The Harnessing Opportunities by Pursuing Expungement (HOPE) Act was introduced in Congress on December 2, 2021, to encourage local and state governments to expunge the criminal records of tens of millions of people who have previously been convicted of marijuana-related crimes. Led by Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Dave Joyce (R-OH), the bill provides $20 million in cash assistance for…
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Year: 2021
The Damage Associated with Making Mugshots Public
Jonathan B. Blecher, P.A. | Dec 7, 2021 | Uncategorized
After a person is arrested in most states, the police department or county jail may post the mugshot photo online or otherwise make them available to the public. However, this practice can do more harm than good. Mugshots often show people in their worst state, whether they are red-eyed from crying, appear visibly intoxicated, or have cuts and bruises on…
New Jersey Marijuana Cases Expungements
Jonathan B. Blecher, P.A. | Sep 15, 2021 | Uncategorized
New Jersey Courts Automatically Expunge Over 360,000 Marijuana Convictions Hundreds of thousands of New Jerseyans have had their criminal records cleared of low-level marijuana and hashish offenses. According to a press release issued by the New Jersey Courts, about 362,000 people convicted of certain crimes were eligible for automatic expungement under the state’s Marijuana Decriminalization Law, which went into effect…
Infrastructure Bill Seeks a Drunk Driver Monitoring System & Other Vehicle Safety Measures
Jonathan B. Blecher, P.A. | Aug 10, 2021 | Uncategorized
The U.S. Senate voted UP on a $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill aimed at repairing the country’s roadways and bridges, improving the electrical grid, and providing rural communities with high-speed Internet, and instituting several eco-friendly measures. However, contained within the 2,702-page plan, there are several consumer safety provisions, such as keeping drunk drivers off the road and preventing hot car…
The Canada-U.S. border is reopening! Will a criminal record prevent a visit?
Jonathan B. Blecher, P.A. | Aug 5, 2021 | Criminal Defense, DUI
Just after midnight on August 9, 2021, the Canada-U.S. border will finally reopen for recreational travel. This is huge news for people and businesses on both sides of the border, marking the end of 16 months of severe travel restrictions. Fully vaccinated U.S. citizens and green card holders will finally be able enter into Canada, allowing families to be reunited,…
Best Places for a Big Fourth of July Celebration in Florida
Jonathan B. Blecher, P.A. | Jun 29, 2021 | Uncategorized
The Fourth of July is almost here, which means that a number of big celebrations – including fireworks shows – throughout Florida are about to take place! If you’re looking for a new or different way to spend Independence Day with your family and friends, check out some of the events we found below! Independence Day Events in Florida The…
Which Types of Fireworks Are Legal in Florida?
Jonathan B. Blecher, P.A. | Jun 16, 2021 | Uncategorized
Independence Day is a pyromaniac’s Christmas in July, especially since a 2020 law in Florida legalizes the purchase and use of pretty much all fireworks on three designated holidays: July 4, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day. Yes, that means that if it shoots up into the air and creates a spectacle when it explodes, you can legally purchase…
Boating Accidents Are on the Rise in Florida
Jonathan B. Blecher, P.A. | Jun 1, 2021 | Firm News
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, there are some concerning statistics regarding a rise in boating accidents in Florida’s waterways. The Commission’s 2020 Boating Accident Statistical Report states that as many as 836 boating accidents were reported in 2020, which represented a 26% increase from 2019. Injuries were also on the rise in 2020, with 534 reported…
MADD Proposes Mandatory IID Installation in Florida
Jonathan B. Blecher, P.A. | May 17, 2021 | Criminal Defense, DUI
Mandatory IID Installation in FL Would Save Lives, Says MADD Drunk driving deaths in West Virginia, Arizona, Louisiana, and New Mexico have significantly decreased after ignition interlock devices were required for all DUI offenders. Florida may be next. Currently, a first-time DUI conviction with no aggravating factors in Florida does not require you to install an ignition interlock device (IID),…
Can You Go to Canada if You Have a DUI?
Jonathan B. Blecher, P.A. | May 11, 2021 | Criminal Defense, DUI
Convicted for DUI or Reckless Driving? Canada May Not Let You In. If you got a DUI or reckless driving conviction in the US, you may want to reconsider your plans to visit Canada, as the country has strict policies on immigration and tourism for foreign nationals who have a criminal record. Canadian immigration officials generally won’t allow foreign nationals…