Miami Criminal Defense Insights
Aggressive representation for DUI, Domestic Violence, Gun Crimes & more
Corporal punishment, defined as physical discipline such as spanking, is legal in Florida under certain conditions. The state’s stance on corporal punishment is twofold, covering both the domestic and educational contexts. In the Home Florida law allows parents or legal guardians to administer reasonable corporal punishment in disciplining their children. This practice is recognized as […]
Paying for sex at a massage parlor or engaging in prostitution and related activities is illegal in Florida. This includes soliciting, receiving, or agreeing to receive any sexual activity in exchange for money or other forms of compensation. Florida law strictly prohibits prostitution and assigns penalties that vary based on the specific nature of the […]
In the United States, including Florida, the practice commonly referred to as “mail order brides,” where individuals engage with international marriage brokers (IMBs) to find spouses from other countries, is legal. However, it’s regulated under federal law to protect the rights and safety of foreign brides entering the U.S. The International Marriage Broker Regulation Act […]
As of 2024, online sports betting has made a significant comeback in Florida, with the state seeing the re-launch of legal sports betting platforms. The Seminole Tribe of Florida has taken the lead in this arena, offering residents and visitors within the state the ability to legally place bets on professional and college games through […]
In Florida, stun guns are legal for individuals to own and carry for self-defense purposes, under certain conditions. This legality is outlined in Florida Statute 790.01, which differentiates stun guns and Tasers from firearms, thereby subjecting them to different regulations. The state recognizes the right of its residents to protect themselves and permits the use […]
The Florida Criminal Punishment Code is a point-based system designed to standardize sentencing for felony offenses, ensuring consistency and fairness across the state’s judicial processes. It assigns points to various aspects of a crime, including the offense severity, prior record, legal status violations, and enhancements for specific circumstances. The total points accumulated can influence the […]
A Miami-Dade man is facing felony charges after police alleged he molested four young boys, at least. A 7-year-old reported to Miami-Dade police that the alleged 43 year old offender “hugged him, kissed him on the cheek and fondled his penis over his clothing”. There were also several other boys involved who were aged 8 […]
In February, last year a defendant was sentenced to more than 5 years in prison by the Middle District of Florida for fraudulently using his missing father’s identity to get social security benefits. This is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to social security fraud but this doesn’t mean all alleged offenders were […]
The answer to the first part of the question is: “It depends”. The answer to the second part of the question is: “Yes, but you may regret it”. If you have been arrested for DUI in Florida, you are most likely to have your blood alcohol tested by some type of breathalyzer. If you are […]
O.K. So you are a landlord and your tenants just got busted for growing marijuana plants in the place they were renting from you. But then, the cops come along and arrest you because they say that you knew what they were doing, so you are going to be charged with cultivating marijuana too. Cultivating […]
Fentanyl Supply Case Highlights Strict State and Federal Drug Laws Following an extensive investigation, a couple from South Florida has been apprehended for their involvement in distributing fentanyl to a mother, resulting in the tragic death of her child. The Lake Worth suppliers who facilitated the sale are now facing federal charges related to fentanyl […]
Dan Rotta, who owned a home on exclusive Fisher Island, is accused of concealing more than $20 million in assets in twenty four accounts at five Swiss banks, including Credit Suisse and UBS, and failing to report the income received from these holdings on his tax returns, according to a criminal complaint that has been […]
Imagine driving home after a casual dinner where you had a single glass of wine. Flashing lights appear in your rearview mirror, leading to a roadside breathalyzer test. Suddenly, you’re facing a DUI charge based on a device’s reading. However, breathalyzer accuracy is not infallible. Factors such as residual mouth alcohol, medical conditions like acid […]
What Is a First-Degree Felony in Florida? A first-degree felony is one of Florida’s most serious criminal classifications. For an ordinary first-degree felony, the maximum sentence is 30 years in state prison. That does not mean every person charged with one will receive 30 years. The actual exposure depends on the offense, the Criminal Punishment […]
What Is a First-Degree Felony Punishable by Life in Florida? A first-degree felony punishable by life is one of the most misunderstood classifications in Florida criminal law. It is not technically a life felony. It remains classified as a first-degree felony, but the statute defining the offense allows the judge to impose a sentence of […]
Florida’s transportation law changes take effect October 1, 2026. One change is already prompting questions from drivers: the amount of apparent property damage that triggers an immediate duty to notify law enforcement after a crash rises from $500 to $2,000. The change is part of Senate Bill 488, Chapter 2026-39. The new threshold appears in […]
What Is a Life Felony in Florida? A life felony is one of the most serious criminal charges Florida law recognizes. It does not expose a defendant to the death penalty, but it does permit a judge to impose a sentence of life in prison. That distinction matters. When someone is charged with a life […]
What Does a Capital Felony Mean in Florida? Florida law places capital felonies in a category of their own. They are not scored and sentenced like ordinary felonies under the Criminal Punishment Code. A conviction can expose an adult defendant to life imprisonment without parole and, in a case where the State Attorney seeks it, […]
The Parent’s Guide to a Juvenile Arrest in Florida A free resource from Albert Quirantes, Esq. Criminal DUI & Ticket Lawyers If your child has been arrested, this guide will help you understand what is happening and what to do next. Keep this page handy, and call us anytime. 1. Take a Breath. Then Take […]
Florida’s July 1, 2026 Criminal Laws: What Changed in Miami-Dade Cases Florida’s new laws took effect on July 1, 2026, and several of them have a direct impact on criminal cases. More than 100 laws took effect that day. Most have nothing to do with criminal defense. But three changes stand out if you are […]
Florida Veterans Can Now Seek Treatment Court Without Prosecutor Approval A new Florida law changed who gets the final say when a veteran asks to enter Veterans Treatment Court. Since July 1, 2026, a prosecutor can still weigh in on the request, but the prosecutor no longer has the power to approve or reject eligibility […]