Are you charged with a crime in St. Petersburg? Are you thinking of representing yourself in court? In the United States, you certainly have the right to pro se representation—that is, arguing on your own behalf. However, understand the many risks of going through the criminal justice process without an experienced attorney. Here are some […]
The opioid crisis is the headline on local and national news every day. Daily, more than 115 people in the United States die after an opioid overdose. Prescription pain pills, heroin, and synthetic opioids like fentanyl cause those who are addicted to the drugs to contribute to the rising costs of healthcare, lost productivity, treatment […]
A restraining order, or as it’s more formally called in Florida, a personal protection order, is a court order designed to restrict your behavior. In most cases, the court issues a restraining order to keep you from bothering or harming a specific person. While people have requested restraining orders for some pretty silly reasons, courts […]
In 2009, minors consumed 9.5 percent of all alcohol sold in Florida. Nationwide, the CDC reports that people ages 12 to 20 years drink 11 percent of all alcohol, more than 90 percent in the form of binge drinking. According to Florida Statutes §562.111, however, people younger than 21 cannot possess alcohol. This prohibition includes […]
Getting caught with cocaine in Georgia is a serious affair: In agreement with the DEA, Georgia lawmakers consider cocaine a Schedule II drug. Having cocaine in your possession carries far more serious ramifications than getting caught with a few ounces of marijuana, for example. Whether police find you with a quarter ounce of cocaine or […]
Like most states, drivers in Florida accept that they are subject to implied consent statutes when they operate a motor vehicle. This means if police stop you for suspicion of operating under the influence, you are obligated to take field sobriety tests—one of which is a Breathalyzer test. What is not always clear is what […]
Methamphetamine, also known by its street names ice, crystal, speed, and crank, is a highly addictive and dangerous drug. While its medicinal forms are legal, albeit highly restricted, a user who does not possess a valid prescription may face third degree felony charges. Beyond that, a person who possesses a chemical essential to making methamphetamine, […]
Last year in Florida, authorities issued 43,899 driving under the influence (DUI ) violation tickets, resulting in 24,334 DUI convictions. If you host a party that involves alcohol and/or drugs, and from which some guests are driving home, there is always a chance that one or more of your guests end the night with a […]
People convicted of felony offenses often continue to struggle with the consequences for years after their release. Felony convictions are included on your criminal record, and most background checks will reveal them. Felony convictions can make finding employment, obtaining federal loans, and securing housing more difficult. A felony conviction can also revoke your right to […]
Florida law makes driving under the influence of alcoholic beverages, chemical substances, or controlled substances one offense, proven by “impairment of normal faculties” or an unlawful blood alcohol or breath alcohol level of 0.08 percent or more. Regardless of how prosecutors prove the offense, the penalties are the same. A person’s first DUI conviction generally […]