When the worst happens and you are involved in an accident after drinking, you may wonder what steps you should take to protect your rights. Many accidents can occur even if you are not over the legal limit. You may wonder, “Can I refuse a breathalyzer?” or “Should I leave the accident scene to avoid ...
Drivers in Orlando, Florida should be especially wary when getting behind the wheel now that the Orlando Police Department has invested in 10 new specialty patrol cars used exclusively to track and bust drunk drivers. According to reports, the new police vehicles have special decals, dashboard cameras, back-seat cameras as well as in-car radar systems ...
Many prescription drug users become addicted after obtaining drugs through a valid prescription after an injury or surgery. Others have engaged in the recreational use of prescription-drugs. With use of prescription drug use on the rise, both state and federal authorities are looking to crack down on illegal dealing. Florida has gained notoriety as the ...
A popular 52-year-old Orlando area principal was arrested in east Orange County earlier this month for suspected drunk driving. She was pulled over around midnight after a Sheriff’s Deputy saw her swerving, according to police reports. Police alleged that upon spotting police lights, she stopped in the middle of the street and had to be ...
The crime of kidnapping is met with severe consequences. It is usually a level 9 offense punishable by life in prison. Florida Statute 787.01 defines kidnapping as “forcibly, secretly, or by threat confining, abducting or imprisoning another person against his or her will and without lawful authority, with intent to: Hold for ransom or reward ...
Before a person can be detained (i.e., an investigatory stop), an officer must have reasonable suspicion that criminal activity is afoot. Terry v. Ohio, 392 U.S. 1 (1968). But what can an officer do once he has you detained? Well, that depends on the circumstances. They can do a pat down search for weapons if ...
Value of property is an often times overlooked element of the crime of theft. In addition to proving that a person knowingly obtained or used the property of another with intent to deprive the other person of the property, the State must prove that the value of the property taken was above $300.00 before they ...
Sometimes the State will charge a person with two offenses for resisting an officer – with AND without violence. Most times the trial prosecutor will work out the case with a plea to one while dropping the other – avoiding any double jeopardy issues. But when there is a plea to both or a jury ...
Goad (verb) – to provoke or annoy (someone) so as to stimulate some action or reaction. Usually if a defendant (or his attorney) moves for a mistrial and the motion is granted, a new trial will commence without a violation of double jeopardy. The defense motion is deemed a waiver to double jeopardy protection. However, ...
