Florida’s New Medical Marijuana Law In 2014, Florida citizens legalized the use of a non-euphoric type of cannabis, referred to as Charlotte’s Web, for people who suffered from ailments such as uncontrollable seizures, cancer, and chronic muscle spasms. In 2016, the law was expanded to allow terminally ill cancer patients to use full-strength marijuana. Also in November 2016,…
Marijuana: It’s Still Illegal, It’s Still a Crime Although medical use of marijuana became legal in Florida effective January 3, 2017, possession of nonmedical marijuana is still a crime under both state and federal law. Possession of less than 20 grams is a misdemeanor, but any quantity greater than that is a felony under both state and…
The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and Article 1, Section 12 of the Florida Constitution both provide protection against unreasonable warrantless searches and seizures. This includes the seizure, or arrest, of a person. Depending on the circumstances, there are different standards law enforcement must meet in order to comply with the constitutional mandates. There may be times when police officers…
Whether you are thinking about street racing or have already been cited for racing on the highway, there are some things you need to know about the law. Even passengers in cars or spectators may be cited for their participation in such an event and need the help of a Jacksonville criminal defense lawyer. Florida…
If you have been pulled over by a law enforcement officer for any traffic violation, the officer may ask to search your car. He or she may simply say, “Do you mind if I search your car?” in a way that is conversational, catching you off guard so you agree to allow the search. Or,…
If you are facing an assault or manslaughter one of the first things your criminal defense attorney will attempt to determine is whether the charges were as a result of self-defense. Florida also has a stand your ground defense and it is imperative you understand the difference between the two defenses. What is Considered Self-Defense?…
If you are stopped for a suspected DUI in Florida, the police may tell you that you must submit to a blood test or risk losing your driver’s license. While Florida’s implied consent laws mean that if you refuse a field sobriety test or a breathalyzer test, you risk loss of your license; you do…
Generally, Florida law allows a responsible adult to own a firearm without a license. Adults who have not been barred from owning a firearm are allowed to have the weapon in their home or may carry the weapon in their car provided the gun is not on the person. The exception to the law is…
Domestic violence is a classification of charges versus a direct charge. Under Florida law, a domestic violence charge may be lodged if specific persons feel threatened. FL Statutes 2002 Section 741.28 defines domestic violence as “any assault, aggravated assault, battery, aggravated battery, sexual assault, sexual battery, stalking, aggravated stalking, kidnapping, false imprisonment, or any criminal…
DUI checkpoints can be very nerve-wracking and it is important to understand what can and cannot be done by law enforcement officers. At a minimum, you must provide officers with a copy of your driver’s license, registration and proof of insurance. There are some things that you must know about these checkpoints that can prove…