I was under the influence. I did take the item. I was speeding, or driving recklessly, or I had too many drinks before getting behind the wheel. These are the things people are afraid to say to their own attorney because they assume admitting them ends any chance at a defense. It does not work […]
What Not to Tell an Attorney Read More »
Florida’s Boater Freedom Act, Senate Bill 1388, took effect July 1, 2025, and it changed the rules for when law enforcement can stop or board a boat. For anyone on Miami-Dade’s waterways facing a boating under the influence charge, or worried about one, the change matters far beyond the water itself. A stop that does
Florida’s Boater Freedom Act: What It Means If You’re Stopped on the Water Read More »
Florida law treats hazing as a real criminal charge, not just a campus disciplinary matter. Depending on what happened, it can be a first-degree misdemeanor or a third-degree felony, and the consequences reach further than most people expect. What counts as hazing under Florida law? Under Fla. Stat. § 1006.63, hazing is any action or
Florida’s Hazing Law: What Charges Can Result From a Hazing Incident? Read More »
As of July 1, 2026, Florida’s Missy’s Law requires a court to immediately remand a person to custody, with no possibility of bond, the moment they plead guilty, plead no contest, or are found guilty of a dangerous crime. The requirement applies while they wait for sentencing, even if they plan to appeal. What is
Missy’s Law: What Florida’s New No-Bond-Pending-Sentencing Rule Means Read More »
Sometimes. The Fourth Amendment generally requires a warrant, but courts have carved out several exceptions specific to vehicles, and they are broader than most people expect. Do I have to consent if an officer asks to search my car? No. Consent is voluntary, and declining is not evidence of wrongdoing. A simple, polite statement is
Can the Police Search My Car Without a Warrant in Florida? Read More »
No. An officer can arrest you without ever reciting your Miranda rights, and the arrest is still valid. This is one of the most common misunderstandings in criminal law, and it costs people more than they realize. Does skipping the Miranda warning make an arrest illegal? No. Miranda has nothing to do with whether an
Can I Be Arrested Without Being Read My Rights? Read More »
Twelve percent. That’s roughly how often self-represented defendants got a favorable outcome in federal district court, based on a widely cited review of federal data from 1998 to 2017. Self-represented plaintiffs did worse, at around three percent. Florida law still gives you the right to represent yourself. The right was never in question. The odds
Can I Represent Myself in Court? Read More »
More people are asking AI chatbots legal questions before they ever call an attorney. A federal court ruling from early 2026 is a warning about why that carries real risk, especially for anyone facing criminal charges. What happened in United States v. Heppner In February 2026, a federal judge in the Southern District of New
Can I Use AI Instead of a Lawyer? Read More »
Yes, and the consequences can attach even when the criminal case itself resolves favorably. For non-citizens, a domestic violence charge intersects with federal immigration law in ways that have nothing to do with how the criminal case turns out, and understanding that intersection before entering any plea is essential. What federal law makes a domestic
Will a Domestic Violence Charge Affect My Immigration Status? Read More »
Most people do not think they need a lawyer until something forces the question. A detective calls. A citation shows up. A relative gets served with a lawsuit. By the time the question feels urgent, some of the best options are already gone. Here are six situations where waiting costs people more than they realize.
Do I Need a Lawyer? Six Situations Where Waiting Costs You Options Read More »
