JONATHAN B. BLECHER, P.A. LEGAL BLOG

POTENTIAL PENALTIES FOR A SECOND DUI CONVICTION IN FLORIDA

by Jonathan Blecher | March 30, 2023 | Criminal Defense

A DUI conviction can have significant consequences, including losing driving privileges, fines and possible jail time. The penalties can be even more severe for those charged with a second DUI offense. FLORIDA PENALTIES FOR A SECOND DUI (WITHIN FIVE YEARS) A second DUI offense in Florida is a misdemeanor. The penalties for a second DUI conviction […]

WHO IS THE BEST DUI LAWYER IN MIAMI, FLORIDA (ACCORDING TO BARD)

by Jonathan Blecher | March 27, 2023 | Firm News

Google recently launched it’s own experimental version of an Artificial Intelligence program for the public to compete with others already in the mainstream, such as ChatGPT, and to position themselves for a solid place in the future of AI. Google’s version is called Bard. A bard is a professional story teller, poet, music composer and oral historian. They’ve given […]

WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES FOR LEAVING A COURT-ORDERED DRUG & ALCOHOL TREATMENT CENTER?

by Jonathan Blecher | March 22, 2023 | Firm News

Leaving a drug and alcohol treatment center when court-ordered can have serious consequences, as the court has ordered the treatment as a part of a legal sentence, condition of pre-trial release or condition of probation or parole. The specific consequences can vary depending on the terms of the court order and the jurisdiction in which […]

WHEN CAN POLICE SEARCH YOUR PROPERTY?

by Jonathan Blecher | March 22, 2023 | Firm News, Uncategorized

We’ve all seen it on crime shows. An officer goes to search someone’s home or vehicle, the suspects scoffs and says, “You can’t do that!” and then the officer  proudly flashes a warrant and proceeds with the search. Or, the officer wants to carry out a search, the suspect smugly says “Got a warrant?” and […]

Can a Passenger be DUI in a Self-Driving Car?

by Jonathan Blecher | March 15, 2023 | Firm News

In most places, a person who is a passenger in a self-driving car would not be charged with DUI because they are not actively operating the vehicle. As more self-driving cars hit the roads, we can expect to see more legal precedents established around their use.

What is “drugged driving” in Florida?

by Jonathan Blecher | March 10, 2023 | Drug DUI

You probably have a pretty good idea of what “drunk driving” involves. That term is thrown around a lot, but DUI laws in Florida define the crime as “driving under the influence of alcohol to the extent that your normal faculties are impaired” or “driving with an unlawful blood alcohol level”. We can all agree […]

Sucking on a penny and other myths about beating a DUI

by Jonathan Blecher | March 6, 2023 | Alcohol testing, DUI

Spend any time in a bar or campsite, and you’re bound to hear all kinds of rumors, theories and “true stories that happened to a friend of someone’s uncle” about how you can pass a Breathalyzer test even after having a few drinks. These kinds of urban legends may make for good conversation but very […]

Florida Legislature Tinkers with Refusals and Ignition Interlock Devices

by Jonathan Blecher | March 6, 2023 | Firm News

The Florida Legislature, motto: “We never saw a due process right we wouldn’t trample on”, has proposed legislation which would require the installation of an ignition interlock device immediately after a driver refuses to submit to a breath test. HB197/SB296 read, in pertinent part: “The person shall be told that his or her failure to […]

When can police search your car during a traffic stop?

by Jonathan Blecher | March 2, 2023 | Criminal Defense

You were pulled over by a police officer because they said you ran through a stop sign or maybe because your windows are tinted too darkly. As he was talking to you, he started perusing the interior of your car. The next thing you know, he found a gun under the back seat that’s not […]

How Do I Find a Good Criminal Defense Attorney in Miami

by Jonathan Blecher | February 20, 2023 | Attorney Qualifications

Being accused of a crime can be a daunting experience, and finding a good criminal defense attorney is crucial to ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive the best possible outcome for your case. If you are in Miami, Florida, there are several things you should keep in mind when searching for […]