Recent Blog Posts

First Time Arrested? This is How a Criminal Lawyer in Miami Can Help

 Posted on April 23, 2017 in Criminal Defense

If you've been arrested for the first time in Miami, then you need to call a Miami criminal defense attorney. Don't think that just because this is your first time getting arrested, that you're going to get off scot-free. Miami criminal lawyers will know what to do if you've been arrested, and they can help get you through it the fewest possible consequences. Any good Miami criminal defense lawyer will have seen a lot, and he'll know how to handle your case. A criminal lawyer in Miami doesn't have to cost a lot, either.

If this is the first time you've ever been arrested, you're probably under a ton of pressure. You might be stressed out and overwhelmed with what could happen to you.

The good news is that as a first time offender you have more options than repeat offender, and that will work in your favor. You might even have your charges reduced, abandoned, or dropped. How do you like that? That's right. If you've been arrested for the first time, you may be able to resolve your case without a finding of guilt.

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Driving With a Suspended License in Miami?

 Posted on April 21, 2017 in Criminal Defense

If you've been caught driving with a suspended license in Miami, then you need to get in touch with a good Miami criminal defense lawyer. A criminal law attorney in Miami is going to be able to guide you through the whole process. They could also save you a fine and maybe even some time in jail. It's a smart move to call a criminal lawyer in Miami if you've been apprehended for driving with a suspended license. A good Miami criminal defense lawyer should be the person you call first.

Driving with a suspended license is an extremely common criminal charge in the Florida court system.

It's also a charge that lawyers often resolve the wrong way because they don't really put forth the effort, or take the time, to put up a great defense. What a lot of lawyers will do is just try to make a little money with a little effort. They'll tell their clients to plead down to a lesser charge. The plea is called a "withhold and small fine."

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Arrested While on Vacation in Miami? Call a Miami Criminal Lawyer

 Posted on April 20, 2017 in Criminal Defense

If you've been arrested while on vacation in Miami, don't chance anything. Get in touch with a Miami criminal lawyer. You don't want to have a lingering charge or spend time involved in the criminal justice system when you may not need to. Your first call should be to a good criminal law attorney if you've gotten into trouble in Miami. The criminal lawyers in Miami know the system, and it's a lot smarter to get in touch with one of them – rather than your family lawyer - if you've been charged with a crime down there. A great Miami criminal lawyer can help you regain your freedom.

It's not fun getting arrested when you're visiting South Beach, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, or Downtown Miami. You're supposed to be having fun, and having a fun time with your family, and getting arrested can put a real dent in that.

Whether you're from some other country or some other state, it's important you get in touch with a competent criminal defense attorney that can help get you out of the pickle you're in. A good lawyer may be able to resolve the case without having to return to the state.

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Representing Professionals After an Arrest -

 Posted on April 11, 2017 in Criminal Defense

No matter what crime a person has been charged with, he or she is presumed innocent until proven guilty. This goes for all individuals, including professionals. If you are a professional in the Miami area who is facing criminal charges, it is in your best interest to contact a Criminal Attorney Miami has to offer as soon as possible. The earlier in your case you seek the representation of an experienced Miami criminal defense attorney, the greater the likelihood that the outcome of your case will be favorable for you.

The Miami criminal lawyer at our firm specializes in representing professionals in various industries in criminal cases, including:

  • Educators
  • Doctors
  • Nurses
  • Dentists
  • Lawyers
  • Professional drivers
  • Public employees

No matter what criminal charge you are facing – even the minutest charge – could have serious and lasting implications on your professional – and personal - life. Not only could you be facing penalties, community service and jail time, but your job may also be on the line. Additionally, your reputation could be at stake, which could impact your ability to successful attain employment in the future.

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How to Defend Battery Charges in Miami with a Criminal Defense Lawyer

 Posted on April 09, 2017 in Criminal Defense

Under Florida Law, there are two types of battery: simple battery and aggravated battery. If you have been charged with battery, you first need to have an understanding of the difference between the two different types.

Simple Battery

Any strike, hitting or attack to cause harm, against that individual's will, is considered simple battery. A first degree misdemeanor, simple battery is punishable by up to one year of jail time. However, if there are prior convictions of battery, even simple battery, the charge can be considered a third degree felony offense and is punishable by up to five years in jail.

Aggravated Battery

Aggravated battery is defined the same way that simple battery is; however, with aggravated battery, the actions of the accused have seriously physically harmed the victim. This charge considered a second degree felony offense and it is punishable with a jail sentence of up to 15 years.

Given the severity of both simple and aggravated battery, if you are brought up on charges for this type of crime, it is in your best interest to contact a Miami criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.

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Bond Too High? Bond Reductions in Miami. A Criminal Lawyer Can Help

 Posted on April 08, 2017 in Criminal Defense

The purpose of bail is to ensure that a defendant returns to court for any and all pre-trial and trial court proceedings. In the state of Florida, any person who is charged with a crime, with the rare exception of a select group of very serious criminal acts, has the right to be released from jail on a bond. Often, bail is often set too high and is more than a person can afford to pay for a bond. As a result, the person who is being held pending bond may not have the ability to be released from jail.

If you or someone you love is facing such a predicament, don't despair; there is a chance that you could have the bond reduced with the assistance of a Miami criminal lawyer.

A criminal attorney in Miami can file a motion to have the bond reduced. To have the request for a reduction granted, the attorney must be able to prove the commitment of the defendant to the community and that there is minimal chance that he or she will flee the jurisdiction. With the legal representation of an experienced Miami criminal defense firm behind you, you could successfully obtain a reduced bond, or the defendant may even be released on other terms.

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Arrested for DUI When You Blew Under .08? Contact a Miami DUI Attorney

 Posted on April 07, 2017 in Criminal Defense

There is nothing more sobering than seeing red and blue lights flashing behind you and hearing sirens while you are driving down the road. It's even more sobering when you have consumed alcohol.

In all 50 states, including Florida, the legal blood alcohol limit is.08; however, even if you blow below that legal limit, there is still a chance that you could be arrested and charged with a DUI.

Why You May be Charged with a DUI

There are a number of reasons why you may be charged with a DUI, despite the fact that your BAC was under the legal limit of.08. Some of the most common reasons may include:

  • A police officer believes that your normal faculties are impaired
  • You were unable to successfully pass a sobriety test
  • A police officer believes you are under the influence of illegal drugs
  • You appear intoxicated

The Consequences for a DUI Charge

The consequences for a DUI charge in the state of Florida vary. The number of previous arrests and charges you had in the past will certainly impact the consequences that you will face, as will your blood alcohol level at the time of your arrest.

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What Happens After a Prostitution Arrest in Miami?

 Posted on April 06, 2017 in Criminal Defense

The nature of prostitution has gone through a number of changes over the years and this has largely been caused by developments in technology. Today, many websites offer 'Escort' services, which skirt the definitions of prostitution.

In Florida, the term 'prostitution' encompasses a wide range of different crimes and acts, making it important to know where you stand with regards to the law. If you are uncertain, then you should get in touch with a criminal lawyer in Miami who will be able to discuss your case with you. Otherwise, keep reading for a definition and some information on what you should expect after a prostitution arrest.

What is Prostitution? Definition and Penalties

In Florida, the term prostitution can include eight different acts, including:

  • Owning/operating a building with the purpose of prostitution
  • Inviting others to engage in prostitution
  • Offering a place for prostitution to take place in

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A Criminal Lawyer Explains Florida’s Romeo and Juliet Law for Statutory Rape

 Posted on April 04, 2017 in Sex Crimes

The Romeo and Juliet Law is a law that was enacted in Florida in 2007 in order to protect young couples from the harsh consequences associated with other sex-crimes.

The name 'Romeo and Juliet' in the title of course refers to the young couple at the heart of Shakespeare's play by the same name. In Florida this law is best known for helping defendants avoid the designation as a sexual offender or sexual predator in cases of sexual battery involving consent where the offender's age is 'near age' to the minor "victim."

The important caveat is that the offender must be no more than 4 years older than the other party (who can be aged between 14-17). Thus, if the other party is 15 and the offender is 19, they may meet the criteria.

This way, a young defendant can avoid submission to the lifetime sexual offender registration requirements if their partner is a similar age. If you suspect that you might be protected by the Romeo and Juliet law, then consider contacting a Miami criminal lawyer in order to find out more and potentially mount a defense on that basis.

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Caught With Xanax? Educate yourself with the help of a criminal attorney

 Posted on March 31, 2017 in Criminal Defense

Xanax, also known as Alprazolam, is a benzodiazepine anxiolytic. That means that it is an anti-anxiety and anti-seizure medication that works by increasing the production of the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain.

Xanax is also a listed Schedule IV drug in Florida, which makes it a third-degree felony to be found in possession of any amount of Xanax. Even a single pill can mean facing criminal charges and if you find yourself in this position then it is crucial to educate yourself with the help of a criminal defense attorney in Miami.

Understanding the Charges and Penalties

Possession of Xanax is a third-degree felony in Florida and is therefore punishable by up to five years in prison or probation and $5,000 in fines. A judge may choose any combination of those penalties.

Drivers may also face suspension of their driving license pursuant to Florida Statute 322.055.

Defenses

With the help of a Miami drug crimes attorney, a defendant may be able to mount a defense based on several mitigating factors. Common defenses include:

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