Ask a Question

Get free answers to your Criminal Law legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
Florida Criminal Law Questions & Answers
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...
View More

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the jurisdiction, it may be possible to engage an attorney to approach the Prosecutor's Office about having the warrant withdrawn.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

View More Answers

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
PREMIUM
T. Augustus Claus pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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

View More Answers

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
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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
PREMIUM
T. Augustus Claus pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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
PREMIUM
Jonathan Blecher pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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.

View More Answers

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
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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...
View More

View More Answers

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
PREMIUM
T. Augustus Claus pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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...
View More

View More Answers

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

View More Answers

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
PREMIUM
Jonathan Blecher pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Litigation and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: Florida Law/Security Camera footage & use thereof

Can video footage with audio be used for a criminal investigation? We found out our security camera has captured audio (on a public sidewalk) and the conversation includes a discussion of interest for a legal case. We are aware that the audio feature should have been disabled but wasn't (we... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 28, 2023

Please note that I am a Californian attorney, and my response is based on California law. For matters specific to Florida law, it is essential to consult with an attorney licensed in Florida.

However, as a general principle, the use of video footage with audio for a criminal investigation...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Florida on
Q: what is a motion to demand reciprocal discovery and notice of alibi for. i

I know what the discovery is but what is the purpose of demand for reciprocal discovery

Jonathan Blecher
PREMIUM
Jonathan Blecher pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 25, 2023

Rule 3.220 of the Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure outlines each side's obligations to disclose things pertaining to the case. Discovery obligations are different for each party and have various time limits associated with those obligations. A defense filing of a Notice of Intent to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Florida on
Q: My son was sentenced to life for armed robbery with a firearm to wit a bb gun, and under applicable statutes , a bb gun

Is not a firearm under sec 790.01(6) fss 1993. At the sentencing hearing the court believed that it would be invading the province of the jury to find that the evidence did not meet the statutory definition of a firearm. In spite of the law, the court imposed a life sentence. Is this legal? My son... View More

Jeffrey H. Garland
PREMIUM
Jeffrey H. Garland
answered on Jul 25, 2023

You are correct that a BB gun is not a firearm and the charge would be wrong. Robbery with any deadly weapon is a PBL, that is punishable by life. You would have to go back into the record to find out if the information made an allegation of a deadly weapon. The maximum sentence for a simple weapon... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Identity Theft for Florida on
Q: I received letter from postal inspection service that I have been identified as a possible victim of alleged mail theft

Recently I received a letter from postal inspection service that I have been identified as a possible victim of alleged mail theft.

A few months ago somebody broke into my bank account made 2 fradulent transactions. I had to close a bank account and open a new bank account . Also a few... View More

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Jul 24, 2023

I wouldn't worry about revenge, but I would be hesitant to fill out the affidavit insofar as personal data is requested. You indicate it is supposedly from a police department; I would contact the police department independently (not using the contact information you received in the mail) and... View More

View More Answers

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get 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 you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, 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.