What the Aaron Hernandez Case Can Teach Us About Criminal Law

A high-profile murder case – like the one involving professional football player Aaron Hernandez – often generates public interest in the criminal justice system because of the Police Check NSW he has. Media coverage of the developing case has examined legal aspects that include probable cause, circumstantial evidence, bail, the nature of criminal charges, pleas and other matters relevant to …

How Being Under the Influence of Drugs May Impact Charges for Violent Crimes

A person who commits a violent crime while under the influence of drugs – or any controlled substance – may be subject to a variety of criminal charges and penalties depending on the nature of the alleged acts. Florida laws governing assault, theft, controlled substances, the use of firearms, and many other laws may factor into the prosecution. Intoxication may …

Marijuana Cultivation in Florida: Factors that Impact the Severity of Charges

Drug crimes – including cultivating or growing marijuana – violate Florida’s state laws as well as federal laws. A felony conviction on charges of cultivating cannabis/marijuana can result in serious penalties such as jail time and fines. The state has established minimum sentencing guidelines in drug crimes. Some factors will impact – and in some cases heighten – drug charges. …

Spousal Abuse Charges: Factors that Come into Play

Spousal abuse is a serious and prevalent crime, affecting one in four women at some point in their lives, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. However, divorce, vengeful spouses, and misdirected anger may result in some people being slapped with unfounded or exaggerated spousal abuse allegations. Factors that Affect Spousal Abuse Cases In some cases, one spouse will …

Child Abuse in Florida: Types of Actions that Warrant Charges

There were over 50,000 victims of child abuse and neglect in Florida in 2010, according to “Child Maltreatment 2010” from the Children’s Bureau, a group under the larger umbrella groups of Administration for Children and Families and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Each case is different, but they generally fall under one of three categories of abuse …

Marijuana Trafficking Charges: A Look at Florida and Federal Fines and Penalties

Drug possession charges may be elevated to drug trafficking charges in cases where the drugs – marijuana – are found in great quantities. State and federal authorities typically make this determination based on the weight of the marijuana in question. Despite what the term implies, marijuana trafficking charges are not dependent upon any transfer from one suspect to another or …

Using a Minor in the Act of Drug Trafficking: What to Know If You’re Accused

Drug trafficking in Florida is considered a first-degree felony. A state conviction for this crime carries severe penalties. A suspect who is additionally charged with using a minor – someone who is 18 years or younger – in the act of drug trafficking may face additional charges such as child abuse. Drug charges, including drug trafficking of any controlled substance, …