Recent Blog Posts
What Is the “Williams Rule”–and How Could It Affect My Florida Criminal Case?
In Florida criminal cases, you will often hear lawyers and judges discuss something called the “Williams Rule.” This rule comes from a 1959 decision from the Supreme Court of Florida, Williams v. State, which addressed when prosecutors may introduce evidence of other or “collateral” crimes against a defendant at trial. Basically, the Court held… Read More »
How Do You Get a “Stand Your Ground” Hearing in Florida?
Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law grants immunity from criminal prosecution in cases where the defendant can show they were “justified” in using force. Immunity from prosecution means that, assuming the defendant can establish they were justified in their actions, the criminal case need not proceed to trial. Instead, the court must hold a pretrial… Read More »
5 Grounds to File a Motion to Suppress in a Florida Criminal Case
Before a criminal trial begins in Florida, the defendant has the right to file a motion to suppress any evidence the prosecution seeks to introduce. A motion to suppress asks the judge to exclude the evidence on constitutional or other legal grounds. Under Florida criminal trial rules, there are five common grounds to file… Read More »
Can a Jury Reach an “Inconsistent” Verdict in a Florida Sex Crimes Case?
The right to trial by jury is the cornerstone of Florida’s criminal justice system. Of course, juries are not perfect. There are many cases where a jury reaches a verdict that might seem inconsistent or illogical to the outside observer. But are such inconsistent verdicts actually legal? In most cases, they are. The Florida… Read More »
Miami Woman Charged with Domestic Violence for Allegedly Injuring Brother – What is the Definition of “Family or Household Member” Under Florida Domestic Violence Laws?
A Miami woman was arrested this week after she is believed by police to have allegedly injured her brother. According to local news reports, Local 10 News, 25-year-old Yaddisha Rancher was arrested on Thursday, November 21 in Miami-Dade County. Police believe that Ms. Rancher had injured her brother, a man who suffers from the… Read More »
Curious about the State of Marijuana Drug Laws in Miami after the 2024 Election? Here’s What You Need to Know
As many Miami residents may know, marijuana was in the spotlight throughout the duration of the 2024 election. Indeed, whether you are a fan of legalizing the popular drug, or whether you are on the fence about allowing adults to legally purchase and use marijuana, the truth of the matter is that whether or… Read More »
What Is “Felony Murder” in Florida?
Murder is usually defined as the unlawful, premeditated killing of another human being. For example, if you fire a gun at someone with the intent of killing them, and they die as a result of that shooting, you commit murder. The victim’s death was the objective of the crime. Defending Against Felony Murder Charges… Read More »
Florida Judge Tosses Drug Evidence Due to Faulty Wiretap Authorization
Prosecutors and police officers make mistakes just like anyone. When those mistakes occur in the course of a criminal investigation, however, it can have serious implications for a defendant’s constitutional right to a fair trial. That is why judges must take any procedural violations seriously, especially when it comes to search warrants that produce… Read More »
Fire Innocently Caused by Making Homemade Tortillas or Arson? Miami-Dade Police Investigate Potential Arson Fire Started by Couple Claiming Kitchen Fire
Charges have been filed against a couple who is under investigation by the Miami-Dade police for their alleged role in an arson fire that they say was innocently started by a mistake in the kitchen. According to local news reports, Florida City, Florida couple Erick Turrubiates and Auren Martinez Castillo are facing criminal charges… Read More »
The Miranda Warning: What is It and Updates to the Miranda Warning in Miami
It is likely that many – if not most – Miami residents have heard of the term “Miranda Warning” or “Miranda Rights.” Indeed, most people who have watched a legal drama, a criminal case unfold, or a made-for-television courtroom show have probably seen an actor portraying a police officer on the big screen read… Read More »
