Alleged “Suitcase Killer” Sarah Boone Zipping Through Defense Attorneys: Number 9 on Deck

sarah boone suitcase murder trial

Since her 2020 arrest, Sarah Boone has cycled through eight criminal defense attorneys, many walking away from the high-profile case after finding the defendant too difficult to work with. Orlando legal analyst Jose Rivas discusses how the frequent turnover creates a cascade of challenges and risks compromising the defendant’s right to effective representation, jeopardizing their […]

Immigration Fraud: Aggressive Defense for Federal Charge of Lying to Immigration Officials

immigration fraud

Orlando Criminal Defense Attorney Jose Rodriguez of the Rivas Law Firm discussed the fraud concerns that had caused the suspension of the humanitarian parole program for Nicaraguans, Cubans, Haitians, and Venezuelans. The government resumed the program recently with new safeguards to crack down on immigration fraud. Rodriguez said that people convicted of violating federal immigration […]

Rivas, Ben Crump Discuss Lorincz Guilty Verdict

lorincz stand your ground

Orlando criminal defense attorney Jose Rivas and noted civil rights attorney Ben Crump discussed the guilty verdict in the trial for the shooting death of AJ Owens by her neighbor on Susan Lorincz in Ocala last June. On WESH 2 News at Noon, Crump called the “Stand Your Ground” defense that Lorincz unsuccessfully put forth […]

Understanding Florida’s Criminal Punishment Scoresheet

florida's criminal punishment scoresheet

If you’ve been convicted of a crime, judges must use Florida’s Criminal Punishment Scoresheet for sentencing when the primary offense is a third-degree felony or higher. Under Florida’s Criminal Punishment Code (CPC), sentences for felony offenses are based on a point-based system to evaluate the severity of crimes and other issues related to the defendant’s […]

Rivas: Susan Lorincz Guilty Verdict Could Impact Future Stand Your Ground Defense Cases

stand your ground

The Susan Lorincz guilty verdict could impact how “Stand Your Ground” defenses are evaluated in the future, according to legal experts. Lorincz claimed she acted in self-defense under Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law, but the jury rejected that argument and found her guilty of manslaughter. “This verdict suggests that juries may be less inclined to […]

Can Felony Charges be Dropped in Florida?

can felony charges be dropped

When facing felony charges in Florida, many defendants wonder, “Can felony charges be dropped?” The short answer is yes, sometimes, felony charges can be dropped in Florida, but the process is complex and depends on various factors. Understanding how and why felony charges might be dropped can help defendants navigate the criminal justice system more […]

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Lawyer for a Felony?

how much does it cost to hire a lawyer for a felony?

When facing felony charges in Florida, one of the most pressing concerns is the cost of legal representation. The question “How much does it cost to hire a lawyer for a felony?” doesn’t have a simple, one-size-fits-all answer. However, understanding the factors influencing these costs can help you navigate this challenging situation more effectively. Factors […]

How to Register a Gun in Florida

how to register a gun in Florida

It may seem surprising, but you don’t have to register a gun in Florida. Newcomers and even some long-time residents assume that registering a gun is a universal requirement, but Florida’s gun laws are pretty relaxed compared to some other states. You don’t even have to get a permit to buy a gun. But while […]

What is a Defense Attorney

what is a criminal defense attorney

What is a Defense Attorney? Exploring the Role of Orlando Criminal Defense Lawyers If you are a model citizen, you’ll probably never find yourself Googling the question “What is a defense attorney?” But for those who have brushes with the law, we’ll explain criminal defense attorneys, focusing on Orlando criminal defense lawyers and their responsibilities […]

How to Get a Domestic Violence Charge Dropped and Why You Need an Attorney

domestic violence charge dropped

Sometimes a heated domestic situation gets out of hand, and you may find yourself on the wrong end of the law. When you’ve been arrested, you may start wondering how to get a domestic violence charge dropped, but you’ll be confronting more immediate problems that are best handled by an experienced and aggressive criminal defense […]