As technology continues to evolve, so do the tools law enforcement agencies use in criminal investigations. One such tool is Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs), which capture license plate numbers and vehicle movements for various law enforcement purposes. However, the admissibility of ALPR evidence in criminal prosecutions raises important legal…
Both United States Federal Courts and Florida state courts consider many factors when issuing a sentence after a criminal conviction. Generally, courts will apply factors that relate to the charged crime specifically, as well as factors relating to the defendant’s criminal history, character, and ongoing risk to the public. Sentencing…
Domestic violence allegations in Florida can be some of the toughest types of charges for judges and juries to evaluate. Often, domestic violence charges are based upon “he said-she said ” situations, and it is up to the judge to determine what types of evidence and argument that a jury…
Domestic violence allegations in Florida can be some of the toughest types of charges for judges and juries to evaluate. Often, domestic violence charges are based upon “he said-she said ” situations, and it is up to the judge to determine what types of evidence and argument a jury can…
Child pornography prosecutions in Florida are often reliant on evidence that was obtained by the issuance of a search warrant. In evaluating Florida child pornography cases, understanding the intricacies of search warrant requirements is crucial. If a prosecution relies upon evidence obtained without a valid warrant, dismissal of the charges…
As technology progresses, Florida police officers, prosecutors, and courts face novel questions as to how the Fourth Amendment protections against unlawful searches and seizures apply to evidence sought from a cloud account or other online storage source. The Eleventh Circuit United States Court of Appeals recently ruled on a case…
Defending against sex crime allegations in Florida can be an uphill battle. Florida defendants have the right to a trial by jury, however, selecting a jury in a sex crime prosecution can be especially difficult, as many members of the public may have a bias against anyone accused of a…
In a recent case before a district court in Florida, the State asked the court to reconsider the lower court’s decision to suppress evidence in a drug case. The lower court had originally ruled that the defendant’s motion to suppress should be granted, given that several police officers executing a…
In a recent case before a district court in Florida, the defendant asked the court to reconsider his convictions for trafficking in cocaine and conspiracy to traffic in cocaine. After the defendant was charged with drug-related crimes, his case went to trial, and a jury found him guilty as charged.…
Criminal prosecutions in Florida often rely upon the testimony of law enforcement officers to convince the jury of a defendant’s guilt in cases where the other evidence isn’t very strong. Many jurors have a belief that police officers are inherently more credible than other witnesses, and this may result in…