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 »
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 Uncategorized on Tuesday, June 9, 2015
At their most basic, drug courts were developed as an alternative to sending nonviolent drug offenders through the Florida prison system. When utilized appropriately, the drug courts can help offenders get help from local resources and save the state money on incarceration costs. As of 2012, there were more than 2,500 drug courts in the United States, but many people don’t know that the drug courts were first implemented successfully in Florida. Drug courts are different than traditional criminal courts because they seek to figure out what will best help defendants move forward with their lives and also match them with local resources that can help them deal with a prescription drug addiction and learn healthy life coping skills. While... Read More »
