"You have the right to remain silent" is a statement that’s part of the Miranda warning. The police use it when someone is in custody or subject to custodial interrogation. After reading the Miranda warning, an officer will typically ask, “Do you understand each of...
In some states, assault and battery are classified in a way that effectively render them the same criminal offense. State laws use the phrase “assault and battery” to describe all crimes that involve interpersonal aggression or threats. In Florida, the state pursues...
Seeing the flashing lights of a police vehicle behind you is a stressful situation, even if you know you didn’t do anything wrong. Even if one walks up to you, your heart may start pounding. It’s important to understand how your behavior may shift the tone of an...
Accepting a plea deal when facing criminal charges might seem like the quickest way to resolve your case, but it’s not always the best thing to do. It can reshape your future in ways you might not fully see at first glance. Before you sign the agreement, it’s...
When criminal activity occurs within the borders of a single state, state courts tend to have jurisdiction. This means that most crimes are tried at the state level. Whether it is a DUI charge, allegations of robbery or theft, or charges for violent crimes like...
Popular media depictions of burglary often give people inaccurate ideas about this common crime. Most burglaries do not involve professionals with specialized equipment gaining access to secure facilities. In fact, burglaries do not even necessarily involve criminals...
People facing drug charges, especially those with no prior record, might expect a slap on the wrist. Unless the state pursues distribution, manufacturing or trafficking charges, drug defendants may expect to receive lenient treatment. However, Florida has relatively...
You are protected from illegal searches and seizures by the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. You have an expectation of privacy on your own private property. What this means is that you do not have to submit to a search of that property, even if the police...
You find yourself facing an arrest, but you claim it is all a misunderstanding. You did not mean to do anything wrong, and you did not realize you were violating the law. But this raises an intriguing question. Can you accidentally commit a crime? Does claiming that...
Self-defense is a vital legal right in Florida. Nonetheless, you can get into trouble if you fail to observe the conditions stated under Florida’s "Stand Your Ground" law. You must be extra careful when applying this legal right. Here is what to know: Use of...
