Routine traffic stops in Florida are an unfortunate, but necessary aspect of life. Law enforcement officials are charged with keeping our roads safe — and sometimes, that means pulling over drivers who do not appear to comply with the rules of the road. In turn, however, officers must act respectfully and abide by drivers’ rights….
Police officers sometimes refer to summer as the busy season, and for good reason: ample evidence indicates that criminal activity increases alongside the temperature. Below, we examine possible explanations that may drive this disturbing trend resulting in more crime to Northwest Florida cities. The Evidence: Research Backing Summer’s Rise in Criminal Behavior Studies highlighting seasonal…
DUI charges can prove life-changing for Florida drivers. From fines to considerable time behind bars, alleged offenders face a variety of harsh consequences. The difficulties don’t end there; many suffer employment or housing discrimination. Read on to learn more about the consequences of DUI convictions — and why it’s so important to hire a Florida DUI attorney. Defining DUI…
Mainstream attitudes regarding marijuana are changing quickly in Florida and across the nation. Medical marijuana, in particular, is highly favored among Floridians. A surprising 71 percent of Florida residents approved of medical marijuana as of 2017. Recreational marijuana may not see as strong of public support, but proponents expect that it will eventually be legal. Until…
Have you or a loved one been accused of driving under the influence? As a Northwest Florida resident, you could face harsh Florida DUI penalties. From fines to vehicle impoundment and even license revocation, these penalties could prove devastating. The more detailed your understanding of the state’s DUI laws, the better. Below, we offer a…
The opioid crisis has wrought untold devastation on the state of Florida. According to data from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), this drug epidemic claimed a shocking 3,245 lives in Florida in 2017 alone. Local legislators are determined to bring that number down as soon as possible. They recognize, however, that Florida mandatory…
Criminal charges are no small matter — even a seemingly minor misdemeanor could cause you grief in years or even decades to come. The right criminal defense attorney in Destin, FL, however, could ease this burden by helping you secure a desirable case outcome. Depending on your circumstances, this could involve a favorable plea deal,…
Dogs are more than furry, four-legged companions; they can serve as a powerful tool for law enforcement officials. Their noses are uniquely equipped for sniffing out the faintest scent of drugs, so they are especially well-suited to conducting official searches for illicit substances during K-9 traffic stops in Florida. Unfortunately, when incorporated in routine traffic stops, K-9 units…
For many years, the state of Florida has been fighting a war on drugs, especially against addictive painkillers such as hydrocodone and oxycodone. In the early 2000s, at the height of the pill-mill trade, the prevalence of these drugs caused state lawmakers to respond with harsh drug trafficking laws. In fact, Florida state laws are…
Using and trafficking drugs in Florida is a major offense that attracts a punishment of hefty fines and a long time in jail. That is why you should not take a charge of drug possession or drug trafficking lightly. If a law enforcement officer finds drugs on you, you could either be charged for possession…
