Category Archives: General
Avoiding Debt Relief Scams
It’s one of the most stressful feelings in the world: knowing you’re in over your head financially. Avoiding those debt collectors calls and notices is job one, but how? While legitimate help is available, there are also unfortunately, a lot of shams out there. That’s why it’s so important to look for the signs… Read More »
What’s The Difference Between A Civil And A Criminal Case?
We hear about cases going to court all the time. The news is flush with stories about jurors deliberating the fates of defendants. But many people don’t really understand the difference between civil and criminal cases. Those differences are significant, and worth understanding. Legal Penalties Civil cases involve defendants who are accused of wrongdoing… Read More »
Racial Disparity In Bankruptcy Filings/Outcomes
Systemic racism has been a focus of discussion among sociologists and historians for some time. Whether related to housing, education, or job opportunities, it seems clear there have been extensive roadblocks to Black Americans that have interfered with upward mobility for generations. Now studies can add racial disparity in relation to bankruptcy to the… Read More »
Defending Against Parental Kidnapping Charges
Let’s say you’ve been through a particularly unpleasant divorce and have been battling custody issues from day one. Things escalate to the point that now your former spouse has accused you of kidnapping your own children. What now? Having an experienced criminal defense attorney at bat for you can mean the difference between life-changing… Read More »
Florida Appeals Court: Police Cannot Search Individuals Just Because They Are Carrying a Concealed Weapon
The Constitution protects your right to be free from “unreasonable” searches and seizures by the police. Among other things, this means that a police officer must have reasonable suspicion that some “criminal activity may be afoot” before searching you for a weapon. The officer cannot simply search you for no reason. A “Potentially Lawful… Read More »
Can My Spouse Seek a Domestic Violence Injunction Because We Had a Verbal Argument?
Domestic violence laws are designed to protect individuals from the threat of “imminent danger” to their physical safety. It is not a mechanism for parties to resolve their relationship disputes. In other words, just because you and your partner get into an argument or your relationship is breaking down, that does entitle you to… Read More »
What Actions Constitute “Repeat Violence” Under Florida Law?
Florida law permits victims of repeated acts of domestic violence to seek a permanent protective order against the perpetrator. There are very specific requirements for such an order, however. The law defines repeat violence to mean “two incidents of violence or stalking” committed against the accuser or their immediate family by the same individual… Read More »
Can My Ex-Spouse Get a Domestic Violence Injunction Just by Asking for One?
A final judgment for protection in a Florida domestic violence case can be devastating for the defendant. Not only does a permanent injunction publicly tar you as an abuser–even if you never committed a violent act–it can affect your basic civil rights. Indeed, if you are an immigrant living in the U.S. you can… Read More »
Child Abuse Hotline Takes No Action, Child Dies
Earlier this February in Tampa Bay, a 5-year-old girl was thrown off a bridge and killed. The child’s followed not one, but two calls to the Department of Children and Families– neither of which resulted in an investigation. If you notice the warning signs of a child in danger of physical abuse, you should… Read More »
Beware of Predatory Schemes; Seek Serious Debt Relief Solutions
Anyone can land in debt, and it’s becoming easier to fall prey to financial ruin. Many Florida homeowners recently discovered that their mortgage insurance policies did not protect them after a foreclosure, resulting in worsened debt. Unfortunately, people seeking debt relief solutions often turn from one predatory system to another, and find that credit… Read More »