Posted on December 11, 2018 in Criminal Defense

It's easy to think that you don't have any options after you've been arrested for drunk driving, especially if you provided a breath sample or performed a field sobriety test. In reality, however, driving under the influence (DUI) cases are rarely "open and shut," and there are often legal defenses a Miami DUI attorney can raise that could result in the dismissal of your case or an acquittal at trial.

DUI defenses are often complicated and based on legal issues related to the conduct of officers during your arrest, so it's difficult for non-lawyers to know when they apply. For this reason, it's absolutely imperative for anyone arrested for DUI to speak with a Miami DUI defense attorney as soon as possible.

Here are some of the defenses that may be applicable to your DUI case:

Unlawful Traffic Stop – The police can't just go around pulling people over for any reason they want – they need to have reasonable suspicion that a crime is happening or has recently been committed. If they don't, any evidence they gathered during the traffic stop can be suppressed, meaning it can't be used against you in court.

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 Posted on November 06, 2018 in Criminal Defense

When a warrant is issued in your name, it can be a terrifying situation for most-especially if you've lived your life without being arrested before. It's true that most people don't know what to do when law enforcement officers show up at their home or place of business to take them into custody with a warrant bearing their name.

We would strongly advise you to seek the help of a criminal lawyer as soon as you are aware of the warrant. It not only ensures that a competent Miami criminal defense attorney can advise you on your next step when it comes to the case, but it also ensures your side is properly represented in court if this becomes necessary.

Reasons for Arrest Warrants

There are many reasons that a warrant might be issued bearing your name. In some cases, it can be an issue of mistaken identity, and the warrant might have been wrongly issued in your name.

In other cases, the warrant might compel your appearance in court to testify on another matter. If your appearance was mandatory and you failed to appear, the judge could issue a warrant for your arrest.

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 Posted on October 08, 2018 in Criminal Defense

A DUI is a severe offense in the state of Florida and can come with harsh penalties if you are found guilty. Being convicted of aggravated DUI charges can affect your life for a long period of time, and it even has the potential to affect your likelihood of owning a gun for recreational or sports purposes.

Guns and recreational gun laws have been getting much publicity over the past couple of years. Did you know that a felony DUI conviction could stand in your way of getting a gun license and that it might even prohibit you from owning a gun entirely?

Below is more information about DUIs and gun rights. If you want to speak directly with an attorney about DUIs, gun laws, or defending your case in court, call our office now to get in touch with a Miami DUI lawyer. Your consultation with us is free!

DUI Statistics

Never say never-thousands of Americans are convicted of a DUI every year, and your conviction could depend on something as simple as the DUI attorney appointed to your case. You will need a DUI attorney who has represented cases like yours before and who can represent your case aggressively when the time comes.

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 Posted on October 05, 2018 in Criminal Defense

If you have been arrested for any criminal offense in your lifetime, that event will end up on your permanent criminal record. This is something that can affect you for the rest of your life, regardless of the circumstances surrounding your arrest, so it's fair to say that arrests and criminal records can follow you around for life.

This can have plenty of unfortunate consequences that affect every part of your life, from getting a job to leasing an apartment. The good news is that in some cases, criminal charges can be removed from your record; yet, there are also exceptions, where criminal charges cannot be removed from your record.

It's important that you understand the difference between criminal charges that can be removed, through a process known as sealing, and criminal charges that stick. Here's more about criminal charges, including how they work.

If you are in need of professional legal advice, contact us, and we'll put you in touch with a Miami criminal defense attorney who can give you the best advice on your individual situation and, if needed, represent you in court.

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 Posted on October 04, 2018 in Criminal Defense

Renting an apartment is a big financial commitment in your life, and it takes planning to qualify as a renter in many apartment buildings. Once you've saved enough money and picked a place, it's time to contact a landlord or rental agent to start the process. However, here is where many people hit a roadblock.

What are the odds that your rental application could be declined solely based on your criminal record? While most people will not willingly admit this, discrimination amongst landlords against people who have criminal records is commonplace, and this could be standing in your way.

Here's more information about the legal consequences of a criminal record, what landlords can and can't do with your information, and what you can do if you feel that you have been discriminated against.

If you feel that you are a victim of discrimination by your landlord, a Miami criminal defense attorney may be able to help you: set up a consultation with one of our knowledgeable criminal lawyer to find out more.

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 Posted on October 03, 2018 in Criminal Defense

Drug crimes are serious, and being charged with a drug crime can have a negative impact on you for the rest of your life. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), there were 1,841,200 drug arrests in the United States in one year alone. Are you part of this statistic?

We believe that drug charges should not affect you for the rest of your life, especially if you are the victim of a crime yourself. Our firm is staffed with an experienced Miami drug crime lawyer who can defend your case in court and get you the justice you deserve.

Here are some effective drug crime defense strategies that have worked when practically applied in the courtroom.

The Constructive Possession Defense

The constructive possession defense is often used when there are drugs found at a traffic stop with several people in the car or when there are drugs found in a public place with several individuals present.

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 Posted on October 01, 2018 in Criminal Defense

The legal system is an intricate system set up to protect the citizens of the United States, and everyone should inform themselves of their rights in case they ever find themselves in a situation where their civil or constitutional rights have been violated.

Among other things, you should understand the different types of warrants that can be issued by a judge. If you find yourself the recipient of such a warrant, you will need to seek legal representation.

We have some of the best criminal lawyers in the country, and a Miami criminal defense lawyer from our firm can give you the best advice on what you can do to defend your rights, as well as represent you in court. Set up a consultation with one of our attorneys if you are in need of effective legal representation.

What is a Warrant?

A warrant is defined as a legal and usually written document that authorizes a specific legal action to be performed or executed. In some cases, it pertains to the seizure of specific assets or the execution of a specific legal action, such as an arrest or required court appearance.

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 Posted on September 11, 2018 in Criminal Defense

Drug laws are defined and enforced at both the state and federal levels. Most states follow general drug enforcement guidelines, while some have regulations that are more stringent than others.

Florida is well known for its opioid crisis, and it has implemented strict laws for individuals caught with scheduled medications not prescribed to them. Florida also has tighter controls over the registration of medical marijuana users, as well as specific regulations on the diseases that allow treatment with medical marijuana.

Charges related to drug offenses can include intent to distribute, trafficking, and possession. If charges are filed against you, contact our criminal defense attorney in Miami immediately to handle your legal defense. Our attorney will determine the best defense for your case if you choose to plead not guilty.

Some defenses challenge the testimony of law enforcement officers, the evidence, or the facts surrounding the arrest. Other defenses may look for procedural errors, such as a failure to read Miranda rights. A common justification for drug possession charges is an affirmative offense, for example, the use of medical marijuana.

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 Posted on September 06, 2018 in Criminal Defense

Hollywood glamorizes street racing through popular culture in movies like The Fast and the Furious franchise. As a result, more street racers are speeding around town, presenting a traffic risk to other vehicles and their passengers.

The Florida legislature has strict laws against street racing that result in severe penalties for anyone found guilty of the crime. Being charged and convicted of a street racing crime can change your life for a long time to come.

If charged with a street racing offense, you may need a Miami criminal lawyer to help you understand the nature and severity of the charges brought against you. Here are the typical charges for street racing crimes.

Reckless Driving with Serious Bodily Injury

Driving in a "reckless manner" is defined as willful or wanton disregard for others' safety. According to Fla. Stat. §316.192(3)(c)3, reckless driving becomes a felony if in addition to above, the driver creates a substantial risk of death or injury to other motorists or road users. The charge is a third-degree felony, and those convicted can receive a sentence of up to 5 years in a Florida State Prison. If charged by the police with this crime, notify our criminal lawyer in Miami to help you through the arrest and booking procedure.

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 Posted on September 04, 2018 in Criminal Defense

Being arrested can be an emotionally and physically stressful experience for anyone. The moment of your arrest will seem like a blur, and before you know it, you're being walked into the jail by a law enforcement officer.

Under this kind of stress, it's possible that you won't be thinking clearly, and you may be tempted to take the first plea offered by the state prosecutor at your first hearing. It is unwise to accept any plea bargain without first consulting with a Miami criminal attorney about your case and the charges against you.

Failing to retain legal counsel after your arrest could change the course of your life. Before you accept any plea arrangement, run through this checklist.

1. Have you Consulted Your Criminal Attorney?

Speaking to a qualified and competent criminal lawyer in Miami is the first step in ensuring a favorable outcome for your case. Attorneys are familiar with the legal process and can represent you on your behalf in any negotiations with prosecuting authorities.

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