Florida law enforcement and prosecutors are extremely tough on individuals whose alleged criminal activities are believed to have been committed in connection with gang activity. F.S. 874.04 is the statute that governs gang-related offenses and enhanced penalties. A gang enhancement essentially boosts whatever the level of the underlying crime to…
Recently in Boynton Beach, a woman was arrested for aggravated child abuse. Her 15-year-old daughter was reportedly found bleeding with numerous marks on her head and arms after she’d allegedly been beaten with a belt. Although the relationship between the woman and the girl was redacted from the police report,…
Four people in South Florida have been arrested for trafficking in synthetic drugs that were reportedly ordered from a group of Tampa residents from suppliers in China, who then shipped the drugs to various locations throughout South and Central Florida. According to the Sun-Sentinel’s recent report, the operation allegedly netted…
The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures. The law requires that with only a few exceptions, law enforcement officers have to get a warrant before they can conduct a search and seizure upon a suspect. Most modern technology we enjoy today – cell…
Police officers may not enter one’s dwelling, absent consent by owner or a warrant, except in the most extreme circumstances. Such a case might involve the reasonable belief that someone inside is in danger. Beyond that, any evidence collected as a result of unlawful entry – no matter how powerful…
A measure that would inject some common-sense into the impossibly stringent sentences imposed on young, non-violent offenders in Florida is gaining widespread support. Passing by a vote of 37-1 in the Florida Senate, HB 99 would increase the use of civil citations for juveniles who run afoul of the law…
One of the key pieces of evidence in many criminal Florida DUI cases is the breathalyzer test, typically conducted with a brand of machine known as the “Intoxilyzer.” It is designed to measure a person’s blood-alcohol content by analyzing particles released in one’s breath. But the science behind the machines…
Although the constitutionality of sobriety checkpoints has been challenged repeatedly across the country, it has consistently been upheld. That being said, police agencies are held to strict standards regarding how these operations must be carried out. Those include officers having a valid reason for establishing the checkpoint (high number of…
Florida law requires drivers arrested for a DUI to take a breath, urine or blood test if the arrest is lawful and the officer has probable cause to believe you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Defendants may be asked to take more than one test and in…
A scorned paramour who posts nude images or video clips of an estranged ex-lover isn’t likely to deemed great dating material. But as of this moment, they probably won’t face criminal charges, at least in Florida. That is almost certainly going to change very soon. The practice, dubbed “revenge porn,”…