Bustling retail stores are one of the many hallmarks of the holiday season in Florida and across the nation. It’s also a time when retail-related accidents can occur that may lead to serious injuries. While retail accidents may occur throughout the year, the holiday season can be especially hazardous. Heightened risks may result in: Slips and falls caused by floor hazards, poor lighting, merchandise misplaced on floor Head and body injuries due to falling merchandise,
Read more →
October is Domestic Violence Awareness month. It’s a month set aside during the year to bring awareness to the issues and victims of domestic violence across the nation. It’s an issue that urgently deserves more attention. Every minute across the U.S., 20 people experience domestic violence. We’ll touch on domestic violence statistics in Florida plus State laws and your rights below. However, if you require immediate assistance, please call the Florida Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-500-1119
Read more →
In June 2019, Governor Ron DeSantis signed a comprehensive criminal justice bill into law. Officially becoming law on October 1, 2019, the law reforms many Florida Statutes dealing with the State’s criminal justice system. We’ll discuss many of the criminal justice changes impacted by the law below. If you’re curious about how the criminal justice reforms could potentially impact a criminal charge you’re involved in, we’ll be happy to provide a free consultation. Give us
Read more →
On December 10, 2018, a 24-year old bartender working for a Jupiter, Florida restaurant, owned by Tiger Woods and operated by General Manager Erica Herman, crashed his car and died after leaving his place of employment. The bartender had been drinking in the restaurant after his shift ended and had a blood-alcohol level of .256—three times over the legal limit—when he crashed his car. Earlier this year, the bartender’s parents brought a wrongful death suit
Read more →
Raising a teen can be a stressful experience for any parent. Dealing with teens can be especially complicated when co-parenting them with an ex-spouse. Both parents are dealing with separate households and potentially new relationships. Now, along comes a teenager seeking their own independence. Where before they adoringly followed along with the parent’s instructions and guidance—they’re now constantly questioning and challenging the authority of both parents. Divorced parents along with all other parents deal with
Read more →
This year, Florida joins 45 states in making texting while driving a primary traffic offense. Now, police can pull you over if they see a phone in your hand while driving. Before this new legislation goes into effect on July 1, 2019, texting and driving was considered a secondary offense where drivers could be cited when pulled over for another offense. The legislation aims at reducing the rate of distracted driving in the State. Distracted
Read more →
Florida is a dog-friendly state. Wherever you are, there’s probably a canine nearby. Dog owners frequently take their dogs to restaurants with outdoor patios. Dogs accompany owners on errands, including visits to those big hardware stores. As summer nears, dogs can be found running about with families at Florida beaches and parks. All these Florida Fido activities can be fun and exciting; however, they open up a potential dog bite scenario. A dog bite can
Read more →
When our clients start the process of dissolving their marriage in Florida, the topic of alimony and spousal support invariably comes up. Usually asked in some phrasing of the following questions: “Can I get alimony from my ex?” “Will I have to pay my ex alimony?” Our answer to both questions is: “Maybe.” Florida laws do not provide a guarantee either spouse will be granted alimony or spousal support in cases of divorce. Below, we’ll
Read more →
Have you ever been in a situation where you say to yourself: “I better call MY attorney” That situation could be a potential criminal offense like one of your children being accused of drug possession. Possibly you’ve just been rear-ended in your car and not sure what your next steps should be. Maybe your spouse is considering a divorce and you have questions regarding child custody. If you’re facing any of those situations or countless
Read more →
According to Magistrate Judge Kandis Westmore of the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of California, police cannot force a suspect to unlock their phone through facial recognition, a fingerprint or an iris scan. Forcing a suspect to do so would violate their rights against self-incrimination as protected by the Fifth Amendment. This decision overrules previous circuit court rulings in California that biometric features were considered testimonies since suspects weren’t verbally giving up their
Read more →
