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If you have been arrested for DUI (driving under the influence) in North Florida, you may be wondering if a DUI charge is a felony or a misdemeanor. In criminal law cases, crimes are either classified as misdemeanors (punishable by 1 year or less) or felonies (punishable by 5 years or more). Depending on the circumstances, a DUI could be classified as a misdemeanor or a felony. A first or second DUI offense is always a misdemeanor, unless an aggravating factor exists, such as death or serious bodily injury to another. A DUI manslaughter is always prosecuted as a felony. …
Read MoreHolidays are a great time of the year for fun and enjoyment, but when you have had too much to drink, call a cab or get a designated driver. This holiday season, we want you to be safe and accident-free. Many of us will indulge in after-hours company parties and get-togethers with friends and family. Unfortunately, alcohol is usually involved. The last thing most of us have on our minds during this festive time is getting pulled over by the police, or even worse, being involved in an accident. If alcohol is present or even suspected, you are at considerable…
Read MoreEveryday in Florida, hundreds of motor vehicles are pulled over by law enforcement officers, and drivers are questioned about consumption of alcohol, or other substances, while operating their vehicles. This is a routine law enforcement technique, performed under highly subjective circumstances, and invariably leads to an arrest. This level of constant activity is largely due to the number of drivers who commit driving errors, which the officers will claim makes their behavior suspect. Field sobriety tests are one way officers claim they can determine if alcohol or drugs are influencing behavior. Casual and limited consumption of alcohol does not always…
Read MoreMarijuana and Driving Under the Influence… A Cause for Concern According to the most recent statements made by the former United States Attorney General, Jeff Sessions, the Trump Administration has major concerns about the effects of the legalization of marijuana and the possibility of an increase in crimes being committed. Sessions told reporters that, where marijuana has been legalized, a “real violence” exists around the marijuana industry, and in some cases, into states where legalization has not yet taken place. This ongoing debate is being fueled by proponents who advocate for stronger resistance by the federal government to legalization on…
Read MoreThere were many issues associated with the building of the new Duval County Courthouse — from the estimated original investment to the actual builder and architectural design used. One could argue that the $350 million-dollar price tag for the project’s completion in 2012 was a huge sum of money, but no one would argue that the size and scope of the facility is geared up for doing a lot of business on behalf of our taxpayers. The old courthouse was outdated and overcrowded, and the State of Florida needed to secure a new building and relocate all the offices of…
Read MoreHave you ever consumed a couple of beers or a glass or two of wine and gotten behind the wheel of a vehicle? If so, like many of us, you may have wondered if your blood alcohol level was high enough for you to be considered, “driving impaired.” Due to the number of alcoholic beverages consumed in this country, DUI has become the most common criminal offense being charged. Many law-abiding citizens, who have never been arrested for any crimes, are being pulled over and charged with DUI, at alarming rates. Taking the chance of drinking and then getting behind…
Read MoreCriminal Defense Lawyers – Education and Experience Practicing attorneys, in the state of Florida, are schooled and trained in many aspects of the law, with most law schools requiring roughly 85 hours of legal courses. The field of study is broad, covering everything from contracts and civil procedures to criminal and constitutional law. However, law school does not allow a law student to specialize in any particular field of the law. Once the attorney passes the State Bar Exam, gets admitted to the bar, and are sworn in by the court, they’ll choose a specific legal field to specialize in. …
Read MoreWhite Collar Crimes What is a white-collar crime, and what type of attorney practices this type of law? White-collar crimes are non-violent crimes committed by individuals; usually professionals, government employees or businesses, perpetrating an illegal act for monetary gains. The term can also denote the criminal behavior or acts committed to destabilize a business; such as hacking computer systems, jamming business operations or creating internet viruses designed to inflict harm on a business or individual. The term was originally penned by the University of Minnesota’s professor of sociologist, Dr. Edwin Sutherland. He was regarded as one of America’s most important…
Read MoreJacksonville Crime Rates If you read or listen to the local news here on the First Coast, crimes committed and arrests made by law enforcement officials top the list of stories being reported on most given days. North Florida, like most of urban Florida, has its fair share of issues. One of the most important issues is crimes involving Florida citizens. According to The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), arrests made within the 4 counties that make up our area, were actual down year over year for 2017. Not surprising, with all the emphasis made by officials to broaden…
Read MoreDUI Fatalities are Still Too High In 2011 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a branch of the US Department of Transportation, recorded almost 10,000 highway deaths involving drunk drivers or impaired drivers. With incidences of drunk driving diminishing over the last few decades, states are still looking for ways to further reduce drunk driving occurrences from their highways and roads. Most experts believe the combination of state legislation, aggressive prosecution, harsher penalties, expenses associated with DUI convictions and social organizations like MADD have contributed greatly to this downward trend. The mandatory use of safety belts has generally reduced…
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