Technology is developing rapidly in nearly every area of our lives, and the criminal justice system is no exception. For instance, in the 1980s, the use of DNA in criminal proceedings was in its infancy. The first criminal conviction based in part on DNA evidence in...
The core difference between state and federal criminal cases is the law the person is charged under. State criminal cases are cases alleging that the defendant broke a state law. Federal criminal cases are based on alleged violations of federal law. So, federal cases...
If you’ve been charged with a crime, you’re undoubtedly thinking about the best way to defend yourself. One of the questions you’re likely asking is whether you need to hire a Jacksonville criminal defense attorney or you should represent yourself. While you have a...
An alibi defense can be a powerful tool in a criminal case. But presenting an effective alibi defense is more complicated than you might imagine, and begins with special procedural requirements. If you believe you have an alibi defense, it is important to tell...
If you’ve been charged with a crime in Florida, chances are good that you’ll be offered a plea deal also known as an offer. In a plea deal or an offer, the prosecution typically will convey to you or your attorney what they would be willing to accept as a penalty to...
Any criminal conviction can have serious consequences, but the specific penalties and their severity depend on the nature and classification of the crime. The best way to learn what’s at stake in your specific case is to consult an experienced Jacksonville criminal...
Most people never expect to need a criminal defense attorney, and don’t know much about the profession. That means it’s common to pick up impressions of defense lawyers from television, or a crazy story on the internet, or just stereotypes of unknown origin....
In general usage, “mitigating” simply means decreasing the negative aspects of something. For instance, if presented with bland food, a person might mitigate or improve the bland taste by adding sauce or seasoning. Now in the criminal context, the term mitigation has...
When you think about mental health and criminal defense, the first thing that springs to mind is probably the insanity defense. Florida does recognize an insanity defense, which provides if the defendant who has a mental disease or defect with a defense to criminal...