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 carries weight far beyond the water itself. A stop that
What Happens If You’re Stopped on the Water Under Florida’s Boater Freedom Act? 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. Frequently Asked Questions What counts as hazing under Florida law? Under Fla. Stat. § 1006.63, hazing is
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. Frequently Asked
What Does Missy’s Law Change About Bond Before Sentencing in Florida? Read More »
Frequently Asked Questions Do police need a warrant to search my car in Florida? Sometimes, and the exceptions are broader than most people expect. The Fourth Amendment generally requires a warrant for a search, but courts have carved out several situations tied to vehicles where officers do not need one. Florida’s Constitution, Article I, Section
Do police need a warrant to search my car in Florida? Read More »
This is one of the most common misunderstandings in criminal law. People believe that if an officer does not recite the Miranda warning during an arrest, the arrest itself is invalid, or the case gets thrown out entirely. That is not how it works. Frequently Asked Questions Does an officer have to read me my
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 »
For non-citizens, a domestic violence charge carries consequences well beyond the criminal case itself. This is one of the most serious intersections in criminal law, and it deserves direct, careful attention rather than assumption. If an arrest has already happened, see our Bail and Bond Guide for how immigration status intersects with the bond process.
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 strongest 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 »
Many people hire the first lawyer they talk to, which puts a lot of weight on that first conversation. Below is what to ask, and why the answer carries weight. If you have not made that first call yet, see whether you can call a lawyer and ask a question for free for what a
What to Ask Before You Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Miami-Dade Read More »
