Florida Law FAQ

What is Boating Under the Influence? Boating under the influence (BUI) is very similar to driving under the influence (DUI). Boating while intoxicated is illegal...

In Florida, boating under the influence, BUI, is a crime that is taken very seriously. It is due, in part, to the fact that the...

Boating is a popular activity in Florida and many people use boats for recreation and fishing. Laws apply to boating as they do to driving....

Will I automatically lose my job if I get arrested? Whether you have an active warrant or were recently arrested, it's natural to be concerned...

Nobody wants to experience criminal punishment. Sometimes, though, your best bet is to plead guilty, as reduced punishment is often better than the risk of...

Can I still be charged with assault if the accuser was not injured? Many people believe that an assault charge requires physical contact or injury,...

How long does a person have to file an appeal in Florida? If you've been convicted of a crime, you may feel hopeless and trapped....

Several legal remedies are available to Florida residents who believe their rights have been violated or treated unfairly by the legal system. One of these...

What do I do if I lose my appeal? An appeal is a process that allows someone to challenge the decision of a lower court....

How do you clear a bench warrant without going to jail? Bench warrants provide the judicial system with a unique tool to ensure those charged...

What happens when you accept a plea deal? A plea deal or plea bargain is a valuable legal tool to help criminal defendants and prosecutors...

What factors determine bail? How do I know if I’ll have bail? Bail is a monetary exchange for the release of a defendant from jail....

Will my case go to trial? In Florida, different factors determine whether or not your case will go to trial. Some of these factors are...

What’s the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor? Misdemeanors are crimes that are typically treated as less serious than felonies and thus have less...

Does getting arrested affect my immigration status? Part of the U.S. permanent residence application process includes a criminal background check conducted by the U.S. Citizenship...

What should I do if I think there’s a warrant out for my arrest? While it's normal to feel overwhelmed when faced with the possibility...

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....

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

In Florida, is in other states, law enforcement takes drug possession seriously. There are specific laws that apply to marijuana possession. If you have been...

Computer crimes may range in severity and are often categorized as federal offenses. If you have been arrested for computer crimes it is important to...

If you have been charged with burglary, robbery, or theft in Florida the charges are serious. Many people wonder what the differences are between these...

Criminal trespass charges are serious and if convicted, come with harsh penalties. Trespassing in Florida may be in one of four categories including trespass on...

One of the worst feelings in the world is to be wrongly accused of a crime. In the United States, the rights of citizens are...

If your friend or loved one has been charged with a crime and is in jail you will want to learn how to get them...

In Florida, as in other states, domestic violence charges are taken very seriously. If you have been arrested and charged with domestic violence you will...

What Should I Do If I’ve Been Charged with a Sex Crime? Sex crimes are considered serious types of crimes. However, there are varying crimes...

A criminal record can be devastating to your life. You may have problems getting employment if you have been convicted of a serious crime. While...

Was My Arrest Handled Properly? It can happen to anyone – suddenly you find yourself in trouble with the law and may end up...

How Can I Get My Conviction Record Sealed? Those who have been convicted of a crime may end up having difficulty with future employment....

Miranda rights, also called Miranda warnings, are the list of rights that must be read to anyone who is being held or arrested by...

Probation – What it is and how it Works In Florida, as elsewhere, probation is often part of a sentence in a criminal legal case....

Crimes are typically classified into various categories. Misdemeanors are crimes that are less serious than felonies. Crimes are classified based on many factors including such...

I Was Arrested - Do I Need an Attorney? If you’ve been arrested in Florida it is essential to seek legal assistance as soon...

Is It Illegal to Flash your Lights as a Warning of a Speed Trap? In Florida, as elsewhere in the country, police set up...

With millions of people on the Internet these days it’s no wonder that more people are being charged with Internet crimes. If you have...

What is My Right to Counsel? The Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution allows for everyone who is being criminally prosecuted to have “assistance...

A plea bargain, or plea deal, is an agreement between the defendant and the prosecutor where the defendant pleads guilty (or no contest) to the...

After an arrest for a criminal act, you have many rights. The Constitution and Bill or Rights of the United States guarantees various rights to...

How Do I Defend A White Collar Crime? White collar crimes are quite common. They fall into a large range of different crimes and...

What Will Happen if My Child is Arrested for a Crime? When someone is arrested for a crime it can be a difficult experience but...

How Should I Plead? If you’ve been arrested or charged with a crime, the case will progress through the court system. Depending on the...

My Miranda Rights Weren’t Read During My Arrest - What Should I Do? Everyone has rights that are protected as part of the constitution...

Do I Need Representation by A Lawyer? If you have been arrested on criminal charges the U.S. Constitution affords everyone certain rights. One of...

What Can I Do To Have My Criminal Record Expunged? For anyone who has been convicted of a crime, one of the hardest things to...

In Florida, as in many jurisdictions, laws have been established regarding repeat offenders. If you have been convicted of a violent crime for the...

What is Bail and how is it Set? If you have been arrested for a crime the judge sets bail. Bail is an amount of...

What is my Right to Remain Silent? The Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution provides citizens with the right to remain silent. When you are...

How Does Plea Bargaining Work? If you have been arrested for a criminal act you will likely be facing several or more charges. The...

An arrest warrant is a legal document that has been signed by a judge to authorize law enforcement officers to make an arrest. The warrant...

Drug checkpoints have recently been in the news. What are drug checkpoints and are they legal? Drug checkpoints are areas designated by law enforcement for...

Drug courts are courts dedicated specifically for working with individuals who have been accused of a crime and are also drug abusers. Drug courts merge...

As the passenger in a vehicle you may feel safe and free from any type of problems, especially those that could occur during a traffic...

Defending Theft Charges Theft, also sometimes called larceny, is a crime that is committed by attempting to take another person’s property. The laws apply to...

What is a Presentence Report? In criminal cases where the defendant has been found guilty, or has entered a plea of guilty or no...

What Happens After a Failure to Appear? When a criminal defendant is scheduled for a hearing he or she is required to appear before the...

Theft, also called larceny, is a term that simply put refers to stealing. Theft may be either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on various...

How Can I Defend Drug Charges in Florida? Florida has stiff drug laws and penalties if convicted. If you have been arrested on drug charges...

What is a Bench Warrant? An arrest warrant is a legal document that requires someone to be arrested. There are many reasons why an arrest...

The Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights makes sure that all citizens are protected. One of the important rights is that...

A highly-publicized case that started three years ago has come to its end in a Hillsborough court. Matthew Moye, the dentist who killed two young...

Lawyers around the nation do their best to defend their clients. We all have the right to representation in the courts. Sadly, sometimes the evidence...

An arraignment is a legal proceeding that occurs after an arrest. The arraignment is also called a first appearance because it’s the first time a...

Sex crimes have some of the highest emotional charge out of any other type of crime. The State of Florida takes sex crimes charges extremely...

When news stories paint you in a bad light, it can be very difficult to defend or even try a case. Sometimes a story is...

Child pornography is one of the most serious charges that can be put upon a person. Most people have an instinctive revulsion to the idea,...

One of the strongest pieces of evidence the police can have in a criminal case is DNA evidence. Everyone’s DNA is unique except in the...

Police are always on the lookout for suspicious activity. The more suspicious you look, the harder it can be for defense lawyers to successfully fight...

I Was Arrested – What Plea Should I Make? There is never an easy answer to this question because every case is different and has...

The costs of medical care are extremely high in this country, and sometimes people are forced to make decisions they’d rather not make involving their...

If you are ever involved in a car accident, the most important thing you can do is to stay at the scene. Even if an...

Is It Illegal to Buy or Keep Stolen Property? With the holidays fast approaching, many people are buying and selling all types of items....

Drug crimes are a serious problem in this country, but sometimes police will try to prosecute even the possession of drug precursors (chemicals needed to...

It can be a nightmare when your child gets arrested. However, it’s doubly so when the court system decides to try your child as an...

If you’ve been charged with drug possession in Florida you must take the charges seriously. There are two types of possession – actual and constructive....

What is the Pretrial Diversion Program and How Can I Participate? In Orange County, as in other jurisdictions, there is a pretrial diversion program (PTD)....

How Can I Fight Drug Possession Charges? Drug possession is one of the most common charges and one that can come with some harsh...

Will I Be Able to Get a Plea Deal? A plea deal or plea bargain is an agreement offered to a defendant in a...

What Are My Rights If I’m Arrested? Getting arrested can be a terrifying and stressful experience. If you are arrested it is important to...

A couple from Minnesota has been arrested in Florida on charges of welfare fraud. Investigators allege that the two had been residing in luxury residences,...

What Are the Most Common White Collar Crimes? White collar crimes are offenses that typically involve business fraud, embezzlement, and other crimes that are committed...

When an arrest occurs there are some legal steps that follow. The arraignment is the legal procedure that is used to formally charge a defendant....

Most of us like participate in exercise and it is not uncommon to see people exercising out in public. Running, walking, bike-riding are commonly observed. ...

Are License Plate Scanner Legal? License plate scanners, also called automatic license plate recognition systems (ALPR), are current technology devices often used by police....

Every United States citizen must be read their rights if they are arrested. These rights are part of the protection afforded to us by the...

If you have a criminal record it can sometimes be more difficult to find employment, to get into college, or even to rent an apartment....

If you have been stopped for a traffic violation the police may determine that other potential charges are possible. If law enforcement thinks that you...

What happens when there has been a history of domestic abuse between you and your spouse, one which has been meticulously recorded by the local...

When anyone is arrested they must be read their rights. These rights are provided for all citizens in the U.S. Constitution and amendments. While you...

Police officers are tasked with making sure that traffic rules are followed, so traffic tickets happen on a daily basis. Most people have been...

If you are a defendant in a criminal case you will be scheduled for a hearing. If you qualify, you may be allowed out on...

If you were arrested in Florida you are probably frightened and unsure about what to do. One of the best things you can do...

If you have failed to appear for an assigned court date to answer to misdemeanor charges in Florida, you can expect a warrant to be...

If you know that a hurricane will be barreling down on your home and you need to evacuate, what are the first things you...

You have an old prescription for Percocet in your medicine cabinet. Your spouse has a headache. Can you give away a pill without breaking the...

Even if you have never been arrested, chances are that you know about the Miranda Warning, sometimes called Miranda Rights. Any cop show worth its...

Orlando Police have made arrests in an identity theft ring that touches victims from all around the world. Many of the victims may not yet...

Most people understand what road rage is. The phenomenon is on the news, it’s in the papers, and stories of it abound online. What some...

Identity theft is a crime that has long been in the news. Unfortunately, it is also a crime that is still occurring on an all-too-frequent...

When it comes to crimes committed online, there are only a few that make the news. Most people know that downloading movies and music is...

It can be difficult to know whether or not you have a case for false arrest. The precursor in proving false arrest is showing that...

Assault. It is a basic crime, and a crime that people are charged with on a daily basis. An assault occurs when a person violates...

When it comes to hate crimes, Florida ranks number two in the nation, a distinction that is not in any way positive. There are currently...

If you are like many people charged with a crime, it is your first experience on this side of the law. Not only is being...

When you are looking for a new job, you will fill out several applications. On most, you will be asked if you have ever been...

You undoubtedly understand that you have “rights” after you have been arrested by the police in Orlando or the surrounding area, but knowing what those...

Being accused of domestic violence is a stressful experience, especially when those allegations aren’t true. People who are accused of the crime can face consequences...

If you are pulled over by the police, you may not give a second thought to offering your cooperation. If you are like most people,...

When someone is arrested, it stands to reason that the last thing they want to do is spend more time behind bars than absolutely necessary....

Being charged with a federal crime is the most severe a citizen can be charged with. In order to require a federal trial, an offender...

Whether you are a fan of crime dramas or watch the news on a daily basis, you have heard of kidnapping. Perhaps you even remember...

Do you know what a white collar crime is? Many people have heard the term, but not all are clear on what it means. A...

Murder and manslaughter. Unfortunately, these words are often used interchangeably to describe very different crimes. Understanding the difference between murder and manslaughter lies in its...

Many people have heard of Rohypnol. If they haven't heard the trade-name, they have heard it by its street name: roofies, or the Date Rape...

In most cases, a car accident is a civil matter. Car accidents do not typically become the reason that people appear before a judge and...

When a person intentionally and unlawfully takes another person's vehicle via force, assault, violence or threat, they are considered guilty of the crime of carjacking....

When a person is arrested for a crime and taken into custody, their first thought is typically how fast can they get out. Most people...

It's a scenario that no one wants to deal with. You are sitting, minding your own business and the police come knocking on your door....

Police and prosecutors make mistakes. They are human and can't be held to an infallible standard that no other person is. Unfortunately, when these professionals...

No one wants a phone call in the middle of the night saying that a loved one has been arrested. Unfortunately, thousands of people deal...

No one wants to wind up in police custody. The process of being arrested and charged with a crime is stressful and can heighten emotions....

The holidays are here. You may be planning on partying with friends or having more low-key celebrations with family. Adult beverages are sure to be...

How Can an Attorney Help at an Arraignment? An arraignment is the legal hearing that takes place after an arrest. The arraignment is also known...

Can I Get a Plea Deal? If you keep up with the news you’re likely aware of hearing about plea deals in various criminal cases....

Can I Represent Myself At an Arraignment? An arraignment is the legal procedure, also called a hearing, which begins the criminal process of your case....

If you’ve been stopped for a traffic violation, you may have been asked if you will allow your car to be searched. Many people wonder...

You are driving down any street in Florida. All of a sudden the familiar lights on top of a police cruiser are switched on and...

Can Police Use Cell Phone Data Against Me? A recent report from USA Today indicates that it’s not just the National Security Agency that collects...

The U.S. constitution and amendments provide people with protection against searches that are considered unreasonable. While you are protected against illegal searches of your person,...

If you have been convicted of a DUI in Tampa, you may find yourself ordered to complete community service. While your attorney can assist you...

People are served with restraining orders on a daily basis. While these orders are simply a piece of paper that can do nothing to prevent...

The way that you behave during an arrest can have more of an impact that you know. It can actually mean the difference between being...

No one wants to be in a position of standing before a judge seconds before a sentence is handed down. For many, the thing that...

Do I have to take a breathalyzer test? When you're pulled over on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) in Florida, you may be...

How many DUIs can you have before you lose your license? In Florida, it's illegal to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of...

Can you get a DUI removed from your record? It's natural to worry about the potential implications of a criminal record after a DUI charge....

How long does it take to complete a DUI course in Florida? When someone is convicted of a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) offense in...

When is clinical evaluation necessary for DUI? When a driver is charged and convicted of driving under the influence (DUI), it can be a traumatic...

Do I have to disclose a DUI to my employer? The short answer is no. Under Florida law, employees are not required to tell their...

When does a DUI go off your record? In the State of Florida, DUI convictions are almost permanent. DUI convictions stay on your record for...

Do you go to jail for DUI? Whether you will be put in prison for a DUI depends on multiple factors. The most important factor...

DUI charges come with mandatory penalties in Florida, regardless if it’s a first or third offense. Failure to adhere to probation conditions could result in...

DUI, driving under the influence, is a serious charge and one that should not be taken lightly. In Florida, as in other states, the penalties...

DUI is a serious charge that has severe consequences for conviction. Many times the police on the scene of a traffic stop for DUI will...

DUI charges carry serious penalties in Florida, as in other states. Much public attention has been brought to drunk driving, making it one of the...

DUI is a serious offense and one that is vigorously prosecuted throughout the United States. If you have been arrested for DUI you may...

Florida uses the point system when monitoring your driver’s license. Points are assessed for various things like traffic offenses. If you accumulate too many points...

Do I Need a Lawyer for a DUI? DUI, driving under the influence, is a serious charge that carries harsh penalties if convicted. While some...

Are DUI Charges More Common Around the Holidays? DUI, driving under the influence, is a serious charge and one that must be addressed as quickly...

Can I Fight and Win against DUI Charges? DUI, driving under the influence, is a charge that is taken very seriously. If convicted of DUI...

What Happens After a DUI Arrest? A DUI arrest often comes as a result of a routine traffic stop. A traffic stop may quickly turn...

Should I Pay a Traffic Ticket or Go to Court? Traffic tickets can vary greatly in their degree of importance. Some traffic citations are...

I Wasn’t Read My Rights – Will DUI Charges Stick? DUI charges are serious and a conviction can have long-lasting penalties. If you have...

What Are the Florida DUI Laws? Florida, like many other states, has strict DUI laws and penalties upon conviction. DUI is measured by how much...

DUI, driving under the influence, is a serious charge – one that won’t simply go away on its own. The holiday season is among...

While DUI, driving under the influence, occurs while operating a motor vehicle, the offense itself is criminal in nature. A DUI typically occurs in...

Will My Insurance Go Up After a DUI? In Florida, as in other states, driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious charge. If convicted,...

Should I Take A Breath Test? If you’ve been stopped for suspicion of DUI (driving under the influence) the police officer will likely ask...

A DUI is a serious charge and a conviction comes with harsh penalties. If you have recently been charged with DUI and have had your...

I Got a DUI - How Soon Should I Get an Attorney? The simple answer to this is as soon as possible. Ideally, you will...

Can I Drive After Getting a DUI? A DUI can be a scary experience and one that can be confusing. If you are charged with...

DUI, driving under the influence, is a serious charge. In Florida, as in many other states, an extreme DUI is a more severe charge and...

An ignition interlock device is a special locking device attached to your vehicle’s ignition that measures BAC, blood alcohol concentration. The unit will not...

DUI, driving under the influence, is a serious charge and one that comes with serious consequences if convicted. One of the first things that happens...

DUI Field Sobriety Tests If you are stopped for a traffic offense the police officer may request that you take some field sobriety tests. Field...

Should I Admit to Drinking If Stopped for DUI? There are thousands of traffic stops each year in the Orlando area for DUI. Often a...

DUI Limits in Florida Florida laws limit the amount of alcohol that can be consumed before driving a motor vehicle. In Florida as in other...

DUI, driving under the influence, is a serious crime. In Florida, the legal drinking limit is 0.08% BAC (blood alcohol concentration). Penalties for DUI may...

If you have been stopped by a police officer you may be asked to submit to field sobriety tests, or FSTs. FSTs are given...

What Happens on a DUI Stop? Driving under the influence or DUI is one of the most common reasons for arrest in Florida and...

DUI, driving under the influence, is a serious offense and the penalties for conviction can be severe, especially if a drunk driving accident occurred. If...

DUI, driving under the influence, is a serious offense and one that is often prosecuted fully. In Florida, the legal limit is 0.08% blood...

Can I Get a Plea Deal in a DUI Case? DUI, driving under the influence, is a crime that is taken very seriously by law...

Should I Plead Guilty to DUI? DUI, driving under the influence, is a serious crime and one that isn’t taken lightly. If convicted of...

How Does the Breathalyzer Test Work? In Florida, the legal drinking limit for drivers is 0.08%. Those who are found to be driving with a...

DUI, driving under the influence, is a serious offense and one that should not be taken lightly. In Florida, the legal drinking limit is...

DUI, driving under the influence, is a charge that comes with severe penalties upon conviction. DUI convictions are on the rise across the country...

What Type of DUI Tests Are Used by Law Enforcement? In Florida, as in other states, DUI, driving under the influence, is a crime...

Will I Lose My License After a DUI? Driving under the influence, DUI, is a serious charge and a conviction carries stiff penalties. Immediately...

Should I Fight DUI Charges? If you have been arrested for DUI, driving under the influence, you will want to take the charges very seriously....

DUI, driving under the influence, is a serious charge and one that comes with harsh penalties if convicted. If you’re stopped for DUI in Florida,...

DUI, driving under the influence, is a crime that is not limited to any particular age group. There are, however, some laws that apply...

My License Was Suspended – Can I Get It Back? There are many reasons why your driver’s license may have been suspended. Whether you...

DUI manslaughter is a charge that is laid on people who drink and drive then kill someone. A case in Tampa last October shows what...

What Happens If I Don’t Pass Field Sobriety Tests? DUI, driving under the influence, is a serious charge and comes with severe penalties if...

Sometimes suspected criminals are surprised when a judge does not allow them to be released on bail. The exchange recorded in this news article describes...

One of the things that people who are on medication, such as Ambien, need to be aware of is that some medicines can lead to...

How Can I Avoid a DUI Conviction? Driving under the influence, DUI, is a serious charge and one that comes with harsh penalties upon conviction....

DUI Checkpoints – Are They Legal? The holidays are here and so is the increase in DUI checkpoints. DUI checkpoints are areas that are specifically...

DUI, driving under the influence, is a common charge and one that must be taken very seriously. In Florida, the legal limit is 0.08%...

Are a DUI and Impaired Driving the Same Thing? DUI, driving under the influence, is a serious offense and one that has harsh consequences. DUI...

A DUI (Driving Under the Influence) conviction can have significant repercussions on your driving privileges. However, regaining your driver's license is possible through a series...

What Are Sobriety Checkpoints? Sobriety checkpoints, also known as DUI checkpoints, are special areas of the roadway that have been designated for law enforcement checks....

DUI Checkpoints – Do I Have To Stop? With the Fourth of July approaching many people are starting to make plans for their long holiday...

Should I Submit to DUI Tests? DUI, driving under the influence, is a serious offense and one that cannot be taken lightly. Many times, DUI...

What is a DUI Ignition Locking Device? An ignition locking device is a unit that is installed on a vehicle’s ignition system. It locks the...

Is It Possible to Fight DUI Charges? DUI, driving under the influence, is a serious offense and one that should not be taken lightly....

What is the Legal Drinking Limit in Florida? Florida, like other states, has laws in place to prohibit people from driving while intoxicated. The legal...

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