tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56657115094027870952024-02-20T14:26:03.785-05:00Criminal Attorney St. Petersburg - Morris Law FirmThe Morris Law Firm is dedicated to Criminal Defense, and represents clients throughout Pinellas County and the entire Tampa Bay Area (Hillsborough, Pasco, Manatee, Sarasota) on DUI, Domestic Violence, Juvenile Offenses, Drug Offenses & Trafficking, White Collar Crime, Traffic Offenses, Driver License Suspensions, BUI, Battery / Assault, Theft, Burglary / Robbery, Firearm Offenses, Violations of Probation, Sealing / Expunging criminal records, and all other misdemeanor and felony offenses.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07925388323814003166noreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665711509402787095.post-25434343093538022252013-08-09T23:54:00.000-04:002013-08-09T23:54:03.694-04:00Florida Supreme Court Restricts Cell Phone Searches<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 14pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tampa Bay Criminal Attorney</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and Former State Prosecutor Melinda Morris of the Morris Law Firm discusses the recent Florida Supreme Court ruling that holds a warrant is required before the content of a cell phone or smartphone may be searched.</span></h3>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-6e014cfb-6658-f1f8-4e18-afda5e542869" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Issue:</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Fourth Amendment establishes that, “[t]he right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated . . . .” That said, police regularly search suspects during an arrest without a warrant. The U.S. Supreme Court has held that police may not require a warrant under the “search incident to arrest doctrine” that provides two exceptions for a valid warrantless search: (1) officer safety, and (2) preservation of evidence.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A recent case in Florida (Smallwood v. State) brought this issue to the State Supreme Court. Mr. Smallwood was arrested in 2008 and charged with robbery of a Jacksonville convenience store. Smallwood was arrested 15 days after robbing the store at which time police seized his cell phone and searched its contents while he was held in a police car. Police identified pictures of the gun used during the robbery, cash, and other evidence that tied him to the robbery.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In a 5-2 ruling, the Florida Supreme Court ruled in the Smallwood case that police must have a warrant before searching the contents of a person’s cell phone or smartphone.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The search incident to arrest exception may only be used when there is either: (1) a reasonable concern for officer safety, or (2) a reasonable danger that the evidence may be destroyed. The U.S. Supreme Court has held that the reasonableness of a search depends on the “facts and circumstances,” and the “total atmosphere of case.”</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">With regards to officer safety, the U.S. Supreme Court has held that the law enforcement officer must have reasonable grounds to fear for his safety for a warrantless search incident to arrest to be considered valid. The arrestees property no longer poses a danger to the officer when seized and secured, thus the search no longer falls within the search incident to arrest exception.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">With regards to preservation of evidence, the U.S. Supreme Court has held that the law enforcement officer must have reasonable grounds to believe that there is a possibility for evidence to be concealed or destroyed for a warrantless search incident to arrest to be considered valid. Once law enforcement has control of the personal property of the arrestee (the cell or smartphone), there is no longer a reasonable danger that the evidence may be destroyed. Investigatory searches of cell phones not intended to preserve evidence are invalid under the search incident to arrest exception.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><img height="286px;" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/KBUi-aDQ0PC80vVqrnd402McuvF_ROU4S3VgvjhCFuuuH5pCdqt6_d-BXi6OaY_4x4QNtHEFuw0_vx9X07scs565PghglOQBIw3PtFA35c3wcG7hMRMG1dey" width="388px;" /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Why This Matters To You:</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Florida Supreme Court has created case law under the Smallwood case that now requires a warrant to search a person’s cell phone or smartphone. The Court stated that, ““Vast amounts of private, personal information can be stored and accessed in or through these small electronic devices…” The Florida Supreme Court’s ruling does not affect U.S. Supreme Court precedent regarding the exceptions for a valid warrantless search discussed above. The ruling does however put law enforcement on notice that a valid warrant must be procured before searching a person’s cell phone or smartphone where officer safety or preservation of the evidence is not in question. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Many arrests made in the Tampa Bay area by local law enforcement include a search of the personal property of the alleged offender including in some cases the contents of a cell phone or smartphone. Alleged criminal offenders that have been arrested by local law enforcement where a search of personal property has taken place may have been arrested using inadmissible evidence that produced potentially inaccurate affidavits of arrest, which may be grounds for the</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/FirstTimeOffenders/DismissalofCharges.aspx" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> dismissal of the criminal charges</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What To Do Next:</span></div>
<br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you have been arrested in the Tampa Bay area and your cellphone or smartphone was searched incident to arrest, contact the Morris Law Firm, a St. Petersburg based Criminal Defense Law Firm to discuss possible defenses and specific strategies that may exist in your case. Call the Morris Law Firm at 727-388-4736 to discuss your case directly with an attorney, or fill out our Online Form (found on our main web site) to be contacted for a free initial consultation. The Morris Law Firm can help. Attorney Melinda Morris has specific knowledge and experience in representing alleged criminal offenders throughout the Tampa Bay Florida area including Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07925388323814003166noreply@blogger.com0111 2nd Avenue Northeast #515, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA27.7734044 -82.63425352.2513699000000003 -123.9428475 53.2954389 -41.3256595tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665711509402787095.post-84976818933098697302012-08-11T22:52:00.000-04:002012-08-11T22:53:18.394-04:00Pinellas Narcotics Detective Resigns<b id="internal-source-marker_0.4725674947258085" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tampa Bay Criminal Attorney</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and Former State Prosecutor Melinda Morris of the Morris Law Firm discusses the recent resignation of a Pinellas County Narcotics Detective based on evidence the Sheriff’s Office had against him.</span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Issue:</span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In late 2011 the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit carried out a questionable sting operation on citizens that frequented a legal hydroponics gardening store in Largo. Allegations of trespassing and lying to get </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">judges to issue search warrants plagued the operation led by Pinellas Narcotics Detective Michael Sciarrino. Sciarrino was set to be interviewed under oath at an administrative hearing, instead he abruptly quit. It is speculated that Sciarrino did not want to answer questions under oath after he read thousands of pages of investigative reports compiled by the Sheriff’s Office Internal Investigation Department.</span></b><br />
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><img height="203px;" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/hqq6axqKBv7HUvaUmQVfvINbtcS4se83juDD-Bz9kBfuf3---FpiifEROkwfiQ0aQkzZQXnvcSpBHHDkI-G-aUxfyLAQviLGE_YwHjB8NJQdEwOA820" width="327px;" /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Why This Matters To You:</span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The continuing turmoil at the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office places additional doubt on whether or not the group is properly following procedures in many areas. These events also cast doubt that Sheriff’s Officers are operating in a fair and consistent manner to alleged offenders. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Many arrests made by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office have already been thrown out, and as additional facts come to light more may follow. Alleged criminal offenders that have been arrested by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, especially by narcotics detectives, may have been arrested using questionable tactics that produced potentially inaccurate affidavits of arrest, which may be grounds for the</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/FirstTimeOffenders/DismissalofCharges.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">dismissal of the criminal charges</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What To Do Next:</span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you have been arrested by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office in the Tampa Bay area and feel that your charges may be questionable, contact the Morris Law Firm, a St. Petersburg based Criminal Defense Law Firm to discuss possible defenses and specific strategies that may exist in your case. Call the Morris Law Firm at 727-388-4736 to discuss your case directly with an attorney, or fill out our Online Form (found on our main web site) to be contacted for a free initial consultation. The Morris Law Firm can help. Attorney Melinda Morris has specific knowledge and experience in representing alleged felony offenders throughout the Tampa Bay Florida area including Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties.</span></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07925388323814003166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665711509402787095.post-70438111247325208802012-06-08T09:00:00.000-04:002012-06-08T09:00:15.520-04:00Unwise Use of Social Media Can Bring Criminal Charges in Tampa Bay<b id="internal-source-marker_0.3637113990262151" style="font-weight: normal;"></b><br />
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<b id="internal-source-marker_0.3637113990262151" style="font-weight: normal;"><b id="internal-source-marker_0.3637113990262151" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tampa Bay Criminal Attorney</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and Former State Prosecutor Melinda Morris of the Morris Law Firm discusses how the unwise use of social media sites such as Facebook can bring criminal charges.</span></b></b></h3>
<b id="internal-source-marker_0.3637113990262151" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Issue:</span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There have been many examples of seemingly innocuous use of social media sites such as Facebook that have ended with the user facing criminal charges. Most recently, a group of friends who planned to party at </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fort De Soto Park in Pinellas County posted images of their libations that they appropriately dubbed the “mountain of booze,” to sites such as Facebook (through the Socialcam app) and YouTube. Unfortunately for the revelers, a park volunteer had a Google Alert setup to send a message when anything was posted online regarding “Fort De Soto Park.” The volunteer alerted park security who trespassed the organizer of the group who had made the reservation. The trespass can come with a criminal charge which is a second degree misdemeanor. </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><img height="185px;" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/Aa7ityV5t5kfbP6QNkVnFBFVbwZglysuVe1i3u_tSx6ACG2ZHpjJFQvSoNzJN8IdyIgMp9RtjU6Z1nUFBdF_D2Hcmnj1RTm4GAXs9bBZxkCO6TwPD7U" width="200px;" /><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Why This Matters To You:</span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In this case, the alleged offenders were simply using social media like so many others do. With advances in technology authorities and law enforcement are able to closely monitor online activity that may violate the law and respond almost immediately. In the case of the Fort De Soto partiers, authorities trespassed and escorted the party off the premises before the party even began. The organizer may face a second degree misdemeanor which is punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.</span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Users of social media sites should be aware that over-sharing can bring criminal charges. The Fort De Soto partiers posted a video that detailed both the exact quantities of alcohol they had on hand (none of which is allowed in a Pinellas County park) and their exact location. In other cases of social media use leading to criminal charges, users have posted threats or actual evidence of a crime they have committed including photos and/or videos. While the users may think that this information may not bring criminal charges, it in fact can be used by law enforcement as evidence of a crime.</span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What To Do Next:</span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you have been charged with criminal offense in the Tampa Bay area, contact the Morris Law Firm, </span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/FirstTimeOffenders.aspx#firstmisdemeanor_felony"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">a St. Petersburg based Criminal Defense Law Firm that works with first time offenders</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to discuss possible defenses and specific strategies that may exist in your case. Call the Morris Law Firm at 727-388-4736 to discuss your case directly with an attorney, or fill out our Online Form (found on our main web site) to be contacted for a free initial consultation. The Morris Law Firm can help. Attorney Melinda Morris has specific knowledge and experience in representing alleged felony offenders throughout the entire Tampa Bay, FL area, including Pinellas and Hillsborough counties.</span></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07925388323814003166noreply@blogger.com0111 Second Avenue NE, Suite 515, St Petersburg, FL 33701, USA27.7696063 -82.632137627.6572078 -82.79006609999999 27.8820048 -82.4742091tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665711509402787095.post-36179215308167033762012-05-14T09:00:00.000-04:002012-05-14T09:00:12.453-04:00Florida Stand Your Ground Law Under Review<span id="internal-source-marker_0.07261931872926652"></span><br />
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<b id="internal-source-marker_0.07261931872926652"><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tampa Bay Criminal Attorney</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and Former State Prosecutor Melinda Morris of the Morris Law Firm discusses recent scrutiny over the Florida Stand Your Ground law.</span></b></h3>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Issue:</span><br /><b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Stand Your Ground laws are also known as Justifiable Use of Force laws. The Florida Stand Your Ground law has been in effect since 2005, and has been used as a successful criminal defense in cases where self defense is utilized to justify the use of deadly force. The law’s invocation as a defense in several recent high profile cases, including the Trayvon Martin case, has caused Governor Rick Scott to convene a statewide task force to review the Stand Your Ground Law.</span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><b><img alt="Florida Stand Your Ground Law " height="237px;" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/fyhqbhmZlHJP9riqiztvjKK8drWQIG-4BdqY-8GFQpIRzv1gylu3xxYauxZbaj9ftEC_A2uW0YbRwgrsAoGicfnP-8Byb1fa2QXMbkVUrpaTMQV9Z6A" title="Florida Stand Your Ground Law Under Review" width="319px;" /></b><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Why This Matters To You:</span><br /><b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Florida’s Stand Your Ground law is under tremendous pressure as the application of the law has been called into question in several high profile cases. While the Stand Your Ground law is often invoked in cases of shootings that result in death, the law has also been used by defendants in domestic violence cases, and </span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/AssaultBattery/BatteryAggravatedBattery.aspx" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">battery cases where the victim suffered non-lethal injuries</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Since a Supreme Court ruling in 2010, trial judges must hold a hearing any time a defendant asks for it and then give a ruling based on the “preponderance of the evidence” that there was a justifiable use of force.</span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Now, the governor’s task force is reviewing the law to ensure its application is appropriate. Additionally, state senator Chris Smith (D-Fort Lauderdale) is seeking to revise the law to potentially make the self-defense claim less available to defendants. Smith’s proposal includes utilizing a grand jury to decide whether or not to bring charges in cases of self-defense. </span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What To Do Next:</span><br /><b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you have been charged with battery or aggravated battery in the Tampa Bay area, contact the Morris Law Firm, a St. Petersburg based Criminal Defense Law Firm to discuss possible defenses and specific strategies that may exist in your case. Call the Morris Law Firm at 727-388-4736 to discuss your case directly with an attorney, or fill out our Online Form (found on our main web site) to be contacted for a free initial consultation. The Morris Law Firm can help. Attorney Melinda Morris has specific knowledge and experience in representing alleged felony offenders throughout the entire Tampa Bay, FL area, including Pinellas and Hillsborough counties.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07925388323814003166noreply@blogger.com0111 Second Avenue NE, Suite 515, St Petersburg, FL 33701, USA27.7696063 -82.632137627.6572078 -82.79006609999999 27.8820048 -82.4742091tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665711509402787095.post-2997878367295483332012-05-09T09:00:00.000-04:002012-05-09T09:00:08.745-04:00Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Under Fire Again<b id="internal-source-marker_0.020321249030530453"></b><br />
<h3 dir="ltr">
<b id="internal-source-marker_0.020321249030530453"><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tampa Bay Criminal Attorney</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and Former State Prosecutor Melinda Morris of the Morris Law Firm discusses the recent turmoil affecting the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.</span></b></h3>
<span id="internal-source-marker_0.020321249030530453"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Issue:</span><br /><b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In late 2011 the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit carried out a questionable sting operation on citizens that frequented a legal hydroponics gardening store in Largo. More recently, an internal investigation found that patrol officers were loafing while on duty and misleading their supervisors as to their location. Now, Sheriff Bob Gualtieri has transferred Capt. Greg Handsel out of the lead role overseeing the Administrative Investigations Unit as the Sheriff has stated that he, “wanted a fresh set of eyes on everything.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><b><img alt="Pinellas County Sheriff's Office badge" height="177px;" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/lkx6rZyl3PIX7CFjnSXBvUB_9B3kkLJqOcBAnV8nHSdlFOrepOYzCkdHiYx6HxanorYPLW-VP9sGvryulXJerTNm_1G5aFaarJgqrCVbDguRKECcPbU" title="Pinellas County Sheriff's Office Under Fire Again" width="182px;" /></b><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Why This Matters To You:</span><br /><b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The recent turmoil at the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office places potential doubt on how the law enforcement operation is run and whether it is operating transparently and in a fair manner to alleged offenders. The Tampa Bay Times recently analyzed the operations of the Sheriff’s internal affairs group and found that there were failures in following procedure to produce a complete investigation on several levels.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As a result of the questionable tactics in the marijuana grow house arrests, approximately 18 cases have had to be dropped by the Pinellas County State Attorney’s office. Officers that intentionally mislead their supervisors as to their whereabouts may not be trusted to honestly and ethically enforce the law. It now appears that with the personnel changes in the Sheriff’s Internal Investigations office that the operation is having issues policing itself.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">With the above facts considered, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s office may be using questionable tactics and producing potentially inaccurate affidavits of arrest, which may be grounds for the </span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/FirstTimeOffenders/DismissalofCharges.aspx" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">dismissal of the criminal charges</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What To Do Next:</span><br /><b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you have been arrested by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office in the Tampa Bay area, contact the Morris Law Firm, a St. Petersburg based Criminal Defense Law Firm to discuss possible defenses and specific strategies that may exist in your case. Call the Morris Law Firm at 727-388-4736 to discuss your case directly with an attorney, or fill out our Online Form (found on our main web site) to be contacted for a free initial consultation. The Morris Law Firm can help. Attorney Melinda Morris has specific knowledge and experience in representing alleged felony offenders throughout the Tampa Bay Florida area including Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties.</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07925388323814003166noreply@blogger.com0111 Second Avenue NE, Suite 515, St Petersburg, FL 33701, USA27.7696063 -82.632137627.6572078 -82.79006609999999 27.8820048 -82.4742091tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665711509402787095.post-44031247957335714222012-04-09T09:00:00.000-04:002012-04-09T09:00:13.045-04:00Florida Senate Bill 212 Potentially Limits Juvenile Sentences<b id="internal-source-marker_0.3153293973300606"><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tampa Bay Criminal Attorney</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and Former State Prosecutor Melinda Morris of the Morris Law Firm discusses the proposed Senate Bill 212 and its potential effect on juvenile sentences.</span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Issue:</span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Florida Senate Bill 212 seeks to give juveniles who committed non-homicidal crimes the opportunity for parole or re-sentencing after 15 years. Inmates would only be eligible if they met certain criteria such as the level of risk the offender imposes on society; the wishes of the victim; the level of the offender’s participation in the offense; the offender’s sense of remorse; the offender’s age at the time of the offense; and their behavior while incarcerated.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><img height="199px;" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/lCJ61GUdlG-2GuoU6y9PMmf-O-lU1sOHhfyTkeDnciFb9QbnR7081xtnyIgLgsJSF4XYuVyE2FXD-05iWg3T8Q03DNpHiq0fRr5oZqYPKG86GNWljdc" width="300px;" /><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Why This Matters To You:</span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Senate Bill 212 is a potential improvement to the sentencing laws that affect those that </span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/JuvenileOffenses.aspx"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">commit crimes as juveniles in Florida</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Although the proposed law would only affect approximately 110 inmates, it indicates that Florida lawmakers are giving additional consideration to juveniles who commit serious crimes and may be rehabilitated by the criminal justice system.</span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Very long sentences for a juvenile may be viewed as the equivalent of a life sentence. The proposed Senate Bill gives some hope to juveniles convicted in the State of Florida.</span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What To Do Next:</span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If your child has been charged with a juvenile crime in Tampa, contact a</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">St. Petersburg Juveniles Crimes Lawyer</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to discuss possible defenses and specific strategies that may exist in the case. Call the Morris Law Firm at 727-388-4736 to discuss you case directly with an attorney, or fill out our Online Form to be contacted for a Free Initial Consultation. The Morris Law Firm can help. Attorney Melinda Morris has specific knowledge and experience in representing juvenile offenders throughout Pinellas County the entire Tampa Bay, FL area (St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Tampa, Hillsborough, Pasco, Manatee, Sarasota and Bradenton).</span></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07925388323814003166noreply@blogger.com0111 Second Avenue NE, Suite 515, St Petersburg, FL 33701, USA27.7696063 -82.632137627.6572078 -82.79006609999999 27.8820048 -82.4742091tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665711509402787095.post-29903051060631692892012-04-06T09:00:00.000-04:002012-04-06T09:00:06.841-04:00Pinellas County Narcotics Officers’ Tactics Called into Question<b id="internal-source-marker_0.7383918932173401"><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tampa Bay Criminal Attorney</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and Former State Prosecutor Melinda Morris of the Morris Law Firm discusses how the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit arrests could be called into question.</span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Issue:</span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Late in 2011 </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office conducted a sting to apprehend alleged marijuana growers. In this instance, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit utilized questionable tactics: secretly videotaping customers of a Largo based hydroponic gardening shop, illegally entering citizen’s property, and using questionable means to obtain search warrants. Now Sheriff Bob Gualtieri has gone on record stating that his own officers’ tactics had an, “air of deceit,” that they used, “shortcuts,” and that the entire unit was “too loose.”</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><img height="255px;" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/p7I99oNDOSzSCC4qHbkXw_gR93DnHPO49KNwINZ25HyZGfLbWB8HqGovLNoLUM4t1CDcg5p905o4CCr5jZFKj2CzGK-yF5toHfEG2LHHLM8FM-jOS7s" width="413px;" /><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Why This Matters To You:</span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sheriff Bob </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Gualtieri has publicly stated that the Narcotic Unit’s methods were questionable at best. In fact, the Sheriff asked the State Attorney’s Office to drop the charges against the alleged marijuana growers that were targeted in the hydroponics store sting. Further, certain officers may face criminal charges for their actions.</span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This issue highlights a potential far reaching consequence of the officers’ questionable behavior: If an officer provides sworn testimony in a </span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/DrugCharges.aspx"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">criminal drug case in Pinellas County</span></a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and elements of that testimony are called into question, it could very well call into question all aspects of the officers’ statements and the case itself.</span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Additionally, this issue touches not only the marijuana growing cases, but any case touched by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit. As Sheriff Gualtieri has stated the activities of his officers raise, “serious questions about their veracity across the board.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What To Do Next:</span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you have been charged with a drug related offense throughout Tampa and the surrounding areas, contact a</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">St. Petersburg Criminal Defense Lawyer</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to discuss possible defenses and specific strategies that may exist in your case. Call the Morris Law Firm at 727-388-4736 to discuss you case directly with an attorney, or fill out our Online Form to be contacted for a free initial consultation. The Morris Law Firm can help. Attorney Melinda Morris has specific knowledge and experience in representing alleged drug and marijuana offenders throughout Pinellas County the entire Tampa Bay, FL area, including St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Tampa, Hillsborough, Pasco, Manatee, Sarasota, Largo, Dunedin and Bradenton.</span></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07925388323814003166noreply@blogger.com0111 Second Avenue NE, Suite 515, St Petersburg, FL 33701, USA27.7696063 -82.632137627.6572078 -82.79006609999999 27.8820048 -82.4742091tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665711509402787095.post-76760109879079151062012-04-02T09:00:00.000-04:002012-04-02T09:00:03.086-04:00Florida Governor Bans New Synthetic Drugs by Signing into Law House Bill 1175 on March 23, 2012<b id="internal-source-marker_0.4007711624726653"><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tampa Bay Criminal Attorney</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and Former State Prosecutor Melinda Morris of the Morris Law Firm discusses how the Florida House Bill signed into law that governs synthetic drugs.</span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Issue:</span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Florida Governor Rick Scott signed into law House Bill 1175 on March 23, which modifies section 893.03(1)(c) of the Florida Statutes by expanding the list of banned hallucinogenic substances in Schedule I of the Florida Comprehensive Abuse Prevention and Control Act.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Specifically, HB 1175 added certain synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic stimulants to Schedule I, such as Methyltryptamine, Ethcathinone and Benzylpiperazine. The bill added 91 new synthetic substances to Schedule I.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So many new substances were included in the Florida Comprehensive Abuse Prevention and Control Act because the chemical compounds in these substances are easy to change, which can assist alleged drug-makers, users and sellers in avoiding criminal penalties. For example, a synthetic substance could be illegal under the Florida Comprehensive Abuse Prevention and Control Act, but a slightly different molecular makeup could be legal.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><img height="303px;" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/YDGblzbe0k_1VXUyLvzF2M-Vf0TM2P2X9zyXw0qThY6wSPAPYRO6wEwbuHRE3KcLbwuDRhRPUT4l4kRvyoDtYilxzHsNxRPaS_QPYAURoV-2t5qq0_c" width="428px;" /><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Why This Matters To You:</span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Since this bill was signed into law, an individual could be charged with a</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/DrugCharges.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">drug crime in St. Petersburg</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> if they allegedly commit a criminal offense with any of the newly added synthetic substances, such as possession with intent to sell or drug possession.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Many of the synthetic substances now included in section 893.03(1)(c) of the Florida Statutes are also commonly known as synthetic marijuana, bath salts, K2, potpourri and incense.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">An individual charged with a criminal offense involving any of the newly added substances can possibly face a conviction for a felony of the second degree, felony of the first degree or a misdemeanor of the first degree. For example, drug possession, drug manufacturing, drug delivery and possession with intent to sell substances in Schedule I are generally punishable as a felony of the third degree, which can result in a prison sentence up to five years and/or a fine up to $5,000.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">However, HB 1175 reduced the penalties an individual can face if they are convicted of three grams or less of certain types of the newly added synthetic substances in a non-powdered form. An individual charged with possession of certain synthetic cannabinoids could be convicted of a misdemeanor of the first degree, instead of a felony of the third degree, which can result in jail sentence up to one year and/or a fine up to $1,000.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What To Do Next:</span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you have been charged with a drug related offense throughout Tampa and the surrounding areas, contact a</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">St. Petersburg Criminal Defense Lawyer</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to discuss possible defenses and specific strategies that may exist in your case. Call the Morris Law Firm at 727-388-4736 to discuss your case directly with an attorney, or fill out our Online Form to be contacted for a free initial consultation. The Morris Law Firm can help. Attorney Melinda Morris has specific knowledge and experience in representing alleged drug and marijuana offenders throughout Pinellas County the entire Tampa Bay, FL area, including St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Tampa, Hillsborough, Pasco, Manatee, Sarasota, Largo, Dunedin and Bradenton.</span></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07925388323814003166noreply@blogger.com0111 Second Avenue NE, Suite 515, St Petersburg, FL 33701, USA27.7696063 -82.632137627.6572078 -82.79006609999999 27.8820048 -82.4742091tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665711509402787095.post-2118429818142881652012-03-30T17:00:00.000-04:002012-03-30T20:55:14.959-04:00Florida Highway Patrol Will Be on Lookout for Aggressive Drivers March 30 Through April 4, 2012<b id="internal-source-marker_0.8919436309952289"><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tampa Bay Criminal Attorney</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and Former State Prosecutor Melinda Morris of the Morris Law Firm discusses why the Florida Highway Patrol will increase traffic enforcement from March 30th through April 4th, 2012.</span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Issue:</span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Florida Highway Patrol troopers will crackdown on aggressive vehicle drivers who engage in vehicle traffic violations that can result in a ticket or an arrest between March 30 and April 4, 2012. Some of the offenses the state troopers will look for include speeding, reckless driving, DUI, following too closely, unsafe lane changing and careless driving.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In addition to the increased efforts on Florida's highways by the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FDHSMV) also intends to utilize billboards and radio messages to increase safe driving awareness and of the greater risk of receiving a citation or arrest for a traffic violation during this period.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">According to the FHP, the purpose of the campaign is to reduce the number of commercial vehicle-related crashes and injuries and fatalities that arise from aggressive driving in Florida, in addition to raising awareness of safe driving behaviors among car and truck drivers.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><img height="215px;" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/PD3Syib4yB9oz6j07lPOHSXNSjj1jM1r8bfRFHEC58w-yWukuxMVJ-uKWFH2z_9QMFh1Rl8JQQ6Y4w1qDVvtOL0Ev_SgGb0zKomO5iByDMIszWUrdvg" width="504px;" /><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Why This Matters To You:</span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It is very important to contact an experienced</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/TrafficOffenses.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">traffic crime defense lawyer in Pinellas County</span></a><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">if you are arrested or charged with reckless driving, careless driving or aggressive driving throughout the Tampa Bay area in Florida between March 30 and April 4, 2012.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A conviction for any traffic offense in St. Petersburg and the surrounding areas can lead to serious punishments and consequences depending on the facts surrounding your offense, including jail or prison time, fines, suspension of your driving privileges, a possible criminal record, increased insurance rates and/or requirements to complete a driving safety course.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It is important to know you do not have to face a conviction if you are charged with a traffic offense in St. Petersburg. There may be defenses or mitigating factors available to the traffic crime allegations against you, including procedural or constitutional violations by FHP troopers or other law enforcement officers and/or insufficient evidence to prove you committed a traffic offense or violation. Additionally, the prosecution must first prove you committed every element of the criminal offense beyond a reasonable doubt. This can be a very difficult burden of proof to establish, and any doubt in the mind of the judge or jury can possibly result in a dismissal or reduction in the charges you are facing.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What To Do Next:</span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you have been charged with a traffic-related offense in Tampa, contact a</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">St. Petersburg Criminal Defense Attorney</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to discuss possible defenses and specific strategies that may exist in your case. Call the Morris Law Firm at 727-388-4736 to discuss you case directly with an attorney, or fill out our Online Form to be contacted for a free initial consultation. The Morris Law Firm can help. Attorney Melinda Morris has specific knowledge and experience in representing alleged traffic crime offenders throughout Pinellas County the entire Tampa Bay, FL area, including St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Tampa, Hillsborough, Pasco, Manatee, Sarasota, Largo, Dunedin and Bradenton.</span></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07925388323814003166noreply@blogger.com0111 Second Avenue NE, Suite 515, St Petersburg, FL 33701, USA27.7696063 -82.632137627.6572078 -82.79006609999999 27.8820048 -82.4742091tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665711509402787095.post-90434099121130869882012-03-12T09:00:00.000-04:002012-03-29T22:43:42.667-04:00Florida Highway Patrol To Increase Enforcement of Impaired Driving Over St. Patrick’s Day Weekend March 17, 2012<b id="internal-source-marker_0.27523556211963296"><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tampa Bay Criminal Attorney</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and Former State Prosecutor Melinda Morris of the Morris Law Firm discusses how the Florida Highway Patrol will increase DUI enforcement over the March 17, 2012 St. Patrick’s Day holiday weekend.</span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Issue:</span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) increased its patrol efforts during the week leading up to St. Patrick’s Day on March 17, 2012. The holiday is often associated with increased drinking and partying throughout the nation.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The FHP’s crackdown was part of a national program known as, </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, which is a nationwide multi-year advertising campaign sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation that aims to get drunk drivers off the road and involves increased law enforcement efforts in local communities including the Tampa Bay area of Florida.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Florida Highway looked for individuals who were driving under the influence (DUI) in Pinellas County during the week of March 10 -17, as well as individuals engaging in speeding or reckless driving, and drivers without their seat belt fastened.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">According to the FHP, 18,000 car crashes occurred throughout Florida in 2010 due to alcohol. These crashes resulted in nearly 800 deaths and over 12,000 injuries.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><img height="243px;" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/zbwiE5YFQ9400YWid05HdC5R37jWqaeuJSq3fvNaydssTo2GM_uU5r2If4Y6uz-yfSGPFsbiPOhAYSE1q_TqSXwjc9PODtR0zl6AVuIsdZKGd6AJDhM" width="329px;" /><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Why This Matters To You:</span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you were pulled over for DUI, drinking and driving, reckless driving, or any other alcohol-related offense, such as DUI manslaughter, DUI with serious bodily injury, or</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/DUIDrunkDriving/DUIPropertyDamage.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">DUI with property damage in St. Petersburg</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> on St. Patrick’s Day, it is very important to contact an experienced local DUI defense attorney. You only have 10 days to request an administrative review hearing if your driver’s license was suspended because you refused to submit to a chemical blood or breath test or failed to pass a chemical alcohol test.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Additionally, if you are convicted of a DUI offense in Florida, you can face serious penalties and repercussions, such as jail or prison time, fines, a driver’s license suspension, requirements to complete substance-abuse evaluation and treatment and/or a criminal record.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">With the above said, you may not have to face a conviction for your alleged DUI offense. There may be defenses or mitigating factors available in your defense, such as problems with the chemical alcohol test, law enforcement procedural violations, constitutional violations and/or insufficient evidence to prove your charges. Additionally, the state prosecutor must prove you committed every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. This can be a very difficult burden of proof to satisfy, and any doubt in the mind of the judge or jury can possibly result in a dismissal or reduction in the charges against you.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What To Do Next:</span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you have been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI), or reckless driving offense in the Tampa Bay area, contact a</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">St. Petersburg Criminal Defense Lawyer</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to discuss possible defenses and specific strategies that may exist in your case. Call the Morris Law Firm at 727-388-4736 for a free initial consultation on your case with an attorney. The Morris Law Firm can help. Attorney Melinda Morris has specific knowledge and experience in representing alleged drunk driving offenders throughout the entire Tampa Bay, Florida area (Pinellas County: St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Largo, Seminole; Hillsborough County: Tampa; Pasco, Manatee, Sarasota, and Bradenton counties).</span></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07925388323814003166noreply@blogger.com0111 Second Avenue NE, Suite 515, St Petersburg, FL 33701, USA27.7696063 -82.632137627.6572078 -82.79006609999999 27.8820048 -82.4742091tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665711509402787095.post-67575414900247376112012-03-12T00:02:00.000-04:002012-03-12T00:03:55.390-04:00Morris Law Firm YouTube Channel - Criminal Attorney St. Petersburg New Videos Posted<div style="text-align: left;">
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/TQd4xRKCbAI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<b id="internal-source-marker_0.16441011102870107"><span style="color: #888888; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/">St. Petersburg Criminal Attorney</a></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and Former State Prosecutor Melinda Morris of the Morris Law Firm introduces the Morris Law Firm’s new YouTube Channel and videos.</span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Issue:</span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Morris Law Firm has just relaunched the </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/morrislawfirm"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Morris Law Firm YouTube Channel</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> that contains videos about the firm and our appearances on local news stations. The Channel will be updated to include informational videos on criminal law in the Tampa Bay Area.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Why This Matters To You:</span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We have just added videos that introduce the Morris Law Firm and our managing partner, Melinda Morris. Over the coming months we will launch additional informational videos that focus on criminal defense issues that face our potential clients and affect the local Tampa Bay area community.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What To Do Next:</span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Watch our videos on the </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/morrislawfirm"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Morris Law Firm YouTube Channel</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and subscribe to our channel to be alerted to all of our upcoming videos. If you have been charged with a crime in the Tampa Bay area, contact a</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">St. Petersburg Criminal Defense Lawyer</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to discuss possible defenses and specific strategies that may exist in your case. Call the Morris Law Firm at 727-388-4736 to discuss your case directly with an attorney, or fill out our</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/ContactUs.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Online Form</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to be contacted for a free initial consultation. The Morris Law Firm can help. Attorney Melinda Morris has specific knowledge and experience in representing alleged criminal offenders throughout</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida/PinellasCounty.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pinellas County</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> the entire</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tampa Bay, FL</span></a><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">area (</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida/SaintPetersburg.aspx"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">St. Petersburg</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, Clearwater, Tampa, Hillsborough, Pasco, Manatee, Sarasota, Largo, Dunedin and Bradenton).</span></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07925388323814003166noreply@blogger.com0111 Second Avenue NE, Suite 515, St Petersburg, FL 33701, USA27.7696063 -82.632137627.6572078 -82.79006609999999 27.8820048 -82.4742091tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665711509402787095.post-18480593496491291242012-03-07T09:00:00.000-05:002012-03-07T09:00:03.923-05:00Beachside Home Burglaries on the Rise in Florida<b id="internal-source-marker_0.9303168419282883"><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/"><span style="color: #888888; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">St. Petersburg Criminal Attorney</span></a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and Former State Prosecutor Melinda Morris of the Morris Law Firm discusses how law enforcement is increasing enforcement on local burglary and theft crimes.</span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Issue:</span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Florida law enforcement officials reported 22 residential burglaries have occurred in the past six months in various beachside communities in Florida. The burglars have been targeting homes that have sliding glass doors, and have been committing the burglaries during the day. In many of the</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/TheftCrimes/BurglaryRobbery.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">burglary</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> crimes, the sliding doors were left open by the homeowners. In other cases, the sliding doors were opened with a screwdriver or were lifted or pushed open.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><img height="222px;" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/GKcsuTicMI42k0AM5Ts_7pcF7raAd5Kh_NHgdYehhS5rJJGOBh6hn4AkRRbDUL5AUkcHAvVNz_gFpUPLPIklMVzmOQi-Ag8rUSs4Js9iJt-3RVSZnfY" width="395px;" /><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Why This Matters To You:</span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">With the increase in burglaries, Florida law enforcement officers are encouraging residents to put retention bars, channel locks or reverse locks on their sliding doors and make sure the doors are secure when they’re gone. They are also warning residents of the increased threat of burglary and have distributed fliers with burglary prevention tips.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The increased crackdown on alleged burglary offenders will result in more arrests for burglary and</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/TheftCrimes.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">theft crimes</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. A conviction for</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/TheftCrimes/BurglaryRobbery.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">burglary of an unoccupied residence</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> in Florida is a felony of the third degree offense and can result in up to five years in prison. Additionally,</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/TheftCrimes/BurglaryRobbery.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">burglary of an occupied home</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> is punishable as a felony of the second degree and can result in a prison sentence up to 15 years. If a weapon was used during the burglary offense, the alleged offender could be charged with armed robbery, which is punishable as a felony of the first degree and can result in up to 30 years in prison. Convicted burglars may also be required to pay a fine, repay the victim for the stolen items and/or complete community service hours.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What To Do Next:</span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you have been charged with a burglary or theft offense in the Tampa Bay area, contact a</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">St. Petersburg Criminal Defense Lawyer</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to discuss possible defenses and specific strategies that may exist in your case. Call the Morris Law Firm at 727-388-4736 to discuss your case directly with an attorney, or fill out our</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/ContactUs.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Online Form</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to be contacted for a free initial consultation. The Morris Law Firm can help. Attorney Melinda Morris has specific knowledge and experience in representing alleged burglary offenders throughout</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida/PinellasCounty.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pinellas County</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> the entire</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tampa Bay, FL</span></a><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">area (</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida/SaintPetersburg.aspx"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">St. Petersburg</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, Clearwater, Tampa, Hillsborough, Pasco, Manatee, Sarasota, Largo, Dunedin and Bradenton).</span></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07925388323814003166noreply@blogger.com0111 Second Avenue NE, Suite 515, St Petersburg, FL 33701, USA27.7696063 -82.632137627.6572078 -82.79006609999999 27.8820048 -82.4742091tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665711509402787095.post-14504081421154261652012-02-22T09:00:00.000-05:002012-02-22T00:30:43.109-05:00Administrative License Suspension Procedures after a DUI Arrest in Florida May Soon Change<b id="internal-source-marker_0.5840374932158738"><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/"><span style="color: #888888; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tampa Bay Criminal Attorney</span></a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and Former State Prosecutor Melinda Morris of the Morris Law Firm discusses a proposed Bill to change administrative suspension laws for DUI in Florida.</span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Issue:</span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Senator Thad Altman (Florida Senate - R) introduced Senate Bill 864 in January, which aims to change the administrative license suspension laws for driving under the influence of alcohol in Florida.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Specifically, the propsed bill states that if a driver is pulled over on suspicion of</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/DUIDrunkDriving.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">driving under the influence</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, they would receive a notice to appear at a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Bureau of Administrative Review Office, in addition to receiving a notice of the license suspension.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Once the driver appears at their hearing with the FDHSMV, they may be permitted to immediately choose a “business purpose only” license, which allows the driver to operate their vehicle for limited circumstances, such as driving to and from work.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><img height="217px;" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/CAcZYPDi7scCfBDxtarUVXF4r-_nYwNcybAG_BtHIZWNOyZirSxmuAiIezbtZYOgq9g1wTr655aQf0JCDRuEGMaqjdNR6v2DOZ11qmz-4qVefMubK2M" width="322px;" /><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Why This Matters To You:</span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Currently, if you have been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Florida and you</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/DUIDrunkDriving/DUIRefusal.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">refuse to submit to chemical alcohol testing</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> or fail to pass an intoxication test, such as a</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/DUIDrunkDriving/DUIBloodTest.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">blood alcohol test</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> or a</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/DUIDrunkDriving/DUIBreathTest.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">breath alcohol test</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, you will automatically receive notice of an administrative license suspension.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The laws surrounding DUI driver’s license suspensions in Florida currently provide the driver with an opportunity to request an</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/DUIDrunkDriving/DMVAdministrativeReviewHearing.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">administrative review hearing</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> within ten (10) days of receiving notice of the suspension after a DUI offense. The formal administrative review hearing allows the driver to challenge the suspension. If the driver wins, their license will be reinstated. If they lose, their license will remain suspended. Currently, any driver with an administrative license suspension can request a “business purpose only” license if they do not successfully challenge their license suspension after a 30 to 90 day period has passed and they are deemed eligible.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If passed, SB 864 would limit the driver’s opportunity to request a formal administrative review hearing. If the driver appears at the Administrative Review Hearing Office as stated in their notice and they elect to receive a “business purpose only” license, they will waive their right to challenge the suspension at a formal review hearing. Although it may appear to be an advantage to receive a “business purpose only” license immediately, any eligible driver can receive this type of license after a certain period of time if their license has been suspended administratively. However, the driver is not currently required to waive their rights to a formal review hearing, and if the driver wins at the formal hearing, their driving privileges will not be suspended or limited at all.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What To Do Next:</span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you have been charged with driving under the influence (DUI) in or have received an administrative license suspension in Tampa, contact a</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">St. Petersburg Criminal Defense Lawyer</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to discuss possible defenses and specific strategies that may exist in your case. Call the Morris Law Firm at 727-388-4736 to discuss you case directly with an attorney, or fill out our</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/ContactUs.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Online Form</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to be contacted for a free initial consultation. The Morris Law Firm can help. Attorney Melinda Morris has specific knowledge and experience in representing DUI offenses and administrative license suspensions throughout</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida/PinellasCounty.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pinellas County</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> the entire</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tampa Bay, FL</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> area (</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida/SaintPetersburg.aspx"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">St. Petersburg</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, Clearwater, Tampa, Hillsborough, Pasco, Manatee, Sarasota, Largo, Dunedin and Bradenton).</span></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07925388323814003166noreply@blogger.com0111 Second Avenue NE, Suite 515, St Petersburg, FL 33701, USA27.7696063 -82.632137627.6572078 -82.79006609999999 27.8820048 -82.4742091tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665711509402787095.post-29663601063013251832012-02-08T14:20:00.000-05:002012-02-08T14:20:47.701-05:00Synthetic Herbal Substance Sales May Soon Be Targeted in the Tampa Area<br />
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<b id="internal-source-marker_0.2880210292059928"><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/"><span style="color: #888888; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">St. Petersburg Criminal Attorney</span></a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and Former State Prosecutor Melinda Morris of the Morris Law Firm discusses how synthetic marijuana (herbal incense) may be targeted as an illegal substance in the Tampa Bay Area.</span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Issue:</span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Tampa City Council recently voted unanimously to investigate what options they may have to crack down on the currently legal sales of synthetic herbal substances sold in stores throughout the city.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The city council is targeting herbal substances that are presently available for legal purchase in many neighborhood stores and are marketed with cartoon characters and brightly colored packages. The effects of the substances are often compared to the effects of marijuana.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The council members will hear from their attorneys what choices they have in regards to restricting the sale of the substances on March 1.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><img height="341px;" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/mpexHnKpsjusx9oc8L2HRgXBz1PaRUfbDZEre8C_o3NXybno04N0a95SgOLjs1-2VWQCfEelSekwKXVtLmii1H8v2qDvP93Jnq45VxVu604gwVnGeII" width="256px;" /><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Why This Matters To You:</span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If the Tampa City Council is ultimately permitted to curb the sales of the synthetic marijuana substances, any purchase, possession or sale of these types of substances could result in criminal</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/DrugCharges.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">drug charges</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> or</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/MarijuanaCharges.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">marijuana charges</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> in the Tampa Bay area of Florida.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For example, an individual who purchases the synthetic marijuana could be charged with</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/DrugCharges/PossessionofaControlledSubstance.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">drug possession</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, which can generally result in third degree felony charges in Florida, depending on which drug schedule the substance is classified. However, if a store or merchant continues to sell the herbal substances, they can be charged with</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/DrugCharges/DrugPossessionwithIntenttoSell.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">drug possession with intent to sell or distribute</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, which can be punishable as a felony of the second degree offense if the substance is categorized in Schedule I or Schedule II of Florida’s Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What To Do Next:</span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you have been charged with possession of drugs or marijuana in Tampa, contact a</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Criminal Defense Lawyer in Tampa Bay</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to discuss possible defenses and specific strategies that may exist in your case. Call the Morris Law Firm at 727-388-4736 to discuss you case directly with an attorney, or fill out our</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/ContactUs.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Online Form</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to be contacted for a free initial consultation. The Morris Law Firm can help. Attorney Melinda Morris has specific knowledge and experience in representing drug and marijuana offenses throughout</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida/PinellasCounty.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pinellas County</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> the entire</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tampa Bay, FL</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> area (</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida/SaintPetersburg.aspx"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">St. Petersburg</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, Clearwater, Tampa, Hillsborough, Pasco, Manatee, Sarasota, Largo, Dunedin and Bradenton).</span></b></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07925388323814003166noreply@blogger.com0111 Second Avenue NE, Suite 515, St Petersburg, FL 33701, USA27.7696063 -82.632137627.6572078 -82.79006609999999 27.8820048 -82.4742091tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665711509402787095.post-61029093197996703732012-01-28T13:21:00.000-05:002012-01-28T13:21:09.009-05:00Gasparilla 2012 May Mean More Arrests in Tampa, Florida<br />
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<b id="internal-source-marker_0.8377597047947347"><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/"><span style="color: #888888; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tampa Bay Criminal Attorney</span></a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and Former State Prosecutor Melinda Morris of the Morris Law Firm discusses how Tampa’s Gasparilla 2012 could lead to more arrests.</span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Issue:</span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Gasparilla Pirate Festival is held every January in Tampa, Florida. Put on by Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla the boat parade, float parade down Bayshore Boulevard in Tampa, and ensuing nighttime party in downtown Tampa and Ybor City celebrates the legend of Jose Gaspar (thus Gasparilla). Jose Gaspar was supposedly a Spanish Pirate that operated in the waters around Tampa Bay.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Gasparilla celebration brings over 400,000 people to Tampa to celebrate and imbibe. City leadership and Tampa law enforcement have stepped up efforts to control party-goers and enforce rules to limit the chaos.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><img height="261px;" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/NeNAQAfUeONAoapgqdMY0UGivpv_kFnmxcSXJbOjIb6H7tSDtR8il-dME_TvUpwKBdDsp32ragEGNps2XXYdW5d4uDk9FzbXtakpUUCtAA10yVySlI4" width="393px;" /><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Why This Matters To You:</span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tampa Law Enforcement is on high alert during the Gasparilla Festival. In fact, almost all active duty officers are called on to enforce the law during the celebration weekend. Increased law enforcement coupled with a party atmosphere and a much larger than usual population in the downtown Tampa and Ybor City areas can lead to a greater number of arrests.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tampa law enforcement including the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Tampa Police Department, and Florida Highway Patrol will be on the lookout for the following types of criminal infractions:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><ul>
<li style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Driving Under the Influence</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Public Intoxication</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Disorderly Conduct</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Public Urination</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Assault / Battery</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Possession of Marijuana</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Possession of Pills</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Possession of Cocaine</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Possession of Paraphanalia</span></li>
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<br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you have been arrested at Gasparilla</span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><ol>
<li style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Don't speak to the police - ask to have an attorney present.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Don't give a written statement – again, ask to have an attorney present.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Contact an attorney immediately.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Collect and document your own evidence.</span></li>
</ol>
<br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What To Do Next:</span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you have been arrested at Gasparilla 2012 for DUI or other criminal charges in Tampa, contact a </span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">local Criminal Defense Lawyer</span></a><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">to discuss possible defenses and specific strategies that may exist in your case. Call the Morris Law Firm at 727-388-4736 to discuss you case directly with an attorney, or fill out our</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/ContactUs.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Online Form</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to be contacted for a Free Initial Consultation. The Morris Law Firm can help. Attorney Melinda Morris has specific knowledge and experience in representing driving under the influence offenses and many other criminal matters throughout </span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida/HillsboroughCounty.aspx"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hillsborough County</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> the entire</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tampa Bay, FL</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> area (St. Petersburg, Clearwater, </span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida/Tampa.aspx"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tampa</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, Hillsborough, Pasco, Manatee, Sarasota, Largo, Dunedin and Bradenton).</span></b></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07925388323814003166noreply@blogger.com0Tampa, FL, USA27.950575 -82.457177627.726155000000002 -82.773034599999988 28.174995 -82.1413206tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665711509402787095.post-55789873067186915432012-01-26T09:00:00.000-05:002012-01-26T09:00:09.320-05:00Florida Department of Law Enforcement Employees Get Drunk to Test Breathalyzer Machines<br />
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<b id="internal-source-marker_0.7560770825948566"><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/"><span style="color: #888888; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">St. Petersburg Criminal Attorney</span></a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and Former State Prosecutor Melinda Morris of the Morris Law Firm discusses how the FDLE attempted to validate the sometimes faulty Intoxilyzer 8000.</span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Issue:</span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) recently had 15 of its employees get drunk in order to test the accuracy of their DUI chemical breath test machines, known as the breathalyzer machine or the</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/DUIDrunkDriving/DUIIntoxilyzer8000.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Intoxilyzer 8000</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Although the tests were conducted by a private firm, the FDLE spent over $300 on alcohol and snacks for the participants. The tests were administered after the employees were given a certain amount of alcohol.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The FDLE claims the tests were conducted in order to ensure the breathalyzer machines were taking accurate samples of breath alcohol concentration (BAC). The test results were also compared to</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/DUIDrunkDriving/DUIBloodTest.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">blood alcohol concentration test</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> samples.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Although many</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/DUIDrunkDriving/DUIBreathTest.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">DUI chemical breath tests</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> have recently been thrown out in Sarasota and Manatee County courts based on how the calibration of the testing machines might affect the readings, the FDLE claims the machines show correct results, no matter how the machine was calibrated.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><img height="233px;" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/bBTf20hGB6dW10vTdW2JzZD7kz41cWNtoFrh74MFX01GkvRniMUqce3GX29bYXDei-JbICp4ejuE9xECFp_bWSX0XjZUIC5BIFZPadd2uIfwb8lBSJE" width="310px;" /><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Why This Matters To You:</span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you have been charged with</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/DUIDrunkDriving.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">driving under the influence in Tampa</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> due to the results of a chemical breath test, it is important to know you may be able to challenge the readings of the chemical test in court. While the Florida Department of Law Enforcement would like to hold up the results of their experiment as </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">a, “controlled scientific test,” the results are far from scientific or valid. There were a relatively small number of participants in the test (15 to be exact), far from being statistically significant.</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Further, the FDLE did not report that there was a control group, or the details of their testing methodology. As well, the test was held one time and not validated. While the FDLE would like to use their test as a validation of the accuracy of the Intoxilyzer 8000, the questions around the device’s accuracy still remain and legal challenges to its results will continue.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Some of the most common reasons a breath test machine may produce inaccurate results can include:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><ul>
<li style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The machine was calibrated too high</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The machine was calibrated too low</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The person taking the test did not provide a sufficient amount of breath</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The breath test was affected by radio frequency</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The breath test was contaminated</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The machine had preexisting alcohol in the chamber</span></li>
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<br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What To Do Next:</span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you have been charged with drinking and driving or refusing to submit to a breath test for DUI in Tampa, contact a</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">St. Petersburg Criminal Defense Lawyer</span></a><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">to discuss possible defenses and specific strategies that may exist in your case. Call the Morris Law Firm at 727-388-4736 to discuss you case directly with an attorney, or fill out our</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/ContactUs.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Online Form</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to be contacted for a Free Initial Consultation. The Morris Law Firm can help. Attorney Melinda Morris has specific knowledge and experience in representing driving under the influence offenses throughout</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida/PinellasCounty.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pinellas County</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> the entire</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tampa Bay, FL</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> area (</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida/SaintPetersburg.aspx"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">St. Petersburg</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, Clearwater, Tampa, Hillsborough, Pasco, Manatee, Sarasota, Largo, Dunedin and Bradenton).</span></b></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07925388323814003166noreply@blogger.com0111 Second Avenue NE, Suite 515, St Petersburg, FL 33701, USA27.7696063 -82.632137627.6572078 -82.79006609999999 27.8820048 -82.4742091tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665711509402787095.post-59524365754396672842012-01-23T09:00:00.000-05:002012-01-23T09:00:00.221-05:00New Super Painkillers Could Lead to Increased Drug Charges and Penalties in Florida<br />
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<b id="internal-source-marker_0.844059313647449"><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/"><span style="color: #888888; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">St. Petersburg Criminal Attorney</span></a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and Former State Prosecutor Melinda Morris of the Morris Law Firm discusses how new forms of prescription painkillers may lead to more severe criminal penalties.</span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Issue:</span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Four drug companies in the United States have recently created very powerful and addictive forms of the painkiller hydrocodone, and are making plans to put the substances on the market soon. The so-called “super-painkillers” are causing individuals to fear the nation’s problem with prescription drug abuse will worsen if these substances are released. The new painkillers contain pure hydrocodone, which is a main ingredient in many painkillers currently on the market, but none contain such a concentrated amount of hydrocodone. Pharmaceutical companies are producing these new drugs because they believe the substances will generate large revenues. Although these pharmaceutical companies have been in the process of developing the substances, and many are in the final testing stages, none have yet been approved for release by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).</span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><img height="291px;" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/onCSurdIvSGoOFr-uoLhyr_yFMeZnNNr4JDeXqtlFnSyW1Nf_IWH5JTYCxWZyyI7xzYDQMvtwOEgsgq14xUVzygo3psg9HtZF76PBTebAOckWUnoqFo" width="310px;" /><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Why This Matters To You:</span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Unlawful possession of the new super-painkillers, if placed on the market, can potentially lead to criminal charges for possession of a painkiller, prescription pill possession,</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/DrugCharges/PrescriptionDrugTrafficking.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">prescription drug trafficking</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, controlled substance possession, or</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/DrugCharges/DrugPossessionwithIntenttoSell.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">drug possession with intent to sell</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> throughout the Tampa Bay, Florida area. Any of these offenses involving super-painkillers may result in more serious penalties and consequences than possession of the currently-used combination hydrocodone and acetaminophen or ibuprofen substances, such as Vicodin and Lortab.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pure hydrocodone, which is the sole ingredient in the new super-painkillers, is classified as a Schedule II substance in the Florida Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act. Under Florida law, an individual convicted of</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/DrugCharges/PossessionofaControlledSubstance.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">possession of a controlled substance</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> classified in Schedule II can receive a prison sentence up to 15 years and/or a fine up to $10,000. Combination hydrocodone and acetaminophen or ibuprofen substances, such as Vicoprofen and Norco, are classified in Schedule III of the Florida Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act. A conviction for a Schedule III</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/DrugCharges.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">drug offense</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> can result in a prison sentence up to five years and/or a fine up to $5,000.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What To Do Next:</span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you have been charged with possession of prescription pills, controlled substance possession, drug possession with intent to sell or drug trafficking in Tampa, contact a</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Criminal Defense Lawyer in St. Petersburg</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to discuss possible defenses and specific strategies that may exist in your case. Call the Morris Law Firm at 727-388-4736 to discuss you case directly with an attorney, or fill out our</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/ContactUs.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Online Form</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to be contacted for a Free Initial Consultation. The Morris Law Firm can help. Attorney Melinda Morris has specific knowledge and experience in representing prescription pill offenders throughout</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida/PinellasCounty.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pinellas County</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> the entire</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tampa Bay, FL</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> area (</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida/SaintPetersburg.aspx"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">St. Petersburg</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, Clearwater, Tampa, Hillsborough, Pasco, Manatee, Sarasota, Largo, Dunedin and Bradenton).</span></b></div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07925388323814003166noreply@blogger.com0111 Second Avenue NE, Suite 515, St Petersburg, FL 33701, USA27.7696063 -82.632137627.6572078 -82.79006609999999 27.8820048 -82.4742091tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665711509402787095.post-64244645315649168412012-01-09T09:00:00.001-05:002012-01-09T09:00:09.440-05:00Pinellas County Drug Courts Positive to Counties, Judicial System and Defendants<div><b id="internal-source-marker_0.040746639017015696"><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/"><span style="color: #888888; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">St. Petersburg Criminal Attorney</span></a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and Former State Prosecutor Melinda Morris of the Morris Law Firm discusses Tampa Bay area Drug Courts and their benefits.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A recent article in the Tampa Bay Times reported drug courts in Florida have proven to be beneficial, even though many taxpayers often oppose the program. As reported in the article, the</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/FirstTimeOffenders/DrugCourt.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">drug court</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> programs save the judicial system $2.21 for every dollar invested in the programs. Additionally, for every individual who participates in the drug court program, the community gains an economic benefit of $3,000. Further, individuals who participate in the program, stay clean, and are successful in the program can generally have their criminal charges dismissed, and many times their lives are saved from the negative impact of drug use.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Drug courts provide direct supervision of the offenders and are typically made up of professionals to help the drug offenders acquire treatment. These professionals can include the judge, prosecutors, public defenders, probation officers and counselors. These individuals track the offenders as they go through treatment and check on them monthly to make sure they are abiding by the rules of the drug court. Anyone who violates the terms of the program, skips counseling, is charged with an additional criminal offense, or fails a drug test can be kicked out of the drug court program.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><img height="202px;" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/WipBzXAAfl5JdbY4QSLnb7zSDgBYY0Xz-tPHp0ZGwqSyZFmk8_OB56ThDqw0FDIYC6pYI58h3YEvxtdtE9oKCSeftecxeqp0af2e2sdOXk8UuOrinOw" width="348px;" /><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Why This Matters To You:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you have been charged with a</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/DrugCharges.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">drug offense in St. Petersburg</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, you may be eligible for a </span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/FirstTimeOffenders/DrugCourt.aspx"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tampa Bay area drug court program</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. The program is generally available to individuals who are non-violent substance abuse offenders that have committed certain misdemeanor or felony offenses. The program is voluntary and typically requires participants to attend regular court appearances, seek treatment, and attend counseling. They are also often given incentives, and sometimes, sanctions as a part of the program.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Offenses such as</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/DrugCharges/PossessionofaControlledSubstance.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">drug possession</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">,</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/DrugCharges/PrescriptionDrugTrafficking.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">prescription drug offenses</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/DrugCharges/DrugPossessionwithIntenttoSell.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">drug possession with intent to sell</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> are usually punishable felonies or misdemeanors and can result in severe penalties, such as jail or prison sentences, a criminal record and fines. However, the drug court program allows individuals charged with criminal offenses to purse alternative punishments to jail or prison time. Drug courts also give these individuals a means to become productive members of society, improve their situation and their lives, and remain drug-free.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What To Do Next:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you have been charged with possession of a controlled substance, prescription pill offenses, or any other drug crime in Tampa, contact a</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Criminal Defense Attorney in St. Petersburg</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to discuss possible defenses and specific strategies that may exist in your case. Call the Morris Law Firm at 727-388-4736 to discuss you case directly with an attorney, or fill out our</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/ContactUs.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Online Form</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to be contacted for a Free Initial Consultation. The Morris Law Firm can help. Attorney Melinda Morris has specific knowledge and experience in representing drug offenders throughout</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida/PinellasCounty.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pinellas County</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> the entire</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tampa Bay, FL</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> area (</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida/SaintPetersburg.aspx"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">St. Petersburg</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, Clearwater, Tampa, Hillsborough, Pasco, Manatee, Sarasota, Largo, Dunedin and Bradenton).</span></b></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07925388323814003166noreply@blogger.com0111 Second Avenue NE, Suite 515, St Petersburg, FL 33701, USA27.7696063 -82.63213759999996527.6953063 -82.72161909999997 27.8439063 -82.542656099999959tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665711509402787095.post-27895449296880629372012-01-03T09:00:00.000-05:002012-01-03T09:00:06.129-05:00Facebook Posts Lead to Pinellas County Cyberstalking Charges<div><b id="internal-source-marker_0.9091408923268318"><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/"><span style="color: #888888; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">St. Petersburg Criminal Attorney</span></a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and Former State Prosecutor Melinda Morris of the Morris Law Firm discusses how use of social media can lead to criminal charges.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Issue:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A teenager girl was recently charged with</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/DomesticViolence/StalkingAggravatedStalking.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">stalking</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> after posting messages on a classmate’s Facebook page. The posts were not necessarily threatening or intimidating, but they did contain words that could be perceived as heated or passionate.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The girls were friends who occasionally fought and were fighting at the time the messages were posted. The individual who posted the comment suspected the other student had keyed her car, and stated so in the post, along with a comment stating, “</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">she doesn't know what's coming to her</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As a result of the posts, the alleged juvenile offender was suspended from school and ultimately charged with stalking by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><img height="271px;" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/d91oYuOY7ZxQV41fzfYAkdRS9IDtLYqQdXShGrdE6Wn3705ZTxVPilM9O6OYcR-hV876yxnFkl5Qf5FLYRuyaV1juoJmpFBhTGFgSOOnJJxFb6tFMa0" width="417px;" /><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Why This Matters To You:</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If the criminal charges are not dropped this means almost anyone in Florida could be charged with a criminal offense for posting a thought or comment that was made in the heat of the moment on a Facebook wall or through some other form of social media. Although to most people, posting heated words on the Internet would be against sound judgment, posting words that do not contain any direct threat or intent to cause any harm are not grounds for criminal charges as serious as stalking.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">According to Florida law, stalking is defined as repeatedly following, harassing or cyberstalking another person, and is punishable as a misdemeanor or felony offense.</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/DomesticViolence/Cyberstalking.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cyberstalking</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> involves directing words, images or language at a specific person through electronic communication that causes that person severe emotional distress and serves no legitimate purpose. This type of stalking offense can lead to a misdemeanor conviction, which is punishable by up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine up to $1,000.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Additionally, a conviction for a</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/JuvenileOffenses.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">juvenile offense</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> in Pinellas County can lead to serious repercussions if the juvenile is tried as an adult, including a possibly permanent criminal record, an inability to be admitted into certain college or graduate school programs, and ineligibility to pursue certain professions or occupations. A juvenile could also face confinement in a juvenile detention center, loss of a driver’s license, be subject to curfew, and/or complete community service.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What To Do Next:</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you have been charged with a juvenile crime, stalking or cyberstalking in Tampa, contact a</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/DomesticViolence/Cyberstalking.aspx"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Cyberstalking Criminal Defense Lawyer in St. Petersburg</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to discuss possible defenses and specific strategies that may exist in your case. Call the Morris Law Firm at 727-388-4736 to discuss you case directly with an attorney, or fill out our</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/ContactUs.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Online Form</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to be contacted for a Free Initial Consultation. The Morris Law Firm can help. Attorney Melinda Morris has specific knowledge and experience in representing juvenile and domestic violence offenders throughout</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida/PinellasCounty.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pinellas County</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> the entire</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tampa Bay, FL</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> area (</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida/SaintPetersburg.aspx"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">St. Petersburg</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, Clearwater, Tampa, Hillsborough, Pasco, Manatee, Sarasota, Largo, Dunedin and Bradenton).</span></b></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07925388323814003166noreply@blogger.com0111 Second Avenue NE, Suite 515, St Petersburg, FL 33701, USA27.7696063 -82.63213759999996527.6953063 -82.72161909999997 27.8439063 -82.542656099999959tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665711509402787095.post-53405788397937845092011-12-26T09:00:00.001-05:002011-12-26T09:00:03.228-05:00Texting While Driving Ban Targeted by Florida Legislators<div><b id="internal-source-marker_0.36934815044514835"><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/"><span style="color: #888888; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">St. Petersburg Criminal Attorney</span></a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and Former State Prosecutor Melinda Morris of the Morris Law Firm discusses the potential ban on Texting While Driving (TWD) in Florida.</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Issue:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Although Florida is one of the 15 states that has not yet banned texting while driving, the state Senate Transportation Committee voted in favor of Senate Bill 416 last week that would ban drivers from texting, e-mailing and instant messaging while driving.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">SB 416 proposes to make texting while driving a noncriminal traffic violation, and texting while driving could only be charged as a secondary offense to any other</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/TrafficOffenses.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">criminal traffic offense</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has also recommended that all states ban drivers from using all portable electronic devices, including any electronics used for texting, internet browsing, instant messaging and talking. The NTSB recently stated to CNN that any form of distracted driving, including texting while driving is “the new DUI.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><img height="220px;" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/QaXUnDyJ8uDvug0w8ui_Dhuq7fn0XtkKpu4qGe_t3MXVbfVbWlDDvNJ-0ZfPtK5AZLKoRf_EvYYJwckQKyof1BIXf_4Q87cN3CDoEaHdCGG-WW-TKQ4" width="374px;" /><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Why This Matters To You:</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Even though SB 416 does not make texting while driving a criminal offense by itself, anyone charged with any other criminal traffic offense, such as</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/DUIDrunkDriving.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">driving under the influence (DUI)</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">,</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/TrafficOffenses/DrivingWhileLicenseSuspended.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">driving with a suspended</span><span style="color: #000099; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">license</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, or vehicular homicide, could also be charged with the secondary violation of texting while driving. Additionally, anyone caught texting while driving could face potential classification as a</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/TrafficOffenses/HabitualTrafficOffenders.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">habitual traffic offender in St. Petersburg</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If the proposed texting while driving legislation is passed, Florida law enforcement officers will make greater efforts to charge drivers with texting while driving in additional to any other criminal traffic offenses. Although drivers who are caught texting while driving can already be charged with</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/TrafficOffenses/RacingandRecklessDriving.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">reckless driving</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, this new legislation would drastically increase traffic charges throughout Florida. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reported in a survey that 69% of drivers admitted to talking on a cell phone while driving and 24% admitted to texting or e-mailing while driving.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What To Do Next:</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you have been charged with reckless driving, DUI, hit or run or any other traffic offense in Tampa, contact a</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">St. Petersburg Criminal Defense Attorney</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to discuss possible defenses and specific strategies that may exist in your case. Call the Morris Law Firm at 727-388-4736 to discuss you case directly with an attorney, or fill out our</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/ContactUs.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Online Form</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to be contacted for a Free Initial Consultation. The Morris Law Firm can help. Attorney Melinda Morris has specific knowledge and experience in representing alleged traffic offenders throughout</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida/PinellasCounty.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pinellas County</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> the entire</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tampa Bay, FL</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> area (</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida/SaintPetersburg.aspx"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">St. Petersburg</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, Clearwater, Tampa, Hillsborough, Pasco, Manatee, Sarasota, Largo, Dunedin and Bradenton).</span></b></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07925388323814003166noreply@blogger.com0111 Second Avenue NE, Suite 515, St Petersburg, FL 33701, USA27.7696063 -82.63213759999996527.6953063 -82.72161909999997 27.8439063 -82.542656099999959tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665711509402787095.post-13567393573869175512011-12-23T15:10:00.000-05:002011-12-23T15:10:16.447-05:00Questionable Tactics Used by Pinellas County Law Enforcement in Marijuana Sting Operation<div><b id="internal-source-marker_0.674164020223543"><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/"><span style="color: #888888; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">St. Petersburg Criminal Attorney</span></a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and Former State Prosecutor Melinda Morris of the Morris Law Firm discusses the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office tactics used during a recent undercover marijuana sting.</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Issue:</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office recently conducted a sting to apprehend alleged marijuana growers. In this instance, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office utilized some questionable tactics - they secretly videotaped customers of a Largo based hydroponic gardening shop on Ulmerton Road. When customers visited the shop they had no idea that the Sheriff’s Office was watching and recording their license plates via a hidden camera placed on a utility pole nearby the shop.</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Using the license plate, detectives ascertained the driver’s home address from Department of Motor Vehicle records and then showed up at the customers’ homes questioning if they were growing marijuana. If the alleged offenders were not completely cooperative, detectives got search warrants which in some cases were obtained by stating that the officers could smell marijuana from outside the home - more than 50 feet away.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><img height="291px;" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/wSpEYS_9SkG3CfQ6FNqGn9WOjFyYJozFp-OwmqsLx-RZuKQ4Twx-6WcntCbcyUbvxvZq7_wL5Wom1QEhWhCJBsSl5UADrJCodUV_R6g-MitA09YcYuw" width="388px;" /><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Why This Matters To You:</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This investigation and sting by the </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office shows that law enforcement can sometimes take an aggressive approach in apprehending alleged marijuana grow house operators and drug offenders. While hydroponics are used in some cases to grow marijuana, the water-based gardening method is used for legitimate plant and food growing as well. The goods for sale at this store are legal, and the business is operating within the law. Many law abiding customers frequent the store to purchase products to organically grow food and to shop for natural pesticides.</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It is worrisome that law enforcement is using surveillance tactics to target a legal place of business and customers who are abiding the law shopping at the store. It would appear that law enforcement is tying together otherwise legal activity and interpreting it as evidence that a crime may be underway. Hydroponic gardening is legal. Shopping at Simply Hydroponics is legal. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What To Do Next:</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you have been charged with possession of marijuana, operating a marijuana grow house, possession of drug paraphernalia, or any other marijuana offense in the Tampa Bay area, contact a</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">St. Petersburg Marijuana Crime Lawyer</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to discuss possible defenses and specific strategies that may exist in your case. Call the Morris Law Firm at 727-388-4736 to discuss you case directly with an attorney, or fill out our</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/ContactUs.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Online Form</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to be contacted for a Free Initial Consultation. The Morris Law Firm can help. Attorney Melinda Morris has specific knowledge and experience in defending marijuana offenses and representing juvenile offenders throughout</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida/PinellasCounty.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pinellas County</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> the entire</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tampa Bay, FL</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> area (</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida/SaintPetersburg.aspx"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">St. Petersburg</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">,</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida/Clearwater.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Clearwater</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">,</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida/Tampa.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tampa</span></a><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">,</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida/HillsboroughCounty.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hillsborough</span></a><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">,</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida/PascoCounty.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pasco</span></a><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">,</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida/ManateeCounty.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Manatee</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">,</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida/SarasotaCounty.aspx"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sarasota</span></a><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">and Bradenton).</span></b></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07925388323814003166noreply@blogger.com0111 Second Avenue NE, Suite 515, St Petersburg, FL 33701, USA27.7696063 -82.63213759999996527.6953063 -82.72161909999997 27.8439063 -82.542656099999959tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665711509402787095.post-6804061673910146522011-12-19T09:00:00.001-05:002011-12-19T09:00:14.845-05:00Theft Offenses in Pinellas County Increase During the 2011-2012 Holiday Season<div style="background-color: transparent;"><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/" id="internal-source-marker_0.3883318507578224"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #888888; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">St. Petersburg Criminal Attorney</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and Former State Prosecutor Melinda Morris of the Morris Law Firm discusses how local police agencies increase enforcement during the 2011-2012 holiday season.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Issue:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A larger number of</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/TheftCrimes.aspx"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">theft crimes</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, including armed robbery and shoplifting, have been reported throughout Florida within the past few weeks. The Tampa Police Department and Cocoa Beach Police both report they expect to see more robberies, burglaries and retail theft than normal during the holiday season.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">According to the Cocoa Beach police, many people shoplift and steal during the holidays in order to solve their money problems, such as financial hardship and job loss. The police departments also state many alleged shoplifting and robbery offenses involve some form of</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/DrugCharges.aspx"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">drug abuse</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> or use.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Brevard County Sheriff’s department reports that robberies have already increased over the same time last year, from 123 holiday robberies total last year to 143 robberies so far this year.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><img height="245px;" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/qszCfVYEBWiFHYbcipT22s4pfYIJvjSp3ruuubgVYriJrgIFKHNK0djef1jICvFODlo9YNc87gzpWVB5Eohaz_NpdBAkRNnLT1DV6LBpW7NjC1ynJxg" width="245px;" /><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Why This Matters To You:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Increased robberies and shoplifting offenses throughout Florida lead to increased security and more law enforcement officers looking for theft offenders.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/TheftCrimes/BurglaryRobbery.aspx"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Shoplifting</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> or</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/TheftCrimes/BurglaryRobbery.aspx"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">retail theft</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> in Florida can lead to felony and misdemeanor convictions, which are punishable by jail or prison sentence and/or fines. For example, first degree misdemeanor retail theft is punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine up to $1,000.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/TheftCrimes/BurglaryRobbery.aspx"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Burglary</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/TheftCrimes/BurglaryRobbery.aspx"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">robbery</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> offenses in Florida can lead to even greater penalties. Burglary is punishable as a felony of the first degree, second degree or third degree conviction. Each of these burglary offenses can result in a prison sentence and/or a steep fine. Armed robbery offenses are punishable as a felony of the first degree, which can result in a mandatory minimum prison sentence of ten years, and a general robbery offense is punishable as a felony of the second degree.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What To Do Next:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you have been charged with shoplifting, burglary or robbery in Tampa, contact a</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">St. Petersburg Theft Defense Lawyer</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to discuss possible defenses and specific strategies that may exist in your case. Call the Morris Law Firm at 727-388-4736 to discuss you case directly with an attorney, or fill out our</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/ContactUs.aspx"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Online Form</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to be contacted for a Free Initial Consultation. The Morris Law Firm can help. Attorney Melinda Morris has specific knowledge and experience in representing alleged theft offenders throughout</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida/PinellasCounty.aspx"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pinellas County</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> the entire</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida.aspx"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tampa Bay, FL</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> area (</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida/SaintPetersburg.aspx"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">St. Petersburg</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">,</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida/Clearwater.aspx"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Clearwater</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">,</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida/Tampa.aspx"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tampa</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">,</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida/HillsboroughCounty.aspx"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hillsborough</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">,</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida/PascoCounty.aspx"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pasco</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">,</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida/ManateeCounty.aspx"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Manatee</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">,</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida/SarasotaCounty.aspx"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sarasota</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, Largo, Dunedin and Bradenton).</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07925388323814003166noreply@blogger.com0111 Second Avenue NE, Suite 515, St Petersburg, FL 33701, USA27.7696063 -82.63213759999996527.6953063 -82.72161909999997 27.8439063 -82.542656099999959tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665711509402787095.post-42388626146220320802011-12-12T09:00:00.005-05:002011-12-12T09:00:11.415-05:00Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office to Conduct Sobriety Checkpoints as Holidays Approach<div style="background-color: transparent;"><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/" id="internal-source-marker_0.39347803383134305"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #888888; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">St. Petersburg Criminal Attorney</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and Former State Prosecutor Melinda Morris of the Morris Law Firm discusses the Pinellas County Sheriff’s plan for additional DUI Sobriety Checkpoints during the 2011-2012 holiday season.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Issue:</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office will conduct four</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/DUIDrunkDriving.aspx"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI)</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">checkpoints the weekends of December 9 – 10, 2011 and December 16 – 17, 2011. The checkpoints will take place at multiple locations, including Madeira Beach, Clearwater and Palm Harbor.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In addition to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, the following law enforcement agencies in the Tampa area will be participating in the checkpoints – the Patrol Operations Bureau, the Special Operations Division, Patrol Deputies, the Prisoner Transport Unit, Traffic Crash Investigators, Community Policing Unit, K-9 Unit, Explorer Post 900, Investigative Operations Bureau, the Narcotics Unit and the Remove Intoxicated Drivers (RID).</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><img height="333px;" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/ErEsgExrFM-bID8nm5jMgWYYYquBjrycukr3QXYqUsSgSo7dP35HXUanzCylyTxPQcuRqWshygDV9N0gCcLRikln54NTq2k88SEpLu1WSXS6DxeMr1o" width="500px;" /><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Why This Matters To You:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">At the</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/DUIDrunkDriving/DUIRoadblockSobrietyCheckpoint.aspx"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">DUI checkpoints</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, about 35 to 40 law enforcement officers will be checking for drivers who are impaired by the use of drugs, controlled substances or alcohol. Any driver suspected of DUI will be required to take a</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/DUIDrunkDriving/DUIBreathTest.aspx"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">chemical breath test</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to check for the driver’s breath alcohol concentration level (BAC).</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Although the checkpoints are intended to reduce injuries and save lives over the holidays, the checkpoints will also obviously result in increased driving under the influence charges, including</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/JuvenileOffenses/ZeroToleranceDUI.aspx"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">underage DUI</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, administrative licenses suspension for</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/DUIDrunkDriving/DUIRefusal.aspx"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">DUI refusal</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/DUIDrunkDriving/PrescriptionorIllegalDrugDUI.aspx"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">prescription drug DUI</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Additionally, the law enforcement officers will check for</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/TrafficOffenses.aspx"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">traffic offenses</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, such as driving without a license or registration and equipment violations.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What To Do Next:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you have been charged with driving under the influence in the Tampa Bay area, contact a</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">St. Petersburg DUI Lawyer</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to discuss possible defenses and specific strategies that may exist in your case. Call the Morris Law Firm at 727-388-4736 to discuss you case directly with an attorney, or fill out our</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/ContactUs.aspx"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Online Form</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to be contacted for a Free Initial Consultation. The Morris Law Firm can help. Attorney Melinda Morris has specific knowledge and experience in representing alleged DUI offenders throughout</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida/PinellasCounty.aspx"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pinellas County</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and the entire</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida.aspx"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tampa Bay, FL</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> area (</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida/SaintPetersburg.aspx"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">St. Petersburg</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">,</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida/Clearwater.aspx"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Clearwater</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">,</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida/Tampa.aspx"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tampa</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">,</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida/HillsboroughCounty.aspx"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hillsborough</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">,</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida/PascoCounty.aspx"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pasco</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">,</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida/ManateeCounty.aspx"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Manatee</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">,</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida/SarasotaCounty.aspx"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sarasota</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, Largo, Dunedin and Bradenton). </span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07925388323814003166noreply@blogger.com0111 Second Avenue NE, Suite 515, St Petersburg, FL 33701, USA27.7696063 -82.63213759999996527.6953063 -82.72161909999997 27.8439063 -82.542656099999959tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665711509402787095.post-28911640887771281572011-12-09T09:00:00.012-05:002011-12-26T13:40:03.215-05:00Certain Instances of Assault and Battery May Be Protected Under Florida’s Stand Your Ground Law<div style="background-color: transparent;"><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/"><span style="color: #888888; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">St. Petersburg Criminal Attorney</span></a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and Former State Prosecutor Melinda Morris of the Morris Law Firm discusses how Florida’s Stand Your Ground law may affect assault and battery charges.</span><br />
<div style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Issue:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A Tampa man who stabbed another man in the head with an ice pick during a road rage confrontation may not be criminally charged due to Florida’s “stand your ground law.”</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The altercation occurred Monday, November 21, 2011 when an older man allegedly stabbed a younger man in the head after cutting off the victim’s vehicle. The victim sped around the alleged offender’s car, stopped his vehicle and walked toward the older man’s car. The victim was 6-foot-3 and weighed 260 pounds. The alleged offender was 6 feet tall and weighed 150 pounds. The men engaged in an argument and the elder, smaller, alleged offender stabbed the larger, younger, unarmed alleged victim in the head with an ice pick. State prosecutors have yet to make a decision on whether they will file criminal charges against the older man.</span></div><div style="background-color: transparent;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><img height="217px;" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/RQkncOI9KRMCm6GHlcnlRgyv24tLt29jKT120C3rfiBvttTkAmnVPQtnqnl4Z4-bKfGW8fYwcDmWi6E4EmWtcRn9B2R6DkYSgbcEDYkuBTacyIxvD-8" width="267px;" /><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Why This Matters To You:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Any individual who has been charged with</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/AssaultBattery/BatteryAggravatedBattery.aspx"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">battery</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">,</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/AssaultBattery/BatteryAggravatedBattery.aspx"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">aggravated battery</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">,</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/AssaultBattery/AssaultAggravatedAssault.aspx"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">assault</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">,</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/AssaultBattery/AssaultAggravatedAssault.aspx"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">aggravated assault</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> or</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/DomesticViolence.aspx"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">domestic violence</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> in St. Petersburg may be protected under the “stand your ground” law in Florida and avoid criminal charges or a criminal conviction for their alleged offense.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The stand your ground law basically states that any person can use deadly force and not be charged with a crime if they feel they are threatened by death or great bodily harm. This law is also more commonly known as self-defense. Alleged offenders may be able to use this defense even if the person they felt threatened by was not armed with any type of weapon. Other defenses used in criminal cases that are similar to the “stand your ground” law can include justification, defense of others, and defense of property.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What To Do Next:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you have been charged with an assault or battery offense in the Tampa Bay area, contact a</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">St. Petersburg Assault and Battery Lawyer</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to discuss possible defenses and specific strategies that may exist in your case. Call the Morris Law Firm at 727-388-4736 to discuss you case directly with an attorney, or fill out our</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/ContactUs.aspx"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Online Form</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to be contacted for a Free Initial Consultation. The Morris Law Firm can help. Attorney Melinda Morris has specific knowledge and experience in representing violent crime offenders throughout</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida/PinellasCounty.aspx"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pinellas County</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> the entire</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida.aspx"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tampa Bay, FL</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> area (</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida/SaintPetersburg.aspx"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">St. Petersburg</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">,</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida/Clearwater.aspx"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Clearwater</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">,</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida/Tampa.aspx"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tampa</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">,</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida/HillsboroughCounty.aspx"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hillsborough</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">,</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida/PascoCounty.aspx"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pasco</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">,</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida/ManateeCounty.aspx"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Manatee</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">,</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida/SarasotaCounty.aspx"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sarasota</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and Bradenton).</span></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07925388323814003166noreply@blogger.com0111 Second Avenue NE, Suite 515, St Petersburg, FL 33701, USA27.7729529 -82.64024139999997927.7529289 -82.653718399999974 27.7929769 -82.626764399999985tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665711509402787095.post-23537911317559314262011-12-05T09:00:00.010-05:002011-12-06T14:21:06.847-05:00Tampa Florida Targets Drug Sales & Prostitution with New Law<div style="background-color: transparent;"><br />
<div style="background-color: transparent;"><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/" id="internal-source-marker_0.43563406984321773"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #888888; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">St. Petersburg Criminal Attorney</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and Former State Prosecutor Melinda Morris of the Morris Law Firm discusses a new Tampa ordinance targeting drug sales and prostitution.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Issue:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The city of Tampa, Florida has given initial approval to a new ordinance that would impose a $500 fine on drivers whose vehicles are used when either buying drugs or soliciting a prostitute.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Vehicles are typically impounded when used in the commission of certain crimes including </span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/DrugCharges.aspx"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">drug sale/purchases</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and </span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/FirstTimeOffenders/SolicitationforProstitution.aspx"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">solicitation of prostitution</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Currently, the city of Tampa brings the vehicle to an impound lot where the cars are released once the owner pays storage and towing costs that usually are around $150.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If the ordinance passes, vehicle owners would have to pay an additional $500 fine on top of the towing and storage costs. City leaders hope that the additional fine will dissuade people from committing vice crimes.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In Pinellas County, Florida there is already an ordinance on the books that requires a $500 fine when a vehicle is used in the commission of the crime of solicitation of prostitution.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><img height="153px;" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/2zrVPZoi-1XyQ9YGE_aNL0ESHzB--jCnGlEx8t8iNwncGX36HiWei5PN3QFuks1ZkTmZImUELkmf_OmGV3we44EY_yHS7L5Vbq58u_SrSsdo8RRuJcY" width="299px;" /><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Why This Matters To You:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tampa Bay area counties are targeting vice crimes by imposing additional fines. Even with local ordinances gaining approval, similar ordinances from around Florida have faced legal challenges. In South Florida, two cases have gone to the Florida Supreme Court to challenge the ordinances.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In fact, Tampa’s own ordinances have been repealed in the past, and the city continues to rewrite them to find more solid legal ground.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The ordinance based fines described above are just another way for local cities to find revenue sources. There are already criminal fines and punishments in place to deal with vice related crimes. Further, the city has a very minor burden of proof to be able to impose the fines.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What To Do Next:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #3d85c6; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you have been arrested for a drug related crime or solicitation of prostitution, contact a</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/DefenseLawyer/FirstTimeOffenders.aspx"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> St. Petersburg First Time Offender Lawyer</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #45818e; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">to discuss possible defenses and specific strategies that may exist in your case. Call the Morris Law Firm at 727-388-4736 to discuss your case directly with an attorney, or fill out our</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/ContactUs.aspx"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #3a7c81; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Online Form</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to be contacted for a Free Initial Consultation. The Morris Law Firm can help and has specific knowledge and experience in defending Drug Charges / Solicitation of Prostitution offenders throughout</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida/PinellasCounty.aspx"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #3a7c81; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pinellas County</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and the entire Tampa Bay, FL Area (</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida/SaintPetersburg.aspx"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #3a7c81; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">St. Petersburg</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">,</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida/Clearwater.aspx"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #3a7c81; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Clearwater</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">,</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida/Tampa.aspx"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #3a7c81; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tampa</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">,</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida/HillsboroughCounty.aspx"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #3a7c81; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hillsborough</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">,</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida/PascoCounty.aspx"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #3a7c81; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pasco</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, Bradenton,</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida/ManateeCounty.aspx"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #3a7c81; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Manatee</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, and</span><a href="http://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/Florida/SarasotaCounty.aspx"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #3a7c81; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sarasota</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">).</span></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07925388323814003166noreply@blogger.com0111 Second Avenue NE, Suite 515, St Petersburg, FL 33701, USA27.7729529 -82.64024139999997927.7529289 -82.653718399999974 27.7929769 -82.626764399999985