- On behalf of Mike G Law posted in Criminal Defense on Thursday, August 1, 2019
Sometimes with the law, it can seem like there are a bunch of different names for the same thing. Murder and homicide, for example, seem to be similar concepts. The same goes for burglary, theft, robbery, and larceny. But what’s the difference between burglary and theft? And are robbery and larceny the same thing? If an individual enters a vehicle and grabs a purse, have they committed theft or burglary? What if said individual enters a gas station and demands the contents of a cash register? Within the Florida statutes, there are distinct measures for separating these acts into their different categories. In this blog posts, we’ll be covering the difference between burglary and theft so you can better understand... Read More »
- On behalf of Mike G Law posted in Criminal Defense on Thursday, July 18, 2019
Imagine this: You’re driving home after indulging in some powdered donuts after a long day. You forget to signal and change lanes, then see flashing lights behind you. “All this for a missed signal?” you think. But of course, you pull over. When the officer walks over to your lowered window, he takes a look at you and then asks you to step out of the car. “Why?” you ask. You figured you’d hand over your license and registration and be on your way with a new citation and fine. After being directed out of the vehicle again, you brush off the white powder that has clung to your shirt. You’re scared, but you know to do what you’re told... Read More »
- On behalf of Mike G Law posted in Criminal Defense on Wednesday, July 3, 2019
What happens if someone you believe to be a prostitute induces you to pay for sexual acts, then once you hand over the bills, she pulls out her police badge? After all, you weren’t seeking out a prostitute in the first place, but you felt enticed because of how she treated you. Is it fair that you should be prosecuted or fined for solicitation? Entrapment can take many forms. The basis of all of these forms is a police offer (or someone working on behalf of law enforcement) who has created a bit of a trap that makes someone commit a crime that they would not have committed if the trap weren’t in place. Thus, our unlucky John in the... Read More »
- On behalf of Mike G Law posted in Criminal Defense on Monday, June 17, 2019
In order to convict a person of a crime, typically, a prosecutor must prove two things: First, that a crime was committed, and second that you, the defendant, were the perpetrator. These two components play into how you and your Tampa defense attorney will develop your legal strategy. Legal defenses typically fall into two broad categories: Lack of evidence and justification/excuse. Here are a few different legal defenses that a skilled Tampa defense lawyer may use. Lack of Evidence Legal Defenses In the United States, the burden is on the prosecution to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed a crime. One simple legal defense is simply to say, “I didn’t do it,” and force the prosecution to... Read More »
- On behalf of Mike G Law posted in Criminal Defense on Monday, June 3, 2019
During the sentencing phase, judges will have plenty of aggravating circumstances to sift through. The crime itself, whether harm was done to the community and the criminal history of the defendant will all be factored into the sentence received. However, another important component of due process is the right to present evidence during sentencing that helps mitigate, or diminish, some of the sentence received. The following are some of the mitigating factors that can help to reduce a sentence in Florida. For more information specific to your case, make sure to consult with Mike G Law. Mitigating Factors Related to the Underlying Charge There are several factors which a criminal defense attorney may use to help sway the judge away... Read More »
- On behalf of Mike G Law posted in Criminal Defense, Drug Possession, Marijuana on Monday, May 20, 2019
The marijuana industry is big. It seems like there are dispensaries popping up all over the place, with big names like MedMen vying for Florida licenses. And while this visibility may bode well for the industry, for many people, it can be confusing. The ubiquity of marijuana can make it seem like it’s no big deal to carry some flower or a vape cartridge with you. However, doing so could land you in deep legal trouble—even if you have a prescription. Is Marijuana Legal in Florida? Currently, medical marijuana is legal in Florida. However, marijuana is still classified as a Schedule I drug under both state and federal law. The recreational use, possession, or sale of marijuana remains illegal. Individuals... Read More »
- On behalf of Mike G Law posted in Court Hearings, Criminal Defense on Monday, May 6, 2019
After an arrest, you’ll likely be given an amount for bail—that is, how much it will cost to “bail you out of jail.” Depending on what you were arrested for, the bond amount could be for as little as $100 or for a lot more. If you are unable to pay the money yourself, you can ask others to help with the costs or seek a bail bond. Here we’ll answer some frequently asked questions we get about the bonding process, and what you need to know if you find yourself in need of a bail bond. Contact Mike G Law if you are arrested. You can then be advised whether a bond reduction hearing is appropriate. What Exactly Is... Read More »
- On behalf of Mike G Law posted in Criminal Defense, Drug Possession on Tuesday, April 2, 2019
There are a variety of drug charges that can be brought in Florida at both the state and federal level with varying degrees of severity. The deciding factors for which charges will be filed generally have to do with the type of drug and the quantity of drugs seized. In this article, I’ll be covering state drug trafficking charges in Florida and providing an overview regarding drug classes, charge types, and possible punishments. Ultimately, no blog post can compare to have a one-on-one conversation with a skilled Tampa drug lawyer. If you’ve been charged with drug trafficking or another drug offense, contact the office of Mike G Law for a free consultation. Drug Classifications in Florida The long list of... Read More »
- On behalf of Mike G Law posted in Criminal Defense on Monday, March 4, 2019
When faced with a crisis, it can be hard to make an informed decision. We understand that having criminal charges brought against you or a loved one can leave you reeling and unsure of where to turn. Finding a professional to represent and protect you during this difficult time can be confusing. As you seek a qualified Tampa defense attorney, we hope you’ll keep the following in mind. Experience When your future is on the line, go with someone who can get results. Experience matters in the legal system. Even if your case never goes to trial, having someone on your side that can easily maneuver within the constraints of our judicial system can make a huge difference in your... Read More »
- On behalf of Mike G Law posted in Criminal Defense on Tuesday, February 19, 2019
When charged with a crime, a defendant has several options. During the arraignment, which is the formal reading of charges, the defendant will be asked to “enter a plea.” This is essentially the defendant “answering” to the charges against him or her. On the advice of counsel—whether that’s a public defender or a skilled Tampa criminal defense attorney—the defendant may plead Not Guilty, No Contest (Nolo Contendere), or Guilty. Defendants can also choose to stand mute and not enter a plea. At that point, a not guilty plea will be entered on his or her behalf. Now, most people have heard of please like “Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity” or “Not Guilty by Reason of Self-Defense,” however, these are... Read More »
