After an arrest for driving under the influence (DUI), if the driver is alleged to have refused to provide a breath sample or provided a sample resulting over .08, then the arrestee's driver license is supposed to be automatically suspended. This suspension takes place after ten (10) days. A driver must apply to challenge the suspension at the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) or DMV within those same ten (10) days. DHSMV blog.
DUI, the 20 minute observation & DHSMV Hearings
Alimony / Spousal Support in a Florida Divorce
In some divorce cases, alimony can be awarded to a former spouse that is in need of spousal support if the paying spouse has the ability to pay. Alimony is considered after equitable distribution. The court may grant alimony to either spouse. The requesting spouse must demonstrate a need for alimony and the ability of the other spouse to pay alimony.
Leaving The Scene Of Crash Involving Death - Actual Knowledge Required
The criminal traffic charge of Leaving the Scene of an Accident (LSA) or Hit and Run from a crash involving a death is a serious felony.
Carrying of Concealed Weapons or Firearms in a State of Emergency.
In criminal cases, this writer has said, "firearm equals felony". In violations of 790.01, Florida's law that criminalizes the carrying of concealed firearms or weapons, the unlicensed carrying on the person of a weapon is a misdemeanor while unlicensed carrying on the person of a firearm is a felony.
DUI Refusal What You Don't Say or Do Gets Held Against You Too
If a person accused of DUI refuses to submit to field sobriety exercises or to submit a breath sample a common concern is whether the refusal can be used against the DUI Defendant in Court. As to the driver's license, being deemed to have refused will cause an automatic suspension unless a review hearing is requested and won at the Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles (DHSMV).
Settling Criminal Cases - Open Plea & the Mercy of the Court
In criminal cases, it is not uncommon for people to call the office after their current lawyer has failed to reach an acceptable agreement with the prosecutors or the caller does not like the offer received. Sometimes, the unfortunate circumstance of the case is that the prosecutor will not make a deal. Sometimes just having a lawyer who answers to the Defendant for their paycheck instead of the government makes a big difference to the Defendant. Sometimes there are things that can be done to present the case in a better light.
Criminal Self-Defense Immunity a.k.a. Stand Your Ground
Self Defense has been an available affirmative defense to criminal cases since the dawn of society. Florida also has long acknowledged the fundamental right to use force in defense of self or others. The essential elements of self-defense have stayed about the same. A person may use deadly force when it is reasonably necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to the person or to another person. The procedure and burden of proof required to make a self-defense argument has changed.
Divorce, Retirement Pension - Purchase of Premarital Years.
In divorces, a large asset for most people is their retirement or pension. A pension or retirement account is likely a marital asset that has to be divided by the divorce court. If a spouse began saving for retirement before the marriage, or if it is a second or subsequent divorce, then all of the pension may not be a part of the marital estate.
DUI Blood Testing the Unconscious Driver No Warrant Needed...Usually
In a DUI arrest, when a breath test is not available or feasible, or if the circumstances allow, law enforcement may seek a sample of the accused driver's blood to determine a blood alcohol concentration or content (BAC). The question of whether and how the police may take the accused DUI driver's blood has been considered by the United States Supreme Court in the last few years.
Family Law - Child Support Enforcement & Spendthrift Trusts
In family law, whether divorce or paternity, once there is an order of child support, the next problem for some is collecting said support payments. Enforcement of child support can be especially difficult when the obligor has no assets, hidden assets or protected assets. One way to protect assets from being depleted is by having a spendthrift trust that restricts the way that funds that are distributed can be used.
