Tag Archives: Criminal Defense Saint Lucie County
Common Defenses In DUI Cases
In 2014, Florida Highway Patrol officers issued almost 50,000 DUI citations. When these cases go to court, prosecutors try to use the per se section of the DUI law as much as possible; this section states that if the defendant had a BAC above the legal limit, then the defendant is guilty of DUI… Read More »
How Do Criminal Records Affect Employment Prospects?
A few years ago, largely at the behest of the federal government, many states passed so-called “ban the box” laws that prohibited potential employers from asking about job applicants’ criminal records. The laws had very good intentions, as jobless ex-convicts are normally more likely to fall back into their old habits and reoffend. However,… Read More »
In The Bleak Midwinter
From mid-December until New Year’s Day, the Florida Highway Patrol will be cracking down on suspected drunk drivers. A news release stated that “all uniformed FHP personnel,” including non-patrol officers and administrative workers, will patrol area streets and highways as part of the statewide “Drive Sober Or Get Pulled Over” campaign. FHP director Col…. Read More »
Lawmakers Consider Reviving ‘Blue Lives Matter’ Law
Several other states, including nearby Louisiana, have passed laws that make crimes against law enforcement officers hate crimes, and several Florida legislators want the same thing to happen in the Sunshine State. Representative Elizabeth Porter (D-Lake City) introduced legislation in the State House to add “law enforcement officer” to the list of protected classes… Read More »
How To Stay On The Road
Losing a driver’s license is often one of the most crippling punishments in a DUI case; in many cases, this loss may be worse than the probation or its conditions, like community service. Fortunately, and contrary to popular myth, license suspension is not necessarily a part of every criminal prosecution. It is always a… Read More »
What To Do When You See Flashing Lights
All 50 states have some form of move-over law among their statutes; these laws are essentially designed to reduce aggressive driving. According to a poll sponsored by the National Safety Commission, 86 percent of drivers are in favor of these laws; additionally, 90 percent of drivers believe that traffic stops are dangerous for police… Read More »
Offhanded Admission Leads To Arrest
A Port St. Lucie mother is facing multiple charges after she allegedly took her teenage daughter to a local park for the purpose of physically assaulting a cyber-bully. According to an arrest affidavit, the 52-year-old woman contacted police in late March, complaining that her 15-year-old daughter was receiving unwanted and aggressive text messages from… Read More »
Evidence Collection In Criminal Cases
It is a common myth that St. Lucie County criminal defendants must “prove” their innocence. If the matter goes to trial, the defendant does not have to “prove” anything. Instead, the prosecutor has the burden of proof to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt; as a matter of fact, it is not uncommon for… Read More »
