- 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 »
- On behalf of Mike G Law posted in Criminal Defense on Wednesday, February 6, 2019
Theft, vandalism, trespassing, fraud, arson—these are all property crimes. While the crimes themselves differ, they each involve the taking of or destruction of someone else’s property without their permission. Because there are numerous crimes that fall under this category, and because the magnitude of the crimes themselves can vary, a Florida property crime may be a misdemeanor or a felony. Types of Property Crimes in Florida The following Florida property crimes are listed in alphabetical order. Arson Arson is a felony in Florida and involves the deliberate setting of property on fire. The severity of the charges will depend on the amount of damage caused and whether the fire posed a threat or injured any individuals. Generally, fires that are set... Read More »
- On behalf of Mike G Law posted in Criminal Defense, Domestic Violence on Thursday, January 31, 2019
Restraining orders are a useful tool meant to help protect the vulnerable. Unfortunately, they are sometimes abused by individuals who think it may help them in some way. Whether it’s a contentious divorce case, a bad breakup, or another kind of dispute, a restraining order can be wielded like a weapon to secure temporary custody, keep an individual from their rightful residence, or otherwise harm another person. At Mike G Law, I fully support the use of restraining orders when legally appropriate and necessary. I believe they can help protect victims of domestic violence and other vulnerable individuals. As a former prosecutor, I’ve seen how restraining orders can help give victims the strength and resolve they need to disentangle themselves... Read More »
- On behalf of Mike G Law posted in Criminal Defense on Thursday, January 3, 2019
We live in a technological society that has opened new avenues of commerce and growth. At the same time, a new gray area has opened up for prosecution. The internet hasn’t just brought along the onset of social media and online shopping. It has also given us viruses, DDoS attacks, hackers, worms, ransomware, and more. Often, though, the lines between what’s legal online and what’s not can be confusing, especially for new techies who are testing out their computing skills. In this post, I’ll be covering what cybercrimes are and delving into a few specific types of cybercrimes. Florida Cybercrimes With the continual growth and evolution of technology, the scope of cybercrimes also grows. It’s a field that will continue... Read More »
