According to police, the man was arrested with the help of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and was arrested. Once arrested, police have connected him to a double murder that took place in Fort Myers in late April.
]]> Despite having made the arrest, police are still looking for information about the murders. They have asked the public for anyone with information to come forward and have even offered a reward.As can be seen in this case, police often arrest first, and then ask questions later when it comes to violent crimes like murder. But even accusations can have a negative impact on the life of the accused. Accusations can sometimes mean an immediate arrest, jail time and criminal hearings. They can take people away from their jobs and their families.
Since police are sometimes still conducting an investigation following an arrest, it is important for those facing murder charges -- or other violent crime charges -- to understand their legal rights as soon as possible. People need to know that they have the right not to talk to police without an attorney present and that they should be treated as innocent until proven guilty.
Furthermore, those facing criminal charges for an act of violence, or for the threat of violence, need to understand the specific charges against them. Murder charges, for example, can be varied and include first-degree murder, second-degree murder and manslaughter. Depending on the charge, people may want to pursue a different defense strategy.
Source: WFTX-TV, "Suspect in custody for Fort Myers double murder," May 10, 2013
]]>Now, some Florida counties are taking registries one step farther. According to reports, police departments are now posting large outdoor signs in front of certain people's homes. These people have been convicted as sex predators. People are labeled a "sexual predator" if they have been convicted of a first-degree sex crime. This includes certain child sex abuse. A Florida judge can also label someone a sex predator.
]]> These signs are large and will be permanent. They list people's names, that the place is their residence and tells the public that they are a sex predator.
These signs are just one more indication of how aggressively police and prosecutors take sex crimes. Even following a criminal trial and prison sentence, those accused of sex crimes still are under the control of authorities. A sign like this could impact people's careers, relationships and other aspects of their lives.
In order to avoid serious penalties and protect themselves against aggressive prosecution, those accused of sex crimes need to prepare a strong criminal defense. By creating a criminal defense strategy, people can ensure that their constitutional rights are protected. Furthermore, they can present evidence that helps to show they are innocent.
Source: Fox News, "Florida home signs warn of presence of sexual predators," May 7, 2013
]]>For one Florida high school student, the nightmare of facing federal charges has come true. In this case, a 16-year-old girl used a water bottle to mix some household chemicals in while at school. As a result, the cap of the water bottle flew off, some smoke was produced and witnesses claimed to hear a pop like a firecracker. The girl called the act "a science experiment," although teachers claim that knew nothing about it and the incident occurred right before school started. During the incident, no one was hurt and no property was damaged -- the experiment was completed outside.
]]> However, directly after the "explosion," police arrived and arrested the girl. Subsequently, the girl has been treated as if she brought a dangerous weapon to campus. As a result, the girl has been charged with several federal charges including discharging a destructive device and possession and discharge of a weapon on school property. These charges are felonies and she could spend more than a year in prison if found guilty.Prison is not the only consequence of federal charges. In this case, the charges have also led to the girl being expelled from school. If she wants to complete her high school diploma she will have to through an expulsion program. Furthermore, if the girl is charged as an adult these charges could impact her ability to vote, find employment or find housing.
Authorities say this girl has a totally clean criminal record. Like many of those facing federal criminal charges, this is likely just a onetime mistake. Yet, without the right help, it could severely impact the rest of her life.
Source: Salon, "Teenager charged for science project gone awry," Steven Hsieh, May 1, 2013
]]>In Port Charlotte, a police search has recently led to the arrest of two men on drug charges. In this case the police obtained and executed a search warrant on a local house. At the house a 55-year-old man and a 65-year-old man were home. According to police, they found a bag containing marijuana in the home. Furthermore, they found residue in another area of the house. This residue was tested and police claim that it was positive for traces of cocaine. Therefore, both men were arrested.
]]> The men have each been charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of morphine, possession of marijuana less than 20 grams and possession of cocaine. These charges carry serious penalties including prison time.To avoid these penalties, people will want to prepare the best criminal defense possible. Part of this defense has to be questioning the validity of the search. In order for the search of a person's personal property to be valid, police generally need a search warrant.
To obtain a search warrant, police need to make a sworn affidavit. In this affidavit, they must show that they have probable cause that something illegal is occurring within the property. The affidavit must also specify what is going to be searched and where the police are going to search. In other words, an affidavit does not give police free reign to search anything and everything.
If a particular search was done without a valid search warrant, or went beyond the scope of a search warrant, then could be illegal. Under the law, evidence found during an illegal search cannot be used in court. Therefore, with drug offenses, things like the evidence of drug use or the actual drugs might be thrown out of evidence if the search was not valid.
Source: WFTX-TV, "Two drug arrests in Charlotte County," Barry Miller, May 1, 2013
]]>After police stopped her car, the officer claims that she was the same woman the officer had seen staggering around and shouting obscenities on the beach earlier in the day. According to officers, when they determined she was drunk by talking with her. She was arrested and remains in Lee County Jail.
]]> The punishments for being found guilty of DUI are varied and depend on a variety of factors. For a first offense, many people understand that they may face fines and jail time. What people may not understand is that they also risk license revocation, required classes about alcohol and its dangers and possibly mandatory alcohol treatment. These social consequences can be as much of a burden as the more traditional punishments.For second or third time offenders, the punishments increase. With each arrest for DUI, jail time and fines are increased and can eventually become as long as one year behind bars. Furthermore, a person's driver's license is suspended and classes become mandatory. The courts can also choose to require an interlock device in a person's car or confiscate a person's car altogether.
While people may never intend to be arrested for DUI, when it happens people need to take their defense serious to avoid these penalties. Depending on her criminal history, the woman in this case may have defense options which can lead to reduced charges or reduced penalties.
Source: Sun Times, "Marco woman arrested on DUI charges, had 2 kids in the car, deputies say," April 30, 2013
]]>In a recent Florida case, a father and son had a domestic incident. According to police, the two were fighting over money. At some point in the argument the 23-year-old son is said to have attacked his 54-year-old father. The 23-year-old is accused of putting his father into a choke hold twice during the fight. The father claims that his caused him to have difficulty breathing.
]]> At some point during the altercation, police claim that they were called by a neighbor. The fight was eventually stopped after the family's dog attacked both the son and the father. After the fight, witnesses claim that the son fled the home. He was arrested by police a short time later.Following his arrest, the son was charged with battery with domestic violence and domestic violence with strangulation. His bail has been set at $25,000. Furthermore, the son has been ordered to stay away from firearms and he must stay at least 500 feet away from his father. Finally, the two are not to have any contact.
Domestic violence charges can be extremely disruptive to families' lives. Sometimes in the heat of the moment, people do and say things that they wouldn't normally. While these temporary outbursts may not seem like a big deal, even the threat of violence can lead to criminal charges.
To lessen the effects of domestic violence charges, and to try and avoid a criminal conviction, people must mount a criminal defense. With the proper defense people can avoid punishments and move forward from an unfortunate mistake.
Source: Sun Sentinel, "Family pit bull ends domestic fight by biting those involved," Wayne K. Roustan, April 19, 2013
]]>Understanding the consequences of being in federal court is important for all those facing federal charges. By understand what people are up against, they can better prepare their criminal defense.
]]> One Florida college student is facing federal drug charges following a criminal investigation. According to prosecutors, the student worked with a federal informant to create and set up a plan to buy and sell the popular party drug methylone -- known as Molly on the streets. Under the terms of the deal, the student was going to sell a kilogram of the drug to a fake buyer for $10,000. The sale was set up by the federal informant who was to receive $4,000 as part of the deal.According to federal prosecutors, the drugs were intercepted in route and the student was arrested. He was charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute at least one kilogram of methylone. He has been released from jail on a $50,000 bond.
While federal charges can have serious consequences, criminal defenses are available. Federal investigators must follow constitutional guidelines just like state officials. Furthermore, federal prosecutors have the burden of proving the charges much like in state court. With the right help, people can defend against federal charges and move past a federal investigation.
Source: Orlando Sentinel, "Senior arrested on federal charges of trafficking party drug "Molly"," Desiree Stennett, April 17, 2013
]]>One Florida man is facing these consequences after being arrested and charged with killing another man. According to authorities, the 23-year-old man was driving when he ran a stop sign and hit another car. The initial impact caused the second car to hit a utility pole and eventually flip over. The driver of the other car died in the accident and a child was seriously injured.
]]> Following the accident, police say that the man fled the scene on foot. He was eventually tracked down by a K-9 unit and arrested. He was charged with hit and run, DUI manslaughter, vehicular manslaughter and driving without a license resulting in death.As grave as the situation may appear when people are charged with felony DUI, including DUI manslaughter, those charged have criminal defense options. One of the most important things people can do is make sure a comprehensive investigation is completed at the accident site. An investigation can help to determine if other causes may have contributed to the death of the other people.
Even though a person may have been driving while drunk, things like poorly maintained roads, whether the deceased was wearing a seat belt and the blood alcohol content level of the deceased can all contribute to the outcome of an accident. These facts may help people negotiate lower charges or a lighter sentence following their arrest.
Source: Press Gazette, "Driver captured by K-9 after DUI, hit & run kills Milton man," Lynne Hough, April 17, 2013
]]>One Florida woman has recently been charged with sex crimes after several teenagers have reported an incident. The woman has been accused of having sex with a 17-year-old boy and a 13-year-old boy while she dog sat for a friend. The boys were apparently friends with the homeowner's children.
]]> According to authorities, various other teenagers watched as the woman engaged in sexual conduct with the two boys. She is also accused of purchasing alcohol for the minors. Police claim that they are still investigating the incident. She has been charged with two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor and two counts of lewd and lascivious exhibition.Not only do prosecutors react swiftly when a person is accused of sex crimes against children, like the woman in this case, but it can also be hard for those people to get a fair criminal trial. The nature of the alleged crime can make people on the jury want to err on the side of caution and falsely find those accused guilty to give the child some closure.
In order to prevent this from happening, Floridians who are facing sex crime charges need to understand their legal rights. By knowing and protecting their rights, including their right to a fair trial, people give themselves a better chance at a positive outcome.
Source: WWSB, "Bradenton woman accused of having sex with teens while others watched," April 16, 2013
]]>For example, a Lee County Sheriff's deputy has recently been charged with various drug charges. Following his arrest, the officer has placed on administrative leave from the department. Furthermore an internal affairs investigation has also been started. These charges could end his career with the department if a proper criminal defense is not made.
]]> In this case, the charges followed a search of the man's apartment. Police claim that they were able to get a sworn statement which claimed the deputy was using drugs. The police then used that statement to get a search warrant and search the man's home. During the search, police allege that they found an aluminum can used for smoking marijuana, steroids and marijuana. After their investigation, police say they that they believe the man used these drugs as little as two days prior to his arrest.Not only can drug charges, like these, have serious effects on a person's career they can also result in jail or prison sentences, large fines and leave a person with a criminal record. Depending on the specific charges, if people are convicted of a felony, then they can lose their right to vote, right to own a firearm and find it difficult to obtain housing or employment in the future.
There are a couple of ways that people can try and mitigate the damage caused by drug charges. One, people can defend against the charges by challenging the case in court. This can include challenging the search and seizure procedures used by the police. Two, people can try to negotiate a plea deal with prosecutors. Under the terms of the deal, people may be able to get reduced charges in exchange for a guilty plea.
Source: The Miami Herald, "Fla. sheriff's deputy arrested on drug charges," April 9, 2013
]]>This is exactly what happened to one Lehigh Acres man recently. According to police, the man sent an e-mail to the Lee County Sheriff's Office. In the e-mail, the man threatened to kill one of the sheriff's deputies and his family. However, the man went further and also threatened to kill President Obama.
]]> While the police are still investigating the incident, the man has been arrested and placed in the Lee County jail. His bond has been set at $200,000. Police claim that the man's anger seems to have come from an alleged altercation between the man and one of the sheriff's deputies. The man claims that in this incident he was arrested by a deputy that lives near him and that his backpack was taken by the department. The Sheriff's office claims that no such arrest ever took place.Following his arrest, the man was charged with threatening a public servant and with intimidation by sending a threat to kill or injure. Furthermore, the secret service was contacted about the threat to the President. It is unclear whether federal charges could follow.
In certain circumstances, like with murder charges, the crime must have actually taken place for a person to be found guilty. However, in other circumstances, prosecutors can obtain a criminal conviction with only threats of violence. When people are arrested for violent behavior, even just threats, they must take their defense seriously. Without defending against the charges, people can face serious penalties even if no violence actually occurred.
Source: NBC News, "Florida man charged with threatening to kill Obama," M. Alex Johnson, April 5, 2013
]]>A recent case provides an example of how serious the federal government takes fraudulent tax returns. In this case, an ongoing investigation by the IRS has led to the indictment and arrest of multiple individuals. Six recent indictments have charged 12 people with 115 different violations. Along with these indictments, law enforcement officers are arresting 23 other individuals including one Florida resident.
]]> These people are all accused of submitting fraudulent tax returns. According to investigators, these tax returns were prepared using information that was stolen from other people's medical records. These tax returns supposedly contained stolen Social Security numbers, birth dates, names and other personal information. Investigators claimed these returns were filed in the hopes of receiving refunds on the returns.If convicted, these individuals face serious crimes. While people may think white collar crimes have shorter sentences, this is not necessarily the case, especially for federal charges. Those suspected in this case could be sentenced to a fine of up to $250,000. Furthermore, for the identity theft charges they could be sentenced to consecutive two-year sentences for each count, for fraudulent tax filings they face 20 years in prison per count and 10 years in prison for each count of misusing medical records. They could also face 20 years on conspiracy charges.
With the seriousness of these charges, people should be cautioned this April to avoid tax evasion or fraudulent tax filings. If people find themselves facing these charges, then an aggressive criminal defense can help protect people from harsh sentences.
Source: WSAV, "12 Charged With Federal Tax Crimes," April 3, 2013
]]>Police say that they will continue investigating the incident. As of yet, no arrests have been made. However, it is likely that this man will face criminal charges if he is caught.
]]> While it is unknown what the exact charges the masked man in this case will face if he is found, the charges could include charges for both the robbery and for the weapon used. An aggregated robbery charge is likely when a weapon is used to carry out the crime. In order for something to qualify as a robbery, a victim needs to be present and needs to have either faced threats of harm or be harmed in the process.In addition to the robbery charges, the man in this case may also face gun charges for owning or carrying the weapon. Depending on the type of gun, the person's criminal history and the person's age it could be illegal for him to possess a gun in Florida.
In any case, no matter what the specific charges are, if caught, this man could face serious penalties. All those facing serious charges for a violent crime like robbery need to understand that their decisions from the very beginning of a criminal investigation could affect the outcome of the case. People need to prepare a criminal defense as aggressively as the police are preparing a case against them in order to avoid long-term consequences.
Source: News-Press, "Fort Myers police investigate early morning robbery at McDonald's," April 2, 2013
]]>In Florida, many sex offenders must register on the sex offender registry. This registry keeps track of where convicted sex offenders live. It also requires them to register their email and Facebook accounts with the state and county. It can also impose other regulations depending on the type of offense was committed. When those on the sex offender registry fail to conform with all the requirements, they can be prosecuted and face serious punishments.
]]> Recently, for the first time one Florida county used a joint task force to round up and arrest sex offenders that failed to comply with all the requirements of the registry. Prior to this sting operation, this task force usually was only assembled to find violent offenders. This joint force included U.S. Marshalls and was supported by the Florida State Attorney's Office.In the operation, officials arrested at least 50 people. It is likely that some or all of these people will have to serve additional jail time because of their arrests. At this time, it is not known what part of the sex offender registry they are accused of not following.
To avoid punishments, like being forced to register on the sex offender registry, those accused of sexual misconduct need to protect themselves from aggressive prosecution by defending against the charges. If people do not have an equally aggressive defense, they risk not only having to register but lengthy prison sentences as well.
Source: WALA, "Escambia County sting rounds up sex offenders," Cory Pippin, March 22, 2013
]]>Britton has been charged with DUI with property damage, DUI and reckless driving -- all misdemeanors -- among other charges. According to police, Britton was seen driving by Fort Myers police officers at speeds of up to 111 miles-per-hour in a 45 mph zone. When police tried to pull his car over, he began swerving in between other cars before jumping a curb. Once off the road, police claim that he knocked over a fence and traveled at least a quarter mile into a wooded area before stopping.
]]> Arresting officers claimed that once stopped, they could smell alcohol on Britton's breath. Furthermore, they say his speech was slurred and his eyes were watery. At the time of the arrest, Britton refused a breath test but officers allege that he admitted that he had been drinking. He was arrested and taken to Lee County Jail and has had to make a court appearance. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.The DUI charges Britton faces are very serious. For a first-offense DUI in Florida, Britton could face a fine of $500 and up to six months in jail. However, DUI with property damage is even more serious and could result in a fine of up to $1,000 and up to a year in jail. Finally, he could face additional jail time of up to 90 days and a fine for reckless driving, as well as a large speeding ticket fine.
Obviously, these types of punishments can have a serious effect on a person's personal and professional lives. In some cases, it may be possible to lessen people's sentences by negotiating with prosecutors. Through a plea deal, people may be able to avoid jail time and move past an unfortunate mistake.
Source: ESPN Boston, "Britton faces up to a year in jail for DUI," Gordon Edes, March 19, 2013
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