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 […]
Tough Consequences for Repeat Offenders and Career Criminals
Career Criminal Units: Targeting Repeat Offenders As mandated by Florida Statute 775.0843(2), State Attorneys’ offices across Florida have established Career Criminal Units (CCUs) to focus on prosecuting repeat offenders who pose a significant threat to public safety. These specialized units are staffed by experienced prosecutors who handle cases involving defendants with extensive criminal histories. The […]
DUI Manslaughter Charges in Tragic Farmworker Crash That Left 8 Dead
First Court Appearance: No Bond for Driver The driver accused of causing a bus crash that killed eight migrant farmworkers in Central Florida has been charged with eight counts of DUI Manslaughter. During this initial hearing, the judge reviewed the defendant’s charges and the circumstances of the incident, including the arrest report and breathalyzer results, […]
Getting the Best out of a Plea Bargain
In Florida, a plea bargain is a negotiation with the prosecutor for a deal that would let you plead guilty to a lesser charge so you get a more lenient sentence. Prosecutors like plea bargains (or plea offers) because they save them time, trouble, and expense. It’s a much easier way for them to obtain […]
Tough New Fentanyl Trafficking Penalties
Recently enacted Florida drug laws impose higher mandatory minimum sentences and increased punishment for a wide range of drug possession and trafficking charges. The newly revised legislation, Florida Statute 893.135, has a special section ramping up penalties for “trafficking in dangerous fentanyl or fentanyl analogs,” especially so-called “rainbow” fentanyl products that resemble candy. Those arrested […]
Federal Criminal Charges in Florida
The most notable federal criminal charges in Florida currently involve allegations of Obstruction of Justice and Conspiracy against former President Donald Trump in the Mar-a-Lago documents case. But most federal charges in Florida involve less sensational crimes and ordinary defendants. Statistics show that most federal convictions nationwide are for drug charges, followed by immigration violations. […]
Federal Child Pornography Charges
Federal child pornography charges are among the most serious offenses in the federal criminal justice system. They carry severe penalties, including mandatory minimum sentences, lifetime supervised release and registration as a sex offender. Federal prosecutors have vast resources and discretion to pursue these cases aggressively and seek harsh punishments. If you are facing federal child […]
Federal Firearms Charges
“While guns should not be in the hands of violent offenders, current federal mandatory minimum sentences for gun possession crimes are broadly written and sometimes produce absurd and unintended results, treating nonviolent gun owners as if they had committed heinous crimes.” – Families Against Mandatory Minimums If you are facing federal firearms charges, you’ll want […]
Fight Federal Drug Trafficking Charges
Federal drug trafficking charges involving the manufacture, distribution, or possession of controlled substances with the intent to sell or deliver are serious business. The penalties for federal drug-related crimes are generally harsher than those imposed by state courts, and the prison terms are longer. Depending on the type and amount of drugs involved, as well […]
Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
“It is the intent of the Legislature that offenders who actually possess, carry, display, use, threaten to use, or attempt to use firearms or destructive devices be punished to the fullest extent of the law…” – Florida Statute 775.087 Florida makes it relatively easy for residents to get hold of guns, but not everyone is […]
