On behalf of Mike G Law posted in Civil Rights on Friday, February 26, 2021
If you are facing charges for a felony offense or have recently been released from a long sentence, you probably have a lot of questions about the impact a felony charge can have on your life and future. More than 70 million Americans have a criminal record, so you are not alone. But a felony—which refers to a crime that carries a sentence of a year or more—can impact where you can live, where you can work, and every other aspect of your life. If you have recently served time, the most important thing for you to do now is learn how those charges will affect you going forward. If you are currently facing charges, make sure you have an... Read More »
On behalf of Mike G Law posted in Violent Crimes on Monday, January 18, 2021
In Florida, it is illegal to intentionally injure someone or threaten them with violence. This type of violent crime is known as assault. When weapons get involved or someone has reason to fear for their life, an assault charge may be classified as an aggravated assault. But what is the difference between assault and aggravated assault? How do the courts determine the severity of an assault? How can a threat be classified as a felony crime? Today, we will cover the answer to these questions and more. Assault vs. Aggravated Assault Assault is defined very simply in the Florida legal code: it is to commit violence or threaten to commit violence against another person, such that the other person fears... Read More »
What Is a Level 3 Sex Offender? Understanding Classification Levels Florida has three levels of sex offenders. Each level comes is defined by the “severity” of a sex offense and comes with its own consequences. Getting labeled the highest level—Level 3—can greatly impact your rights and life post-conviction. If you were convicted as a Level 3 sex offender, you may have questions about your status, including: What is a Level 3 sex offender? How does this classification affect your personal and professional life? How long do you have to be on the registry? What happens if you fail to register? In this post, we will cover Florida’s different classification levels, restrictions, what it means to be a Level 3 sex... Read More »
Florida has strict laws about consent in sexual relationships. Being charged with breaking those consent laws can put someone on the sexual offender registry, which can have lifelong impacts. However, Florida’s “Romeo and Juliet” law covers special circumstances if both parties are close enough in age. But who does the Romeo and Juliet law apply to? And how does it reduce legal consequences for those involved? From the experts at Mike G law, here’s what you need to know about Florida’s Romeo and Juliet law. Understanding the Age of Consent in Florida In Florida, the age of consent is 18. It is illegal for anyone to engage in sexual activity with a minor, who is defined as anyone under the... Read More »
On behalf of Mike G Law posted in Court Hearings on Friday, November 20, 2020
While showing up to your court date is extremely important, sometimes things happen that make it impossible to make an appearance. If you have missed your court date, do not panic. There are things you can do to rectify the situation and not make things worse for yourself. First, let us talk about the potential consequences you will face after your missed court date. Then, we will cover the importance of acting quickly in this situation. Finally, we will talk about how helpful a lawyer can be in this situation. What to Do (and Not Do) It is imperative to act quickly once you’ve realized you missed your court date; this situation will NOT go away on its own. If... Read More »
On behalf of Mike G Law posted in Criminal Defense on Friday, October 30, 2020
If you or someone you know is facing criminal charges in the state of Florida, it is important to know what the process looks like from the point of arrest to case resolution. Florida’s criminal procedure rules are complicated, so you need to arm yourself with knowledge—and get a reputable lawyer on your side to help you navigate the court process. At Mike G Law, we know the ins and outs of the rules of Florida’s criminal procedure and want to give you the tools you need to prepare yourself or a loved one for the process. Arrest A criminal case in Florida begins with an arrest or Notice to Appear. This occurs when a police officer witnesses a crime being committed... Read More »
On behalf of Mike G Law posted in Criminal Defense on Friday, October 23, 2020
In a criminal proceeding, juries base their decisions on the evidence that is presented during trial. Evidence may be gathered by police, submitted by victims, or, in the case of Florida’s Williams Rule, may include a defendant’s past criminal history. The court system has certain rules around what kinds of evidence are and are not allowed to be considered in a trial. Prosecutors are not allowed to use evidence that was collected illegally or use someone’s past criminal history as evidence that they are going to commit a future crime. However, Florida’s Williams Rule changes things for defendants. This rule states that prosecutors may use someone’s past criminal record when trying to prove different factors like motive, intent, opportunity, and... Read More »
On behalf of Mike G Law posted in Civil Rights on Wednesday, September 30, 2020
Has someone filed an extreme risk protection order (ERPO) against you? If so, you may have concerns about how this order will affect you, your life, and your rights. You may not be aware of what exactly an ERPO is or how it works. Our team at Mike G Law has helped hundreds of defendants navigate their ERPOs and defend their rights. Here, we will offer everything you need to know about extreme risk protection orders in Florida. What Is an Extreme Risk Protection Order? An extreme risk protection order is, put simply, a form of gun control. Also known as a “red flag” law, it is an order designed to keep firearms away from dangerous individuals. Law enforcement or... Read More »
Mental health courts are a type of specialty court that exist within the criminal justice system. They have been developing steadily over the last few decades. Their purpose is to help individuals with mental health issues navigate the criminal justice system. In the State of Florida, this special court docket and its problem-solving approach have helped thousands of state residents. A mental health court can focus on addressing issues related to mental health and criminal charges. The History of Mental Health Court The origins of this type of court are closely linked to the emergence of drug courts. Drug courts were created to establish specific procedures and resources for those struggling with substance abuse. Their purpose was to help prevent... Read More »
