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 »
On behalf of Mike G Law posted in Auto Accidents on Monday, August 31, 2020
Under Florida law, it is a criminal offense to leave the scene of an accident without performing the statutory duties required. This means that any unlawful departure from the site of a vehicle crash can lead to a misdemeanor or even felony charges, depending on the nature and severity of the accident. Hit and runs in Florida are a serious matter. It is important to be aware of the laws surrounding this offense in case you are ever charged with leaving the scene of an accident. What Does It Mean to Leave the Scene of an Accident? Leaving the scene of an accident, also known as a “hit and run” in Florida, is defined as the driver’s failure to stay... Read More »
On behalf of Mike G Law posted in DUIs on Friday, August 21, 2020
DUI checkpoints are not just an urban myth. They are real and legal in many states. Also known as sobriety checkpoints, DUI checkpoints are often set up near restaurants and bars in the late evening and first hours of the morning. There is also a good chance of running into one on a holiday weekend where the risk of drinking and driving is increased. It is common to question the legality of these checkpoint stops. If you have been asking yourself the question, “Are DUI checkpoints legal in Florida?”, you are not alone. Read on for the facts about Florida DUI checkpoints, their legality, and what your rights are if you are stopped. What Are DUI Checkpoints? A sobriety checkpoint,... Read More »
On behalf of Mike G Law posted in Civil Rights on Friday, July 31, 2020
The First Amendment of the US Constitution guarantees that citizens have the right to peacefully assemble, protest, and speak their minds. Those rights are universal for all citizens—but there are certain Florida protest laws that go on to define protected and restricted protest activities. Sometimes, individuals are arrested for violating protest laws and face criminal charges for legally engaging in protected expressions of free speech. If you’ve been arrested for protesting, you need a defense attorney on your side to protect your rights and freedoms from infringement. What Are Florida Protest Laws? Florida protest laws place limits on protected protest activities and outline what kinds of activities are not permitted or are otherwise restricted. In general, protestors are allowed to... Read More »
When charged with a criminal offense in Florida, some individuals are put on probation instead of given a lengthy jail sentence. They may not be in confinement, but they are still required to follow strict rules—even when on unsupervised probation. Unsupervised probation involves a lot of conditions, but it’s preferable to jail time or being constantly monitored by a parole officer. A good criminal defense lawyer can help defend you in court and advocate for you to receive unsupervised probation, which can allow you to continue living your life without major disruptions. Defining Unsupervised Probation According to the State of Florida, probation is defined as court-ordered community supervision wherein a probationer is “required to abide by all conditions ordered by... Read More »
