Criminal Law

Yes, a Florida juvenile record may be expunged if the offense meets the eligibility requirements, the juvenile has completed any required diversion program or sentence, and there are no disqualifying convictions. Florida law allows juveniles who were arrested, adjudicated delinquent, or participated in diversion programs to petition the court to seal or expunge their records…

Robbery and burglary are two different crimes. A robbery involves taking property directly from another person through force, violence, assault, or threat. A burglary occurs when an individual enters or remains in a structure, dwelling, or conveyance without permission and with the intent to commit a crime inside, regardless of whether anything is stolen. Lopez…

Facing a weapons charge in St. Petersburg is challenging, whether it involves concealed carry violations, possession allegations, or more serious firearm offenses. A single charge may draw both state and federal scrutiny. Federal prosecutors, not state authorities, decide whether to pursue a case in federal court, usually when it involves interstate commerce or a prohibited…

Florida drug attorneys recognize that marijuana cases have become more complicated since hemp was legalized in the state. Since hemp and marijuana look and smell the same, the traditional odor argument no longer automatically justifies a vehicle search. Marijuana cases are handled differently across Florida, with judges in Miami-Dade and Pinellas County sometimes reaching opposite…

Florida drug possession attorneys see daily how aggressively the state prosecutes drug offenses. Last year alone, prosecutors filed over 100,000 possession charges, leading to felony convictions for people caught with substances as commonplace as prescription medications without valid prescriptions. In some counties, a single marijuana joint can still bring criminal charges despite changing attitudes statewide.…

If you have been arrested for DUI, it’s important to contact a Florida DUI lawyer right away. A DUI arrest starts a 10-day period for you to challenge the automatic administrative suspension of your driver’s license. When the officer took your license at the traffic stop, an automatic administrative suspension went into effect before you…

In Florida, common drug charges include possession, possession with intent to sell, trafficking, manufacturing, and prescription fraud. Possession is the most frequent charge and can involve small amounts of illegal substances. More serious offenses like trafficking carry mandatory prison sentences, especially when large quantities of drugs are involved. Sometimes, a drug charge can be dropped…

You can expunge a criminal record in Florida only if you meet specific legal requirements. Florida law allows expungement for certain arrests or charges that did not result in a conviction. If you were found not guilty, your charges were dismissed, or the court withheld adjudication, and you meet other conditions, you may be eligible…

In Florida, juvenile crimes are handled through a separate legal system focused more on rehabilitation than punishment. When a minor is accused of a crime, the case is typically handled in juvenile court, which follows different procedures from adult court. The goal is to correct behavior, provide support, and prevent future offenses. However, severe or…

During a police search in Florida, you have the right to be treated with respect and to know why the search is happening. You also have the right to remain silent and to refuse consent if the police do not have a warrant or probable cause. If you are charged after a search, a criminal…