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Florida Criminal Law Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Litigation, Constitutional Law and Federal Crimes for Florida on
Q: i am the victim of a kidnapping, false imprisonment, car jacking, assault/battery. What kind of lawyer should I look for

Polk county, I was cleaning a friends yard when he ex rolls up, assaults me, steals my truck, takes my phone, makes me ride with him, until I finally jump out, run and call the police from my smart watch. I would like to know what kind of lawyer I should be looking into. I need help with all of the... View More

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Oct 1, 2023

You have the right to make a claim for money damages against the perpetrator for actual monetary losses and for pain and suffering damages. If you have monetary losses directly caused by the crime, first speak to the prosecutor (Asst. State Attorney) because he/she may be able to seek restitution... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Personal Injury for Florida on
Q: Can you sue the government for taking too long to prosecute?

I went to the police in December 2021 for being a victim of a sex crime. The arrested him last year and we have yet to get a conviction, he has been in jail for over a year. The legal representative for the government is staying in contact but can we sue for the time that this is taking?

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Sep 28, 2023

No. Penalties imposed for criminal acts are meant to benefit the public, not private parties such as you. Similarly, if the perpetrator had been promptly prosecuted and acquitted, you would not have had standing to appeal. Your remedy would have been a civil case, if you could have proven money... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Florida on
Q: If your probation is revocated does the sentence start over?
Michael Celso Gonzalez
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answered on Sep 27, 2023

Your sentence does not start over. You can be sentenced to anything you could have originally been sentenced. For example, if you have a meth possession case the maximum sentence is 5 years in prison. If you got 18 months probation and willfully and substantially violated that probation in any... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law, Criminal Law and Family Law for Florida on
Q: My daughter lives in Florida. I overheard a fight w/ her mom. Is that considered eavesdropping? I live in another state.

I'm her step mom. I was not recording, and I was not planning on using it in court. I just read about eavesdropping and didn't know if no recording was a factor. Thank you so much for the information, a lot of weight was just lifted.

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Sep 23, 2023

Well, it was "eavesdropping" if one or both of them didn't know you were listening, but it was not necessarily unlawful. If you were on the phone with one of them, and she happened to hold onto the phone or put it down (knowing you were still there) as she started the interaction... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Florida on
Q: I am trying to find out what a one-way contact order

I have an upcoming hearing for a injunction that was filed against me, I haven’t violated the order whatsoever and have been waiting for my court date, the opposing counsel made an offer for a one-way contact order, I’m trying to figure out what that means

Chris Beardslee
Chris Beardslee
answered on Sep 20, 2023

Typically, this creates an avenue for a respondent (person who has been served the injunction) to communicate with a a petitioner (person seeking the injunction) for limited purposes. Unless you filed an injunction back at them, the contact order is already one-way (The petitioner is not legally... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Florida on
Q: Cop followed me, I pulled in my yard went threw the gate then cop turned lights on. I was pulled over for expired tag in

never charged for expired tag but did give me a ticket for dwls hto, is that legal? im taking it to trial.

Sherry Ivey Jones
Sherry Ivey Jones
answered on Sep 18, 2023

The expired tag gave the officer probable cause to make a valid stop. Then, your license was suspended, so yes, that is legal. You really should have a lawyer to help you defend your case, if you don't have one already.

(not intended to be legal advice, since I do not have all the...
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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Florida on
Q: Can you fight a warrent

I had a ubaul it was returned and they didn't press charges and I have a payment plan. Set but the state is trying to file charges.

Leonard Louis Cagan
Leonard Louis Cagan
answered on Sep 6, 2023

Depending on the jurisdiction, it may be possible to engage an attorney to approach the Prosecutor's Office about having the warrant withdrawn. An obstacle may be whether a prosecutor has been assigned to the case. Your attorney can determine who sought the warrant and approach that person.... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Florida on
Q: Can you fight a warrent

I had a ubaul it was returned and they didn't press charges and I have a payment plan. Set but the state is trying to file charges.

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Sep 5, 2023

In Florida, as in many other places, if there is an active warrant for your arrest, it typically means that law enforcement has obtained a judge's authorization to arrest you based on probable cause for a specific offense. Warrants can be issued for various reasons, including criminal charges... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Immigration Law for Florida on
Q: My Mother is seeking visitation to the U.S. Is an I-212 waiver the best approach?

I obtained a FOIA for my mother's file, but most documents are blank. Based on what I found, my mother's mother sought permanent residency for my mom when she was a minor in March 1983. They were granted permanent residence but failed to go to the interview/complete process. Three months... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 3, 2023

Your mother's situation is complicated and involves both immigration law and criminal law elements. An I-212 waiver could potentially allow her to reapply for admission after being deported, but whether she qualifies as a citizen because her mother was naturalized before she turned 18 would... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Immigration Law for Florida on
Q: My Mother is seeking visitation to the U.S., Is an I-212 waiver the best approach?

My Mother is seeking visitation to the U.S., Is an I-212 waiver the best approach?

I obtained a FOIA for my mother's file, but most documents are blank. Based on what I found, my mother's mother sought permanent residency for my mom when she was a minor in March 1983. They were... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 3, 2023

Your mother's situation is complicated and involves both immigration law and criminal law elements. An I-212 waiver could potentially allow her to reapply for admission after being deported, but whether she qualifies as a citizen because her mother was naturalized before she turned 18 would... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Florida on
Q: In a single count premeditated murder, if acquitted of premeditated murder can the state try me for felony murder ? Fla
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Sep 1, 2023

In Florida, if you are acquitted of premeditated murder for a specific incident, the state generally cannot try you again for felony murder based on the same underlying facts and circumstances of that incident. This principle is known as "double jeopardy," which is a constitutional... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Florida on
Q: If a person kills in self defense, can he ask for a lawyer before explaining to the officers what happened in detail?

Only telling the officer it was in self defense.

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Aug 26, 2023

Certainly. He should contact an attorney before saying anything.

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Florida on
Q: What does this mean? ORDER GRANTING MOTION TO SETASDE THE BOND ESTREATURE

ORDER GRANTING MOTION TO SETASDE THE BOND ESTREATURE

THIS CAUSE, having come on to be heard on the Surety, XXXXX, Motion to Set Aside and the Bond Estreature and the Court having considered the circumstances, the agrcement of the parties, and being otherwise advised in the premises, it is... View More

Jonathan Blecher
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answered on Aug 23, 2023

Minor typographical mistakes aside, this Order is fairly standard and simply means that the surety (bail bondsperson) is no longer responsible to pay the Clerk the bail amount. Either the Defendant was surrendered or the Court vacated the estreature for other reasons.

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2 Answers | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law, Military Law and Criminal Law for Florida on
Q: I was never convicted in an Administrative Hearing in 2002 USMC, but my CO recommended Discharge anyway.

I received an Honorable Discharge. When applying for a job, the arrest record of 2002/2003 shows. Can I get that arrest record expunged? If so what are the steps?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 11, 2023

The process of expunging an arrest record can vary significantly based on jurisdiction, the nature of the offenses involved, and other factors.

In general, to pursue expungement, you would likely want to take the following steps:

Review your Eligibility: Different jurisdictions have...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Criminal Law for Florida on
Q: Can a probation officer who intentionally filed a false probation report in order to have me violated be sued for liable

I was violated for allegedly be alone with my son. The officer that made the report did not witness me alone with my son, nor did the officer who visited my home the night beforehand and reported back to my primary officer

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Aug 9, 2023

I believe you mean libel (written defamation of character) - that is, can he be held liable for libel? First, you must be cleared of the probation violation charge. If you are found guilty, you likely cannot sue anyone for anything regarding the charge - so if the charge is still pending, you... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Florida on
Q: Can you get a child abuse felony expunged from your record
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Aug 9, 2023

In many jurisdictions, the eligibility for expungement of a child abuse felony depends on factors such as the severity of the offense, the time that has passed since the conviction, your criminal record, and other individual circumstances.

In some states, certain serious offenses, including...
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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Florida on
Q: Can you get a child abuse felony expunged from your record
Leonard Louis Cagan
Leonard Louis Cagan
answered on Aug 9, 2023

Whether a case can be expunged has more to do with what the outcome of the case was than what the charge was. If the case was dropped, you will have a better shot. If the outcome was a withhold of adjudication it would require a sealing for ten years if you are even eligible. That is dependent on... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Criminal Law for Florida on
Q: Fla. judge fails to deny motion to disqualify within 30 day deadline, Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.330(l) and refuses to recuse

Judge acting with total absence of all jurisdiction. violation of civil right of procedural due process of law, access to the court and self-representation. Illegally ruled me a vexatious litigant to prevent me from defending my case.

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Aug 7, 2023

This is a question and answer forum forum, and you have no question here. If your question would be, "What litigation steps should I take in my case now?", that type of question, which would seek specific legal advice about your ongoing litigation, can be answered only by scheduling a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Immigration Law for Florida on
Q: Boyfriend was arrested with felony battery charge now has an ICE hold. If charges were to be dropped would ICE detain?

Arrested on a felony battery charge, bond was set but was recommended defendant remain in County custody until case is resolved. We are working to get charges dismissed. There is an ICE hold, defendant only recently submitted asylum paperwork prior to arrest. Will ICE still detain defendant if he... View More

Jonathan Blecher
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answered on Aug 7, 2023

Possibly. Whether ICE will detain depends on his immigration status, the reason for the ICE hold, and the specific circumstances of the case. It's essential to consult with an immigration attorney to understand the situation better and get accurate advice. You don't need a conviction to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts and Criminal Law for Florida on
Q: stolen or lost item, what value can I sue for ?

Hi, I purchased a 14k gold jewelry item at a good deal , item was delivered by FEDEX to a courier company , they signed for the package on 4/27, when we questioned as to where our package was as it had not been forwarded with other packages we received, we were given different reasons, excuses,... View More

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Aug 6, 2023

You likely can make a claim for the dollar value (only). But whether you can sue in court to make such a claim, and if so, where, and when (immediately or after some other step to be taken first), depends on your delivery contract terms. The contract might contain an arbitration clause requiring... View More

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