the crime, and whether your child has had any previous legal problems. For the least severe crimes, such as shoplifting, the police may allow you to immediately take your child home after being processed. Typically, a court date will be set, which you will need to attend with your minor child.

Do I Need an Attorney for my Underage Child?

Some parents think that they will be able to assist their child in court and therefore don’t see a need to hire a lawyer. This can be a big mistake. An experienced attorney will help to resolve the issues in the best possible way. The most important part of the case is to try to keep the crime off of your child’s record once they reach majority. This is essential because a criminal record can negatively impact the ability to get into the college of their choice and to get a job in the future. It is worthwhile to hire an attorney to represent your child in the legal matter in order to get the best possible outcome. Your lawyer will also help you navigate the complex legal system and help you understand the process.

What will Happen Next?

In some cases, the police will work to resolve the situation without your child having to go to court. In this situation the police will work out a resolution that may include community service time. Once the juvenile has successfully completed the work the matter is considered resolved and the actions against your child will end. If the crime is more serious, your child will need to go to court. Your attorney will represent your child in court and will work to get the best result possible. In many cases, a first offense may result in a mild sentence that may include fines, probation, and community service. Probation means that your child will need to report periodically to a probation officer to make sure that he or she remains out of trouble. Additional criminal offenses while on probation may bring more severe penalties. Florida operates three maximum-risk juvenile correctional facilities where boys and girls may stay for 18 months or more.

In all cases, the best possible result will be obtained with the assistance of an experienced attorney. The goal should be to try to get the criminal action resolved without a permanent criminal record. It is important for parents to hire an attorney with the background to handle the case.

The Fourth Amendment constitutionally limits what law enforcement may do and the actions a police officer may take when attempting to gather evidence to use against you in a criminal proceeding. This is the amendment that addresses issues of search and seizure. The United States Constitution prohibits law enforcement from forcing their way into your home or onto your property to look for evidence, or to take anything they find suspicious, unless certain conditions are met.

One pivotal aspect of the Fourth Amendment is that it does not apply to most public places. The law says that if you’re in a public place, you’ve automatically given up your right to privacy. A law enforcement officer can search you and take whatever he finds in your possession. Likewise, if you leave something in plain view, you’ve given up your right to privacy regarding that object or evidence. This might be the case if you’re stopped for suspicion of driving under the influence and you’ve got an open bottle of vodka in your lap at the time. You’ve placed it somewhere where it is clearly visible, so the arresting officer can use that against you.

If the arresting officer violates the provisions of your Fourth Amendment rights in some way, you need a qualified and experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. Any evidence he gathered is probably inadmissible in court if he violated your rights when gathering it. If you’re not a lawyer, you may not know that, so you should never take the chance of representing yourself. If you’re not a lawyer, you may not know the proper arguments to make to the court to have the evidence thrown out.

The attorneys at Katz & Phillips are intimately familiar with all the nuances of your Fourth Amendment rights and we’ll fight determinedly to make sure they’re not violated in court. We can use them to potentially keep you out of court if the only evidence against you breaks the legalities of the Fourth Amendment’s rules. If you have questions about how law enforcement collected evidence against you, call us today so we can review your case and let you know where you stand.