Many Florida drivers might not be aware that their car may have a “black box” designed to capture information just prior to an accident. In 2012, 96 percent of cars had an event data recorder (EDR) installed by the auto manufacturer according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA). The U.S. Congress mandated that all vehicles built starting in 2015 were required to have EDRs. The EDR records data from a vehicle seconds before,
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In 2020, lawmakers in Tallahassee will address spousal support law in Florida. HB 843, a bill introduced in December 2019, proposes to reform alimony practices in Florida. The bill targets many dissolution of marriage “standard of living” considerations, including removal of permanent alimony. For many years, the Florida Legislature has debated removing this type of alimony but was met with resistance from various organizations and government officials, including Gov. Rick Scott who vetoed a bill
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While the holiday season is a time to celebrate joy, peace, friends, and family, it’s also a period where people tend to drink more alcohol. With more people likely to be driving on the road with one too many drinks after leaving a holiday party, restaurant or bar, Florida authorities traditionally increase the amount of their driving under the influence (DUI) enforcement efforts. If you’re a driver facing a DUI charge, Fusco Law Group
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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,
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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
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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
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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
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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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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
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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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