Category Archives: Criminal Law
Voter Intimidation is Illegal
Although you thought you were acting patriotically when you chatted up fellow voters, you’ve been arrested and charged with voter intimidation. What constitutes voter intimidation, and what should you do about these charges? Defining Voter Intimidation Voter intimidation is a federal crime, and is spelled out in U.S. code as intimidation, threats, or coercion… Read More »
Questions You Should Ask When Stopped by Police
You’ve been stopped by police in your car, on the corner block, or maybe you’re even being questioned at the police station. It’s the kind of situation that causes your blood pressure to rise, partly because you’re unsure of your rights. Here are some things you really should ask in any situation involving law… Read More »
Is Jury Nullification Possible in Your Trial?
Jury nullification: is it a way to dodge a guilty verdict at the end of a trial? Actually, maybe it is. What is jury nullification, and what makes it so attractive in some cases? Jury Nullification Defined There are sometimes cases in which juries believe that a defendant may be guilty, but they opt… Read More »
Can You Get Your Charges Dropped or Dismissed?
If you are facing criminal charges, you’re no doubt hoping for an outcome other than a guilty verdict. An acquittal would be fantastic, although it’s possible you could have the charges dropped or dismissed before the case ever makes it in front of a jury. How is that possible? Having Charges Dropped When a… Read More »
Witness Tampering has Consequences
Sam Bankman-Fried had been staying at his parent’s home under a $250 million bail deal, but lost the privilege after the prosecution accused him of witness tampering, and the judge agreed. That landed him in a jail cell, despite objections he would not be able to prepare for his upcoming trial properly. What, exactly,… Read More »
Understanding the Process of Indictment Through Trump’s Case
There are those who are utterly disgusted by the fact that former President Trump was indicted, while others are joyously celebrating the news. Whichever side you’re on, you are likely curious as to what it means to be indicted. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg pursued charges by convening a grand jury, announced the indictment,… Read More »
Criminal Defense of White-Collar Crimes
Investigations of white-collar crimes can be lengthy and very much under the radar. Without warning, you may find yourself accused of criminal wrongdoing. Often, such allegations are based on bookkeeping mistakes, errors in accounting, or other simple misunderstandings. Nonetheless, your life is in the crosshairs, and you’re not sure where to turn. Now, more… Read More »
How a “No-Contest” Plea Can Come Back to Haunt You
Although the federal government and the State of Florida maintain separate criminal justice systems, what happens to a defendant in one can affect their rights in the other. For example, under a federal criminal statute known as the Armed Career Criminal Act, a defendant faces additional penalties at sentencing if they have three or… Read More »
Is Workplace Sexual Harassment the Same Thing as “Stalking”?
If someone feels threatened by you, they may ask a judge to issue an injunction “for protection against stalking.” In this context, “stalking” means that a person “willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follows, harasses, or cyberstalks” another person. If the court determines that stalking has occurred within these parameters, the judge can issue a temporary… Read More »
When Does Sexual Harassment Become a Crime in Florida?
The #MeToo movement, which gained prominence following a series of media reports last year about sexual harassment and misconduct in several high-profile workplaces, notably the entertainment industry, has created a clamor for new criminal laws to protect women and other victims from future abuses. Recently, Florida senators considered a proposal to criminalize sexual harassment… Read More »