Anyone who’s facing criminal charges should get started on a defense strategy as soon as they have been accused of wrongdoing. This typically requires the assistance of a legal representative who’s familiar with the specifics of the case, the laws as they apply to the...
Board-Certified Criminal Defense Representation In Central Florida
Criminal Defense
What’s the problem with eyewitnesses in criminal cases?
Eyewitness testimony has long been regarded as a powerful tool in criminal investigations. It can sway juries, convict the guilty and exonerate the innocent. However, this seemingly powerful piece of evidence is not without its flaws. The credibility and accuracy of...
What are sentencing departures and when do they happen
The criminal statutes in Florida make certain behaviors illegal and impose a range of potential penalties should someone plead guilty or be convicted of wrongdoing as defined by those statutes. Many crimes can potentially result in both minimum and/or maximum...
What are the 4 principles of criminal sentencing?
Unfavorable criminal proceedings do not end with a guilty plea or conviction. Sentencing, or the imposition of criminal penalties, will follow someone entering a guilty plea or the courts convicting an individual. State and federal laws provide guidelines regarding...
What are the benefits of accepting a plea bargain?
If you’ve been charged with a crime, you have a right to your day in court. If you’re innocent of the charges you’re facing, you may overcome your situation by presenting a strong defense. What if you have some legal culpability, but the charge you’re facing is too...
How courts assess the credibility of confidential informants
Police officers, federal investigators and prosecutors rely on many different sources of evidence to build a successful criminal case. The strongest cases have a variety of evidence tying someone to criminal activity and clarifying that they intended to break the law...
What is a “target of interest” letter and how worried should I be?
Realizing that you just received a letter from a United States Attorney's Office may make your heart sink. After all, any communication from a federal prosecutor is indicative of a potentially serious problem. Opening that envelope to discover a target of interest...
What are the elements of insurance fraud, and what are some examples?
Insurance fraud is one of the most common white-collar criminal offenses, and yet it is one that many people fail to understand. Insurance fraud occurs at both the individual and institutional levels and affects the economy negatively to the tune of billions of...
The problem with forensics
When you’re facing criminal charges, there is nothing worse than being falsely accused or held responsible for something based on bad evidence. Forensic science is often touted as if it’s infallible, but the truth is that it is far from it. Forensic science does...
Drug detection dogs are far from perfect
To detect drugs, police officers will often use specially trained dogs. You may find them in traffic stops or other locations. The goal is for the dog to alert the police officer if it smells illegal drugs, and that alert is then probable cause for the officer to...