- On behalf of Mike G Law posted in Criminal Defense on Monday, December 17, 2018
As the first state in the nation to enact a “stand your ground” law, Florida has received a lot of attention, both negative and positive. Often, the law is misrepresented or shared in a confusing fashion. Because of its ties to high-profile cases such as those of George Zimmerman for the shooting of Trayvon Martin and the more recent shooting of Markeis McGlockton by Michael Drejka, the Florida Stand Your Ground law is often cast in a negative light. However, this overlooks the true goal of the law. History of the Florida Stand Your Ground Law The Florida Stand Your Ground law is based on the “castle doctrine.” The idea is that an individual who is legally occupying a place—their... Read More »
- On behalf of Mike G Law posted in Criminal Defense, Uncategorized on Monday, December 3, 2018
If you watch legal television shows, you’ve probably seen that scene where the defense attorney is able to convince the judge that his client needs some type of treatment rather than jail time. Moved by the compelling defense, the judge agrees and sets in motion some kind of treatment plan for the defendant to pursue. What you probably will not see is a judge whose hands are figuratively tied behind her back because she feels there are better treatment options for a defendant but, by law, she must impose a mandatory minimum sentence. Mandatory minimum sentences are just what the name implies—they are required sentences of a set timeframe that must be enforced for particular crimes. The goal of mandatory... Read More »
- On behalf of Mike G Law posted in Criminal Defense, Sex Crimes on Monday, November 26, 2018
In January, 9 students were charged with hazing which resulted in the death of Andrew Coffey, a junior at FSU who was pledging Pi Kappa Phi. Five of the students chose to plead guilty to a misdemeanor in order to avoid up to five years in prison if convicted on felony hazing charges. The other four individuals charged are awaiting trial. Their cases are currently on hold. The tragedy of the young loss of life is clear — and yet, it’s also tragic to see 9 other young men have their futures possibly ruined because of poor choices made in an environment full of peer pressure. Campus Crimes: Disciplinary Hearings College can be a time of exploration. For many young... Read More »
- On behalf of Mike G Law posted in Domestic Violence, Uncategorized on Monday, November 19, 2018
False accusations can have repercussions for many years. Those accused of abusing their spouses — even without any sort of trial — often become social pariahs. It can be difficult to hold down a job or start a new relationship, even though no formal charges have been brought against you. If children are involved, as is the case in many divorces, custody and visitation can be thrown in jeopardy. And if charges are brought, the situation can be even worse. For many people who are accused of domestic violence, there is the feeling that they are “guilty until proven innocent.” No one should have to face false allegations of domestic violence, however, because of how vitriolic some divorces and relationships... Read More »
- On behalf of Mike G Law posted in Sex Crimes, Sex Offenses on Wednesday, October 3, 2018
Some defendants are initially shocked when charged with unlawful sexual contact with a minor, or statutory rape as it is commonly called. They may be surprised because they believed their partner was older or because their partner gave their consent. However, the law is clear on what defines statutory rape in Florida and who can and cannot consent to sexual activity. If you are trying to make sense of your statutory rape charge in Florida, hiring a skilled defense attorney is key. A statutory rape conviction can have lifelong consequences and it’s important that you receive the best legal counsel so you can put forward the best defense for your case. The following are some frequently asked questions regarding what... Read More »
When charged with federal drug crimes, having an experienced Tampa defense lawyer who can properly represent you in court is essential. A federal drug crime charge will lead to a tough prosecution and heavy penalties if convicted. To ensure that your rights are protected and that you have the best legal defense, you’ll need a lawyer with experience at the federal level. Public defenders are often overworked and ill-equipped to handle individual defenses. Seeking qualified representation can help you fight a charge or seek a plea agreement that results in a reduced sentenced. Here’s what you need to know about being charged with a federal drug crime and what your next step should be. The Difference Between Federal and State... Read More »
- On behalf of Mike G Law posted in Mental Health & Substance Abuse Issues on Monday, July 30, 2018
Our country is in the grips of an opioid epidemic. Beyond that, many individuals are addicted to both legal and illegal substances, which can have a negative impact on their lives and the choices they make. While addiction in itself is a mental health issue, it can often mask other mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and other mood and personality disorders. This can have serious implications for the criminal justice system and those who are funneled into it. With more information about mental illnesses, the criminal justice system has worked to help those who would benefit from care rather than incarceration by placing them appropriately. For this to happen, however, it’s important for both the accused and the... Read More »
- On behalf of Mike G Law posted in Violent Crimes on Thursday, June 28, 2018
In Florida, as well as other states, some criminal investigations may be halted or become futile because the statute of limitations has expired. A statute of limitations is a law that puts a limit on the amount of time that is allowed to elapse between the time a crime is committed or discovered and the time that a suspect can be charged with the crime. On the other hand, certain felonies and violent crimes are not subject to a statute of limitations. A suspect can be charged for the latter types of crimes at any time. This was dramatically illustrated this month when police in St. Petersburg arrested a man in connection with a sexual assault that took place more... Read More »
- On behalf of Mike G Law posted in Violent Crimes on Friday, June 15, 2018
As gorgeous as our weather can be in the Tampa area, the Sunshine State has a dark underbelly. Florida attracts all types of people, and sometimes when so many cultures and attitudes come together in a single place, violent crimes occur. Crimes of violence can include anything from assault or battery to firearms offenses and even certain sex crimes. Unfortunately, when compared to other states, Florida is something of a hotbed for such crimes. Even more unfortunately, the media focuses considerable attention on pointing this out. For example, a recent list of the 100 “most dangerous” cities in the United States included eleven Florida cities – none in the Tampa area. A more recent study that was released by WalletHub... Read More »
- On behalf of Mike G Law posted in Violent Crimes on Friday, June 1, 2018
According to the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution, “No person shall… be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb….” Being “twice put in jeopardy” — or “double jeopardy” means being tried or punished twice for the same offense. So, for example, if a defendant receives a state criminal conviction for violent crimes he or she committed in Florida, the defendant could assert a double jeopardy defense if the state attempts retrial on the same crimes. Double jeopardy has been a cornerstone of federal since the U.S. Constitution was ratified. However, this Fifth Amendment safeguard has only been guaranteed under state law for about half a century. Some states may have... Read More »
