HOW TO BEGIN If you want to appeal, you will have 30 days after the Hearing Officer’s final order is issued to file a certiorari petition. Fla. R. App. P. 9.100(c), 9.190(b)(3). This deadline is jurisdictional and heavily enforced. The deadline applies even if the Department is late in giving you the final order or…
read moreHere are the various processes involved in a criminal case, including the steps, whether or not to move forward with a motion to suppress, as well as what to expect at your plea hearing and your trial. Want to download a free copy of the official Criminal Process Chart PDF from Leppard Law: Florida DUI…
read moreDeciding on a lawyer can be an extremely difficult and oftentimes daunting task. How do you know what to ask, and who will best fit your legal needs? Before you decide on a lawyer to handle your case, you want to have a list of questions to discuss during your free or low-cost consultation. Below are nine questions…
read moreWhen there is a no contact order placed against you, it is an extremely difficult time. Here are some frequently asked questions and helpful answers for you. If you are ever unsure about anything, contact your attorney and ask for his/her advice. There is a no contact order in place against me, what does that…
read moreCriminal Law Terms: Acquittal – A release, absolution, or discharge of an obligation or liability. Commonly in criminal law, this can happen when a jury finds a defendant not guilty of a criminal charge. Adjudication – Giving or pronouncing a judgment or decree; the judgment given. This term is common used when a judge finds…
read moreCivil forfeiture laws allow police to seize your property, sell it and use the money to fund agency budgets. This means your car, cash, real estate or other property can be taken from you even if you are not convicted or charged with a crime. I’m sure you are wondering how your property can be taken from you if…
read moreIn Florida, a driver’s license may be suspended for a variety of reasons, including, but not limited to: Failure to pay a traffic fine. Failure to pay child support. Failure to maintain insurance. Reckless driving. Driving Under the Influence (DUI). Accumulation of traffic points. There are a number of driving related offenses that someone could…
read more1. What rights do I have? Whether you are an adult citizen or non-citizen, you have certain constitutional rights after you are arrested. Before the law enforcement officer questions you after an arrest, he or she should tell you that: You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say may be used against you.…
read moreDriving under the influence (DUI) is defined as operating a motor vehicle while impaired with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, a chemical substance, or a controlled substance after taking an alcohol test. Those under 21 years old can be charged with a DUI if their BAC is 0.02% or over and…
read moreIt is not uncommon to see police officers implementing speed traps in areas where the speed limit drops drastically within short distances. Sometimes, officers feel the need to implement these speed traps in order to meet monthly traffic ticket quotas. Fortunately for motorists, Gov. Rick Scott signed a law this week that forbids local governments…
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