Sentencing Scoresheet in Florida
According to Florida Statute 921.0024, a “sentencing scoresheet must be prepared for every defendant who is sentenced for a felony offense.” This scoring system, also referred to as Florida sentencing guidelines, assigns points to each offense based on its severity and the presence of certain aggravating factors. The more serious the crime, the more points you get, and the more points […]
Mandatory Minimum Sentences
The United States has one of the highest incarceration rates in the world, and Florida maintains one of the highest rates of incarceration in the United States. One in every seven people behind bars in Florida is serving a life sentence, and mandatory minimum sentences for drug offenses have resulted in large numbers of non-violent […]
Rivas Legal Experts: Go-To Resource for Media
Whether it’s a high-profile criminal case, a controversial legal decision, or a significant development in the legal landscape, having a knowledgeable legal expert available for interviews and commentary can add additional weight and credibility to a news story. The experts at the Rivas Law Firm can offer a legal perspective on breaking news stories, providing […]
Top 5 Criminal Charges In Florida
The top 5 criminal charges in Florida are about what you’d expect if you watched the local news. Drugs and alcohol figure in the most common crimes, as do violence and larceny. Leading off the top 5 criminal charges are drug-related offenses, followed by drunk driving, assault and battery, theft and burglary, and domestic violence. […]
Criminal Charges Defense Lawyer
Being accused of a crime can be an overwhelming and daunting experience. The consequences of a conviction can be life-altering, affecting your personal and professional lives. If you are facing criminal charges in Florida, it is essential to understand your rights and the available defenses to protect yourself. Having a skilled Orlando criminal charges defense […]
How to Drop Domestic Violence Charge
Sometimes, after a household argument has turned physical and police have arrested a spouse or partner, the apparent victim of the attack may wonder if it’s possible to drop domestic violence charges. Under Florida law, the victim of domestic violence cannot decline to press charges. But an experienced and aggressive domestic violence attorney may be […]
Unmarried Fathers Rights in Florida: A Comprehensive Guide to New Law
Unmarried fathers rights in Florida have been expanded with a new law effective July 1, 2023. Unmarried fathers now have a legal framework that grants them certain rights and responsibilities concerning their children. The new unmarried fathers rights law in Florida is groundbreaking legislation that marks a departure from the previous default assumption that the […]
Initial Appearance in Federal Court
Some courts and legal websites use the terms “initial appearance” and “arraignment” interchangeably. It can be confusing, but there are important differences. In federal criminal court, an initial appearance is your first hearing before a judge after being taken into custody. At this first hearing, you are informed of the charges against you, advised of […]
Arraignment in Federal Court
An arraignment in federal court is a crucial step in the criminal justice process where a defendant is formally charged and asked to enter a plea in response to the charges. As in state courts, hearing and arraignment are essential for ensuring that the defendant understands the charges against them and their legal rights. 1. […]
Top 15 Questions About Domestic Violence Defense in Orlando, Florida – The Rivas Law Firm
As the trusted domestic violence defense attorneys at the Rivas Law Firm in Orlando, Florida, we understand that facing charges of domestic violence can be a deeply unsettling experience. It’s our mission to guide you through this challenging time by answering your questions and providing you with the best domestic violence defense possible. Here are […]
