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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At a recent City Council meeting Duval County approved $500,000 to increase DUI checkpoints from two per year to two per month over the next two years. That’s roughly 60 checkpoints over this two year period. These funds are not coming from the current city budget, but rather a grant awarded to the city by the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, a nonprofit with a mission to improve health and safety concerns. At this
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It’s the holiday season and our calendars are booked with office parties along with festive family and friend get-togethers. And it’s common to have a few drinks to add to all the fun. However, that holiday cheer can quickly turn to gloom if you’re not careful. It’s Not Just the Holiday Season, Its DUI Season From Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, expect to see increased police patrols and Jacksonville-area DUI checkpoints. That means more DUI
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People are always wondering what their rights are when it comes to being stopped by Law Enforcement especially if they have consumed alcohol. Though many people feel that it is illegal to drink and drive an automobile in the State of Florida, they are incorrect. So What Does the Law Allow? Florida law allows one to consume alcohol and drive as long as ones normal faculties are not impaired. Normal Faculties is simply a fancy
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A HUGE legal decision for the digital age. On June 25, 2014, the Supreme Court broadened your Constitutional Right to privacy and freedom from unreasonable search and seizure. Police now need a warrant to search your cell phone data. Why the Decision? Prior to this ruling, police were able to go through your cell phone records incident to a lawful arrest. Police were able to literally scroll through your pictures, text, and stored data to
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