On behalf of Mike G Law posted in Uncategorized on Thursday, July 2, 2020
Being forced to register as a sex offender can make almost everything in your life more difficult. It can impact where you can live, who will rent or sell to you, whether you can get a loan and your chances of securing a job. The restrictions placed on those who have to register vary by county and municipality and essentially enhance the term of punishment handed down after a conviction. A mistake can lead to lifelong punishment that isn’t necessarily in line with the initial act. Want to learn how to get off the sex offender registry? Here’s what you need to know about getting off the list in Florida. What is the Sex Offender Registry? The Florida Sex Offender... Read More »
On behalf of Mike G Law posted in Uncategorized on Thursday, June 18, 2020
A criminal record can be like a weight hanging around your neck. It inhibits your ability to get a better job or house, and even if you’re able to find employment, it may not be in your chosen field. Imagine, then, what having your record “erased” could be like? While there’s no easy way to clear your record, Florida law does allow for some individuals who have been charged or convicted of particular offenses to have their records sealed or expunged. What is Sealing? When a record is sealed, it is no longer available to the public. This does not mean that it ceases to exist, however. Law enforcement and some government agencies will still be able to access your... Read More »
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 »
