Getting pulled over by police during a traffic stop can be nerve wracking, especially if you have a firearm in the vehicle. If you’re a law-abiding gun owner—meaning you hold a concealed weapon license (CWL) or you are properly storing the firearm in your vehicle without a concealed permit—you need to familiarize yourself with the law and your constitutional rights. After all, we’ve all probably seen various news media reports on police interactions with gun
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Let’s say you’re late for work; you hop on I95 and start speeding north toward Downtown Jacksonville. Hey, that car in front is moving way too slow for you. You tailgate for a moment looking for that brief opening in the lane on your left. There’s the opening. You whip your car over, punch the gas passing the car on your right then zip over in front of it. Weaving in and out, you’re now
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Given the driving conditions in Northeast Florida, you could say auto accidents are just waiting to happen. If you’re unfortunate to be involved in a car accident, here’s my very important legal advice: Don’t leave. Staying at the scene of an accident can help you avoid significant hit and run penalties that include fines, revoked licenses and jail time. If you’ve left the scene of an accident, stop reading and please call my office immediately
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Your right to legally use medical marijuana in Florida took a giant leap forward on January 3, 2017. That’s when amendment 2–Florida Medical Marijuana Legalization Initiative—went into effect. On November 8, 2016, 71% of Florida voters said yes to legalize medical marijuana for individuals with specific debilitating diseases or comparable debilitating conditions as determined by a licensed state physician. While the amendment win is big news for marijuana-use advocates, celebration might be premature. The actual
Read more →The holidays are here! Being out at bars and restaurants with friends and family is all part of the seasonal celebrations. For many, those celebrations could include a drink or two. For some, those celebrations could mean a costly Jacksonville DUI Holiday Checkpoint encounter. Around major holidays, law enforcement officers deploy an increased number of DUI checkpoints throughout the area to catch impaired drivers. Costs of DUI Those caught driving while intoxicated or under
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Criminal Defense Attorney, Lewis Fusco, recently appeared on the Jacksonville Buzz during their Ask the Attorney segment.
Read more →Today’s news is filled with negative and, sometimes, downright violent interactions between the public and Police or other Government Authorities. I understand that nervous sinking feeling you get in your stomach when you see the blue lights from a police vehicle in your rearview mirror. In that moment, a series of thoughts probably run through your head: “Was I speeding?” “Do I have a broken taillight?” “Is my license tag expired?” Then, you might start
Read more →Several New Florida Laws Take Effect in 2016. Here’s How Some Could Impact You, Our State Government passed 279 bills so far this year. Many already took effect. Others are waiting in the wings to shortly impact Florida residents and businesses. When it comes to our State Government, just remember “What happens in Tallahassee doesn’t stay in Tallahassee.” That’s why Duval, Clay, St. Johns County and surrounding community residents need to be vigilant and knowledgeable
Read more →It’s scary being charged with a crime. Especially, when you’re facing prison or jail time. What do I find scary? The thought of a first time offender from Jacksonville facing the full force of the Florida legal system bent on wringing out a guilty plea without being advised of all the alternatives, or future ramifications of a criminal conviction. Let’s face it, the judicial system isn’t prepared to counsel you fully on your rights and
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Medical marijuana finally entered the Florida market on July 26, 2016 at a shop in a strip mall located in Tallahassee. Six Florida medical cannabis licensees will eventually open dispensaries throughout the state. Don’t get too excited. While it looks like Florida is warming up to a marijuana trend popping up all over the United States, the State has yet to completely jump on the bandwagon. The following has changed: Based on the Compassionate Medical
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