State Crimes Explained

State laws take precedence over county or municipal laws much in the same way that federal laws trump state laws. A Miami criminal defense lawyer can help you argue either a misdemeanor or a felony if you are charged with a state crime. There are different degrees or classes of these types of crimes. Each state’s definition is different.  Misdemeanors …

Costs Associated with a DUI Arrest in Florida (Part A)

A DUI arrest in Florida is a serious matter, and in addition to possible jail time, a number of fines are involved. The degree of severity of these fines is dependent on whether you face a first conviction or whether you have been previously convicted. Fines and penalties are also heightened if you have a blood alcohol content (BAC) above …

Costs Associated with a DUI Arrest in Florida (Part B)

In addition to a fine, a DUI conviction in Florida can result in a number of other penalties that can have a negative fiscal impact. Your Miami DUI defense lawyer can help you better understand the potential consequences of a DUI, and help you defend against your Florida DUI charges in court.   Vehicle Impound  For a first-time DUI conviction in …

State Crimes vs. Federal Crimes (Part A)

There are 3 differences that must be considered when determining how state crimes versus federal crimes are handled. The 3 main differences between state and federal court cases are:  What type of case is heard; How the case proceeds; and Penalties and sentencing.  What Types of Cases are Heard  Crimes can be divided by type into either state or federal, …

State Crimes vs Federal Crimes (Part B)

Alternatively, you will be tried in a federal district court located within your state if you broke a law that is specifically considered a federal law. In these cases you will be tried by the U.S. Attorney’s office on behalf of the people of the United States. Difference in How Cases Proceed  Whether your case is heard in a federal …

What is a Plea Bargain?

When you are accused of a crime, don’t feel as though there is no recourse besides guilty or not guilty; you can also negotiate a plea bargain. A plea bargain happens when the defendant agrees to plead guilty to their charge in return for a lower penalty.  Often, if your case involves more than one person and the prosecutor would …

How a Florida DUI Affects your Car Insurance

After a drunk driving accident, your insurance company will make some changes to your plan. First, your rates will increase. If you were convicted of a drunk driving charge then they could rise by quite a bit. Or, your insurance company might just cancel your plan outright. In some states, insurance companies are not allowed to cut off your insurance …

What defenses can be used in a Florida DUI case?

There are a multitude of options for defenses in Florida DUI cases so you should discuss them with your Miami DUI defense attorney. For example, your Miami DUI defense attorney could argue against the police’s reasons for pulling you over to begin with, your breath test results, or other specific circumstances relating to your arrest.  For example, if your Miami …

I’ve been Arrested for Florida DUI – Am I Automatically Guilty? (Part A)

An arrested individual is not automatically considered guilty, even if the arrest is for a Florida DUI. The accused has the right to a fight their charges in court and to have a Miami DUI defense attorney represent them. Remember, you are always innocent until proven guilty.  Florida has its own punishments for drunk driving. By hiring a qualified Miami …