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So, you were arrested and charged with a DUI in Florida. You may be under the impression that you can't be charged with anything more than a misdemeanor, but there are some circumstances when a DUI could constitute a felony. For example, if you're convicted of a third or subsequent DUI within a 10-year period,...

If you’re arrested on suspicion of committing or planning a crime, don’t try to talk yourself out of the situation and don’t make small talk with the police. That’s because anything you say in the company of the police can and will be used against you in court. Don’t count on the police to help...

Jacksonville-area police officers conduct numerous traffic stops each day. Reasons for traffic stops often include speeding, broken taillights, or failure to come to a complete stop at a stop sign. Other reasons, however, may lead police to believe that a person is driving while impaired. This often includes erratic driving and failure to drive in...

A nightmare scenario: You are charged with a crime that you did not commit, convicted, sentenced to prison and led out of a courtroom in handcuffs. Think it can’t happen? Think again. Our legal system is supposed to be based on the assumption of “innocent until proven guilty.” What about when someone is convicted on...

True or false: You can be convicted even if in building a case against you police lied. The answer is true, you can be convicted even if in building a case against you police lied. A story posted recently on Money Crashers, a website that provides financial advice, discussed lying police officers and other common...

In recent years, cannabidiol (CBD) has been recognized as an alternative to conventional medicine – helping patients manage pain, inflammation, and other debilitating conditions. Since this substance is extracted from cannabis, many states (including Florida) closely relate it to marijuana. In Florida, CBD remains a grey area when it comes to cannabis laws. That’s why...

Being stopped by police can be a scary situation, especially if you don’t know why you’re being stopped. Not knowing how to handle such an encounter may worsen the situation. According to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), it’s up to police to prevent an encounter from escalating into something worse.  Still, it is critical...

Florida doesn’t mess around when it comes to theft – even crimes that most states consider petit theft. In Florida, theft involving property with a value equal to or greater than $300 can result in a felony charge. While some state lawmakers seek to raise the threshold for what constitutes a felony, this seemingly minor...

Refusing to take a breathalyzer test can be a crime in Florida. Police officers have the power to immediately suspend your license to drive. No questions asked.  But there are ways to get it back, even if you are charged with driving under the influence. You need to move quickly though – you only have 10 days to take action or you...

Out-of-pocket costs. Embarrassment. Damage to reputation. Loss of freedom. Loss of job. These are some of the consequences of driving under the influence (DUI) arrest and conviction.  If you’ve been charged with DUI in Northeast Florida, you’ll want to know what you’re facing in the weeks, months and even years to come. A drunk driving arrest is a serious...