WHAT HAPPENS AFTER A VIOLATION OF PROBATION WARRANT IS FILED? If you are under a sentence of probation or community control beware. Fewer than one in three succeed without a violation. The most common violation of probation is a failure to check-in, after that comes moving without notice, and then…
IF I’M ARRESTED IN FORT LAUDERDALE DO I HAVE TO TALK TO THE POLICE? No. A police officer can stop you can talk to you but you don’t have to respond. If you believe you are the focus of a criminal investigation, or a person of interest, ask for a…
CORPUS DELICTI: IT’S NOT DEAD IN FLORIDA If you been arrested in Fort Lauderdale and made a confession, it’s not enough for a conviction. The corpus delicti rule means the state must have actual evidence in addition to a confession before judge will allow a jury to deliberate. Fort Lauderdale…
FORT LAUDERDALE NARCOTICS OFFICER CAUSES DEATH OF CANINE OFFICER Fort Lauderdale Florida news broadcasters are howling for justice. A narcotics undercover officer from Coral Springs left his canine police officer dog partner in a hot car and the dog died. It’s now a hot topic: do we arrest and convict…
MARIJUANA GROW HOUSES IN FORT LAUDERDALE Effective August 2008 Florida has enhanced the penalties for marijuana production. Possession of marijuana in smaller amounts remains a misdemeanor. However for those who grow marijuana plants the previous threshold of 300 plants for a first-degree felony, has been lowered. Manufacture of marijuana, a…
ARRESTED IN FORT LAUDERDALE? WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A PRINCIPAL In any criminal courtroom in South Florida, Fort Lauderdale or Miami or West Palm Beach, those charged with possession of cocaine or possession of any controlled substance are convicted for things they didn’t do? How can that be? The…
FLORIDA SEX OFFENDER GETS LIFE SENTENCE Although not a South Florida criminal case, Fort Lauderdale criminal attorneys have taken note of a sex offender sentenced to life by a Tampa court. Although there was no physical evidence to link the defendant to the killing and the judge suppressed a tainted…
IDENTITY THEFT BASICS: FORT LAUDERDALE IS A HOT LOCATION Fort Lauderdale and Miami are hot spots for identity fraud. Sadly or not it is a fact of life for those living in Broward County, Miami and Palm Beach. Taking a victim’s identity to obtain credit is the most common identity…
IF I’M ARRESTED: DO THE POLICE HAVE TO READ ME MY RIGHTS? No. Huh? Your right to remain silent only applies AFTER an arrest, not before. If you are arrested in Fort Lauderdale, Miami or West Palm Beach you MUST know the difference between a stop, a detention, police contact,…
FORT LAUDERDALE SEEKS PART OF $19MM TO CURTAIL DUI The US Department of Justice announced it is awarding $19,000,000.00 to States that focus or arresting drunk drivers. Fort Lauderdale prosecutors are very aggressive in arresting and criminally charging drivers who are stopped for a DUI investigation. The money will be…