Lakeland Criminal Defense Lawyers

There are 5 very specific types of injunctions, or restraining orders, that you can apply for in Florida.  It is important that you know the difference between them, because if you apply for the wrong one, the injunction can be denied.  On the other hand, if you are defending against an injunction, that is the first line of defense.  Was the proper injunction applied for?  Below is a listing of the types of Injunctions in Florida: 1.       Injunction for Protection Against Domestic Violence – This injunction is specifically for persons who have been the victim of domestic violence or who are afraid of imminent domestic violence.  Domestic violence includes assault, battery, sexual battery, stalking, kidnapping, and false imprisonment. A domestic relationship means that the person is either your spouse, former spouse, related to you by blood or marriage, living with you presently, or has lived with you in the past, or the pe...

So you have been charged with a criminal offense.   You feel like your world is falling apart.  It is a difficult time that affects every aspect of your life.  You need a knowledgeable and experienced attorney by your side.  Hopefully you have hired one.   What can you do to help?  There are several things. First and foremost: do not talk to anyone about your case except your attorney.  You have the right to remain silent.  Use it!  It is extremely damaging to your case if you speak about it with anyone. And it can kill your case if you put anything on social media.  You also have this right even with your attorney.  Your attorney will probably ask you very specific questions.  Think about how your attorney is asking those questions and answer the question that is being asked.  Think of any evidence that you may have. Although the burden to prove their case is on the State, anything that you may have to dispr...

The process of decriminalization of marijuana in Florida is slow, but occurring.  In all there are 14, counties, cities, and/or municipalities that have passed ordinances that give police officers the option to issue civil citations or fines rather than arrest a person who is caught with 20 grams or less of marijuana. It is important to note that in these cities or counties, the choice still lies with the individual officer whether to issue the citation or make an arrest for misdemeanor possession.  Each place’s ordinance varies, so it is important to read the specific ordinance.  Below is a list of places thus far that have passed such ordinances with links to more specific information about the ordinances. Alachua County Broward County Hallandale Beach Key West Miami Beach Miami-Dade County Orlando Osceola County Palm Beach County Port Ritchey Tampa Volusia County West Palm Beach Wilton Manors On a national level, twenty states have en...