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
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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
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As Florida voters go to the polls this November, nearly 1.5 million Floridians with felony convictions will not be given that opportunity to have their voices heard. That could all change if 60 percent of Florida voters approve Amendment 4—the Voting Restoration Amendment. The Felon Voting Law That Amendment 4 Would Change The Florida Constitution says that a convicted felon cannot vote until their civil rights have been restored. This voting right restriction impacts 10
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For many boaters throughout the country, the wrap up of summer fun means one last boating adventure before fall and winter arrive. While summer is the height of boating season in Florida as well, we’re fortunate to enjoy weather that allows boating throughout most of the year. Northeast Florida offers miles and miles of waterways. All enjoyed by 59,256 boaters who registered their recreational vessels in Duval, Nassau, St. Johns and Clay counties according to
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As a Jacksonville police officer takes you into custody, he informs you that: “You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you.” As you’re put into the back of the police car, it’s imperative you understand and heed those words. Especially the first
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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 →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 →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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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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