Miami Criminal Defense Insights
Aggressive representation for DUI, Domestic Violence, Gun Crimes & more
In the landscape of the legal system, understanding the categorization of crimes is crucial for anyone facing charges or interested in the law. While felonies capture headlines for their severity, misdemeanors represent a category of lesser offenses that, though not as grave, still carry significant legal implications. But what exactly constitutes a misdemeanor, and what […]
Prostitution is illegal in the vast majority of the United States, primarily regulated by state laws rather than federal ones. However, there is an exception in some rural counties within the state of Nevada, where prostitution is legal under specific regulations, such as in licensed brothels. It’s important to note that even in Nevada, prostitution […]
Delta-8 THC has found a legal loophole in many jurisdictions due to the specifics of how laws are written regarding cannabis and its derivatives. The 2018 Farm Bill, which is federal legislation, legalized hemp and hemp-derived compounds, extracts, and derivatives by removing them from the definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. The bill […]
In the ever-evolving landscape of cannabis legislation in the United States, Florida presents a unique case of partial legality that mirrors the complex relationship between state and federal laws regarding marijuana. In November 2024, Florida will be voting on Amendment 3, aiming to legalize recreational marijuana for adults 21 and older, allowing possession of up […]
In Florida, the legality of cannabis oil, specifically CBD oil, has seen significant development over the years, evolving to accommodate medical needs and align with federal guidelines. Following the approval of Amendment 2 in 2016, Florida expanded its medical marijuana program, allowing CBD products with high levels of both CBD and THC for residents over […]
In Florida, the legality of guns and the carrying of firearms have been subject to significant legal discussion and legislative action. As of 2024, a notable shift in legislation affects individuals wishing to carry firearms in the state. Florida has implemented new laws regarding the carrying and possession of weapons and firearms. A critical piece […]
The legality of alcohol can be attributed to a variety of historical, social, and economic factors. Initially, alcohol has been a part of human culture for thousands of years, serving as a staple in religious ceremonies, social gatherings, and medicinal practices. This long history has deeply embedded alcohol in many societies around the world. Historically, […]
Cuban cigars remain a subject of intrigue and legal complexity in the United States. Despite various shifts in policy over the years, the core issue remains tied to the U.S.-Cuba trade embargo, initiated in 1962, which broadly prohibits the importation of Cuban goods, including the famed Cuban cigars. In recent history, there have been moments […]
Intentionally starting a bar fight is rare, but you might find yourself in one unexpectedly. Bar staff will likely call the police if a fight breaks out and doesn’t stop quickly. If the police believe you participated in the brawl, even if you tried to avoid it, they could arrest you on several potential criminal […]
Police officers often use Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs), also known as Field Sobriety Exercises (FSEs), to arrest drivers suspected of DUI, aiming to determine if a driver was driving after consuming alcohol. These tests typically consist of 3 – 5 exercises, including walking in a straight line, standing on one leg, and touching your finger […]
In the state of Florida, if you kill someone, you can be charged with murder. However, murder is an extremely serious offense and, depending on the circumstances, it could land you in jail for a long time. Unfortunately, this is a likely scenario if you are not represented by an experienced criminal defense attorney. A […]
Recently, an attempted murder by shooting took place in Fort Lauderdale which left two men suffering from life-threatening injuries. This incident happened just after 7 am in the 800 block of Northeast 62nd Street and both were taken to hospital, with one still in critical condition while the other victim has now been released. A […]
Two people were recently arrested for their involvement in defrauding Medicare of more than $93 million that was supposed to be used for home health therapy services but was never used for that purpose. The case was prosecuted in federal court. One of the two was sentenced to eight years imprisonment while the other nearly […]
There are two laws in Florida that center on insurance responsibilities. As a driver, you must deal with these responsibilities because there is little excuse for being uninsured. Florida is a No-Fault State for Auto Insurance In Florida, you must purchase no-fault auto insurance before you drive. There are two minimum insurance coverages that are […]
What Is Vehicular Homicide and How Does DUI Affect It? Vehicular homicide is a serious crime that combines two factors: 1. Your driving was reckless, not just negligent; and 2. A person died as a direct result of your reckless driving. The difference between ‘reckless’ and ‘negligent’ is an important one. To be judged as […]
A 17-year-old accused in a September 1 shooting at the Aquabella apartment complex in Hialeah appeared in adult bond court on Wednesday after prosecutors moved the case out of juvenile court. According to police, several young people had gathered to settle a dispute with a physical fight when shots were fired. No injuries were reported. […]
A Miami-Dade judge this week denied bond to a 33-year-old man arrested on charges of attempted murder and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, along with drug charges, after a delivery driver was allegedly shot and pistol-whipped at an apartment complex near Dadeland early Monday morning. According to the arrest report, the driver was grazed […]
Dashcam video released this week shows a van striking the back of a stopped Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office cruiser near Northwest 32nd Avenue and 79th Street. According to the arrest report, the 72-year-old driver then tried to hide an open alcohol container, and deputies ended the field sobriety exercises for his safety. He is charged with […]
Florida Driver Reportedly Had a .377 Alcohol Level: What a High BAC Means for Your DUI Case By Albert Quirantes, Esq. A recent Florida DUI arrest made headlines after a driver reportedly registered a blood alcohol concentration of .377, nearly five times Florida’s .08 threshold. That number gets attention. But as a criminal defense attorney, […]
What Is a Second-Degree Misdemeanor in Florida? A second-degree misdemeanor is Florida’s lowest misdemeanor classification. That does not make it a civil infraction or something that should be ignored. The charge can lead to jail, probation, a fine, and a criminal court record. It may also appear on background checks and create problems involving employment, […]
What Is a First-Degree Misdemeanor in Florida? A first-degree misdemeanor is the most serious misdemeanor classification under Florida law. It is not a felony, but it can still result in county jail, probation, a fine, and a criminal record that creates problems long after the court case ends. Common examples include simple battery, petit theft […]
What Is a Third-Degree Felony in Florida? A third-degree felony is Florida’s lowest felony classification, but the word “lowest” should not be confused with minor. A conviction can result in state prison, probation, a $5,000 fine, and a permanent felony record. It can also affect employment, professional licenses, housing, immigration status, and the right to […]
What Is a Second-Degree Felony in Florida? A second-degree felony is punishable by as much as 15 years in Florida State Prison. That makes it a serious criminal charge, even for someone who has never been arrested before. Examples include aggravated battery, manslaughter, vehicular homicide, unarmed burglary of a dwelling, certain theft and exploitation offenses, […]