Domestic violence is a serious problem in Florida. However, an unfortunate reality is that sometimes people are falsely accused of domestic violence. There are many reasons for false accusations of domestic violence. People use it to gain an advantage in custody or...
Blenk Law Blog
Florida’s ‘felony murder’ rule
In the commission of a violent felony, meaning burglary, robbery, arson or rape, if someone is killed, according to the felony murder rule all perps involved will be charged with murder. This holds whether or not the death was intended or planned. It holds if each...
What do I do when Florida police want to speak with me?
Remember, police officers in our state must treat you fairly regardless of your religion, ethnicity, race or national origin. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Many Floridians wonder what they should do when police want to speak with them. Basic rights As...
Drug search in Tampa yields evidence of other crimes
A police investigation that is targeted at specific criminal activity will often turn up evidence of other crimes, some more serious than the offense that was the target of the original investigation. The recent search of a house in Tampa recently yielded a great deal...
What happens if they find weed on me at the airport?
Since the current federal administration has pardoned simple possession convictions and our state allows for medical marijuana, one may think that it is now legal to travel with weed. Indeed, some may think it is okay to fly with marijuana. That is simply not the case...
Understanding Florida theft charges
The laws of theft have subtle differences from one state to the next, including in Florida. Under Florida law, the definition of theft (or larceny, which is specifically theft of personal property) is taking, carrying, riding away with or concealing the property of...
Juvenile crimes and adult penalties: how does the court decide?
The Florida justice system can be complex for everyone, but that is especially true when a juvenile has been arrested. Depending on the crime itself and the juvenile’s history, the court can decide to adjudicate the matter in the context of consequences specifically...
Woman charged with murder in accidental death of police officer
Police try to conduct their investigations quickly, but this pursuit is not always in line with public safety or justice. Many times, when serving arrest warrants, police escalate matters more than is strictly required. A recent Polk County incident reveals a...
Plea deal accepted in crash that killed four mothers in 2018
The sudden death of a loved one from an impaired driver confounds an already emotionally complicated process. Raw emotions took center stage after a judge agreed to sentence a woman to four years in prison for operating a motor vehicle in 2018 while intoxicated that...
How misdemeanors differ from felonies
Facing criminal charges in Florida is an overwhelming experience. Whether it is your first time interacting with the criminal legal system or not, it is important to take action quickly to fully understand the charges you are faced with as well as your rights to...