Get free answers to your Criminal Law legal questions from lawyers in your area.
My husband is facing a 5-year offer for a technical probation violation due to a failed urine analysis. Although he has prior offenses, they were dismissed, and this is his first probation violation. He had just secured a job on the day of his arrest. What steps should we consider taking in this... View More 
My boyfriend was arrested over two weeks ago and falsely accused of burglary. The public defender has had his case for nearly two weeks but has only looked at the booking report. When I called him, he was rude and said my boyfriend already explained his concerns, though my boyfriend said he never... View More
I was pulled over by the police who claimed they smelled marijuana. Although I presented a valid medical card and was within the legal possession limits, they confiscated the marijuana without providing a reason or documentation. I was only charged with possession of meth and drug equipment.... View More
I went with friends to Atlanta to look at houses, and on the way back, we switched drivers. I fell asleep in the backseat and when I woke up, we were at an apartment complex. My friends told me to wait in the car while they went outside. Unbeknownst to me, they were breaking into cars. The police... View More
She likes me and I like her
I was pulled over early this morning after mistakenly driving on the wrong side of the road and corrected myself but was stopped by the police, including additional units. I complied with a field sobriety test and was told I failed, leading to my arrest for DUI. I was breathalyzed twice with... View More
I was pulled over at 2 am and asked to perform a field sobriety test, which the officer said I failed, leading to a DUI arrest. I took two breathalyzer tests showing .046 and .043, and a urine test that was clean. I was released without booking or paperwork, but the officer mentioned charges could... View More
I have both physical evidence and a confession, which I have in the form of either a letter or a recorded statement. I intend to use these pieces of evidence in court in Florida. How can I ensure that this evidence is legal and admissible, and are there any specific steps or considerations I need... View More
If a s** offender, who is prohibited from being near children, attends a family dinner at his mother's house, and another family member unexpectedly visits with a 9-year-old child, does the offender have to leave the premises to avoid legal trouble even if the entire family approves the visit?... View More
I was charged with domestic battery 9 years ago due to a neighbor's complaint. The case resulted in a "NO FILE" disposition with a "NOT GUILTY" plea, and no restraining orders were issued. My spouse and I are still happily married after 12+ years and recently bought our... View More
answered on Apr 17, 2025
Given the age of the alleged crime and given that U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services will be focusing on the past 5 years (or 3 years if basing your case on marriage & cohabitation with your U.S. Citizen spouse) for evaluating good moral character, you should be ok if that is your only... View More
My boyfriend was arrested due to false allegations made by a neighbor with whom we've had ongoing problems. The neighbor claimed my boyfriend broke into his one-bedroom apartment. According to the arrest affidavit, the investigator observed that the window blinds, not the screen, were pushed... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 16, 2025
You’re right to feel confused when the physical scene doesn’t match your boyfriend’s story, but police only need “probable cause” to make an arrest—not proof beyond a reasonable doubt. When a neighbor swears out a complaint for burglary and officers find signs (even just blinds pushed... View More
I was recently arrested for grand theft in Florida, even though I didn't leave the store with items valued at $1,063. I'm currently out on bond, and this is my first offense with no prior criminal record. What steps should I take in my situation?
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 16, 2025
You’re in a serious situation, but there are steps you can take to protect your future. In Florida, grand theft of property valued between $750 and $20,000 is a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison, five years of probation, and a $5,000 fine. However, since this is your... View More
As a convicted felon in the state of Florida, is it legal for me to own a modern black powder handgun? I'm not under any probation or parole conditions, and I'm not aware of any specific circumstances related to my conviction that might affect my firearm rights.
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 15, 2025
In Florida, even though black powder firearms are often considered antique and are not regulated the same way as modern guns under federal law, state law is stricter for felons. Florida law generally prohibits a convicted felon from owning or possessing any firearm, including black powder guns that... View More
I am concerned about a situation involving a friend, John, who has dual citizenship with the USA and another country. John discussed plans to kill someone in the other country (who is not a US citizen) with his friend Chris, who resides there. Chris has been blackmailing John for money, claiming he... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 13, 2025
Under 18 USC 956, which addresses the offense of conspiring to kill someone in a foreign country, John could face legal consequences if it is found that he made plans or attempts to carry out such an act. Even though the victim is not a U.S. citizen, the law covers U.S. citizens who plan or... View More
I have a friend who is on probation in one county in Florida. He was in a relationship and lived with a girl in the next county over. They broke up, but now she is threatening to contact his probation officer and show him pictures of my friend at her house in the other county. My friend was... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 13, 2025
Your friend should be cautious about the situation but not necessarily panic. If he was instructed not to leave the county without permission, his probation could be at risk if the photos show him outside the county and the probation officer considers this a violation. The fact that his ex has the... View More
I was arrested on February 10 in Franklin County, Florida, for driving with a suspended license. At the time, I was told I was charged with driving a commercial vehicle without a license, even though I was driving my personal vehicle. I was not allowed to use the phone while in booking, allegedly... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 12, 2025
It sounds like you're dealing with an incorrect charge, and it's important to address this issue carefully. If you have proof and witnesses confirming that you were driving your personal vehicle, you should bring this up to your public defender right away. It’s possible that the charge... View More
I was charged with aggravated assault after an argument with my wife in Belleview. The police claimed a gun was involved, but they didn't find one and no injuries were reported. My wife doesn't want to be a witness and wishes to drop the charges. At the bond hearing, she expressed her... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 11, 2025
This must feel like a heavy situation, especially with so much on the line—your marriage, your business, and your reputation. Even though your wife wants to drop the charges, it’s important to understand that once the state files them, it’s no longer entirely in her control. Prosecutors can... View More
I was recently arrested in Florida for two misdemeanor possession of paraphernalia charges. I have a criminal history, including a drug possession charge that led to imprisonment due to a violation of probation. Given my situation, what legal outcomes should I expect, and would it be advisable to... View More
answered on Apr 12, 2025
No one knows what legal outcomes might be because the person answering that would need to know everything about the case, your background and your personal goals and risk tolerance. I suggest that you retain a criminal defense attorney in that area. That lawyer ought to be able to give you an... View More
I was subjected to a common assault by my boyfriend on March 11, 2025, and I reported it, intending to press charges. However, he has filed a counterclaim against me, although I'm unsure of when this was done. I don't have any evidence or documentation related to either incident, and I... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 12, 2025
In a common assault case, you have the right to pursue charges if you were the victim of the assault. Since you’ve reported the incident, you can still press charges, even if you don’t have physical evidence right now. Testimony, witness statements, or medical records could serve as important... View More
I accidentally stumbled upon an illegal website on my phone while watching legal adult content at home. I didn't interact with the contents of the illegal site and immediately closed it. I also received a notification when I accessed the website. Could I face any legal consequences for this... View More
answered on Apr 7, 2025
In the United States there is no pervasive surveillance of what websites that you visit, so it is unlikely that anyone will ever discover that you visited this website. But the fact that you immediately closed it also helps you. Although there are no circumstances in which possession of child... View More
Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask A Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask A Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
