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  • Florida Criminal Mischief: Charges & Penalties
    Florida Criminal Mischief: Charges & Penalties

    Criminal mischief in Florida, commonly known as vandalism, may seem inoffensive. However, placing graffiti or committing any act of vandalism is considered a criminal offense. In other words, if you are found guilty of criminal mischief in Florida, you could face harsh punishments.  Many Floridians are unaware of the potential...

  • Arson Crimes in Florida: Penalties, Definitions & Defenses
    Arson Crimes in Florida: Penalties, Definitions & Defenses

    In simple terms, arson in Florida is the action of setting fire with the intention to destroy or damage property. Regardless of the motives behind it, arson is a serious offense punishable by imprisonment and hefty fines. As a result, if you have been accused or are under investigation for...

  • Fleeing and Eluding Charges in Florida
    Fleeing and Eluding Charges in Florida

    Being stopped by the police can be overwhelming and frightening. Despite how stressful this situation can be, it is in your best interest to pull over. Failing to stop when directed by a police officer can result in a fleeing and eluding charge in Florida.  Even though it may not...

  • Vehicular Homicide Florida: Definition & Penalties

    Car accidents happen every day. In addition to injuries and a bad experience, drivers could also face a vehicular homicide charge in Florida if someone died as a result of reckless driving. Due to its severity, a conviction for this offense can result in imprisonment, hefty fines, community service, and...

  • Resisting an Arrest in FL: Laws, Definitions & Penalties
    Resisting an Arrest in FL: Laws, Definitions & Penalties

    Facing a potential arrest can be a stressful situation. Regardless of how overwhelming this can be, you should remain calm and avoid arguing or obstructing any law enforcement officer. If you fail to do this, you could be charged with a count of resisting arrest in Florida.   Given that this...

  • Motion for Downward Departure Florida: Grounds & Statutes
    Motion for Downward Departure Florida: Grounds & Statutes

    The criminal justice system can be daunting, especially when you are facing the possibility of being sentenced. Since there are numerous legal terms with which the common public is unfamiliar, people often wonder what is downward departure in Florida.  Downward departure in Florida is a sentence that reduces an offender’s...

  • Motion to Dismiss a Restraining Order in Florida
    Motion to Dismiss a Restraining Order in Florida

    Injunctions for protection, or restraining orders, can negatively affect your life since they prevent you from going to certain places and exercising your right to own a gun, among other things. For this reason, many people wonder how they can get an injunction removed in Florida.  To dissolve a restraining...

  • Hit and Run St. Petersburg: Florida Laws & Penalties
    Hit and Run St. Petersburg: Florida Laws & Penalties

    Under Florida law, if you were in a car accident that caused property damage or injuries to other people, it is illegal to flee from the scene of the accident. If you fail to stop, provide your information, and render aid, you could face a charge for hit and run...

  • Sex Offender vs Sex Predator: Florida Laws & Definitions
    Sex Offender vs Sex Predator: Florida Laws & Definitions

    When it comes to sex crimes in Florida, many people assume that sex offender and sex predator are interchangeable terms. However, these designations are not synonymous and, in fact, they have important distinctions. As a result, it is important to understand what is the difference between sex offenders and predators...

  • First Time Offenders in Florida: Definitions & Acts
    First Time Offenders in Florida: Definitions & Acts

    In some cases, first-time offenders in Florida may receive the court’s mercy. This could mean that, instead of facing imprisonment, first-time offenders may be suitable for rehabilitation or, if the prosecutor agrees, charges may be dropped altogether.  However, this option is only available for certain crimes. In the following sections,...