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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When the holiday festivities end, people begin their planning for the New Year. For many couples, the New Year means beginning the process of divorce. January is dubbed National Divorce Month. It’s the month when courts start seeing a spike in divorce cases. In 2019, January 7 is dubbed Divorce Day. A day when Family Law Attorneys receive an increase in inquiries about divorce. The timing makes some sense. Many couples prefer not to spoil
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If you’re ever caught shoplifting in Florida, you could face serious criminal penalties. You’ll also be joining a group of people that include young and old, rich and poor, celebrities and politicians. According to the National Association for Shoplifting Prevention (NASP), 1 in 11 people will shoplift during their lifetime. However, only 1 in 48 shoplifters will be caught. Penalties for shoplifting can include fines, jail and prison time. It’s a serious charge that could
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Holidays are meant to be joyful for the whole family. However, the holidays can be stressful for divorced and separated parents and their children who must deal with visitation issues. Between parents and extended families, the holidays can be tough, taxing, and traumatic for everyone involved with children of divorce or separation. It doesn’t have to be. Many holiday planners (and Martha Stewart followers) know that a well-organized holiday schedule can be the best way
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