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ARRESTED? INVESTIGATED?

ARRESTADO? INVESTIGADO?

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Albert Quirantes Miami Criminal Attorneys

Latest Insights on Criminal, DUI Charges & Defense Strategies

Miami Criminal Defense Insights
Aggressive representation for DUI, Domestic Violence, Gun Crimes & more

Resisting Arrest is a Crime in Florida

If you are about to be arrested anywhere in Florida, even if you think you are about to be arrested, it is not a smart idea to refuse or resist arrest. Resisting arrest in Florida is a crime and you can be punished for resisting arrest, even if you haven’t done anything wrong. An arrest […]

Floridians May in the Future Be Allowed to Carry Guns Freely Without a License

Recently, state representative for Howey-in-the-Hills, Anthony Sabatini, filed a bill in Florida named “constitutional carry” or HB 273, that would permit gun owners to be in possession of their weapons openly in public without the need for a license. This is possible at the moment in sixteen other states. It would permit a lawful gun […]

How the Police Get a Warrant to Search a Home

To get a search warrant in Florida, a law enforcer must submit a request for one from a magistrate or judge. The request needs to be accompanied by an affidavit which has been sworn by the officer involved in the request. This includes information that provides the foundation for probable cause for wanting the search […]

In Florida Can You Illegally Possess Prescription Drugs?

When we normally think of drug crimes they are typically linked to illegal products like cocaine, meth and heroin. These are minor when it comes to the illegal distribution of prescription drugs. Often people are apprehended and charged with illegally possessing a prescription drug under the terms ‘doctor shopping’ and ‘pill mill’ pain clinics. However, […]

Probable Cause Helps to Determine When an Arrest Is Legal

An arrest takes place when police officers believe they should take a suspect into custody. It has officially taken place when the suspect is not able to walk away from the event freely. The Fourth Amendment in the U.S. Constitution authorizes an arrest only if the police officer has “probable cause” that a crime has […]

The Powers of a Store Security Guard to Make an Arrest in Florida

Security guards working in stores in Florida may detain a person if they suspect him/her of shoplifting, but only until the arrival of the police. In Florida, the law states that any merchant who can confirm probable cause that a retail theft has been committed by a person may detain the offender for a reasonable […]

Can Teachers be Legally Armed in Florida Schools?

The answer is a qualified “yes.” Florida has brought in a new law this year allowing school districts the option of arming teachers to try and prevent mass shootings in schools, or at least dealing with a shooter if such a situation arises. As schools open up for a new school year, though, it seems […]

Did You Know That Sexting Could Be a Crime?

Sexting is the name for what some people think is quite an innocuous practice. When consenting adults send each other saucy text messages, there is nothing legally wrong with it. Of course, it might become a nuisance, even intimidating, if you happen to be on the receiving end of a stream of unsolicited text messages, […]

Even a Little White Lie Can Get You Into Trouble

We all know we shouldn’t lie. We are taught that by our parents, at school, in Church and by those who enforce the law. Few of us never, ever lie, but a lot of the time we tend to excuse our lying, thinking that there is a justification for it, or that it is only […]

What Happens if You are Arrested for DUI While on Vacation?

Millions of people come to Florida every year for a vacation, visit relatives or friends or come on business. Many of these out of state visitors drive here from home, or rent a car when they arrive at one of Florida’s airports. One thing can lead to another and a night out might involve having […]

You Shot an Intruder Dead –Was it Murder?

You are asleep in bed in your own home when you are suddenly woken up by a faint sound coming from another room in the house. You get up, pick up your handgun which you always have by the bed and quietly creep out into the corridor. There’s a movement at the other end of […]

All You Need To Know About Petit Theft in Florida

Under Florida Law, petit theft is when someone takes or tries to take somebody else’s property which has a value below $300. In short, this means when someone takes another person’s property with the intention of not returning it so that the owner is deprived of having the item in his/her possession. To be convicted […]

Alternative Sentencing Options for Florida Drug Crimes

Florida law is not sympathetic to people involved in prohibited drugs. There are severe penalties for all the different kinds of drug crimes, whether it is driving while under the influence of a prohibited drug, being in possession, or even distributing and selling to others. One thing which is a certainty in Florida it has […]

Don’t Talk to a Tax Investigator! See Your Attorney Instead!

If a tax auditor has reason to believe that you have been involved in sales tax irregularities of any kind, then you may be contacted by an investigator. It is easy to say the wrong things if you discuss your finances with an investigator, especially if you didn’t expect a visit. If you incriminate yourself […]

How to Handle a False Allegation of Domestic Violence

A false allegation of domestic violence against a spouse, partner, family member or someone else close to you can lead to serious consequences. Even if a criminal charge laid against you is dismissed because of lack of evidence, it can still have a serious effect on your relationships, job and career. False charges of domestic […]

Can a Drug Sniffing Dog be Used at a Traffic Stop in Florida?

Imagine you’re pulled over for a routine traffic stop, and suddenly, a police officer is asking to search your car for drugs. The use of drug-sniffing dogs at traffic stops presents a complex intersection of law enforcement tools and personal freedoms, particularly in Florida, where the balance between deterring drug trafficking and respecting individual rights […]

What Happens After You Are Arrested for DUI in Miami

Being pulled over under suspicion of DUI can be an unnerving experience, transforming an ordinary day into one filled with anxiety and uncertainty. Knowing what to expect and how to act can significantly influence the outcome of such an ordeal. It’s crucial to stay calm, cooperate with basic requests, and remember your rights, including the […]

What is Stalking and When is it a Crime?

In the digital age, where connections and interactions span both physical and virtual realms, the concept of stalking has evolved, encompassing behaviors that go beyond unwanted physical presence. In Florida, stalking is taken seriously as a criminal offense, potentially leading to imprisonment. But what exactly constitutes stalking, and how can one differentiate between persistent yet […]

Computer Hacking Can Result in Prison Time in Florida

In an era where digital footprints are as significant as physical ones, computer hacking has emerged as a formidable crime, drawing severe penalties in Florida and across the nation. Hacking—the unauthorized access to or manipulation of computer systems, networks, or data—can lead to criminal charges that carry the potential for substantial prison time, highlighting the […]

Is Verbal Abuse in Florida Considered Domestic Violence?

In the realm of personal relationships, words can sometimes wield as much power as actions. In Florida, the law acknowledges this by recognizing that verbal abuse can indeed constitute a form of domestic violence, especially when it inflicts significant emotional or psychological harm. This legal perspective underscores the importance of understanding the boundary between heated […]

Recreational Marijuana Use in Florida is Still Illegal

As states across the nation increasingly embrace the legalization of marijuana, both for medical and recreational purposes, the landscape of cannabis law continues to evolve. However, in Florida, the line remains clearly drawn: while medical marijuana has found legal footing, recreational use continues to be prohibited. This discrepancy between state laws creates a complex legal […]

Penalties for Reckless Driving Can Put You Behind Bars in Florida

In Florida, the sun-kissed streets and highways can be a backdrop for not just picturesque drives but also, unfortunately, reckless driving incidents. Defined by a wanton disregard for safety, reckless driving in the Sunshine State isn’t just a minor traffic violation—it’s a criminal offense that can lead to significant penalties, including jail time. The law […]

Michigan Man Sentenced to Prison for Violent Threats Against Jewish People

A recent case outside Florida has underscored the serious consequences that can arise from making violent threats online. A 20-year-old man from Michigan received a prison sentence of 12 months and a day for using social media to issue threats against Jewish people. This sentence, while shorter than the nearly three-year term sought by prosecutors, […]