JONATHAN B. BLECHER, P.A. LEGAL BLOG

How is an Alford plea different from a “no contest” plea?

Thanks to renewed interest in the case against author Michael Peterson, whose conviction for the murder of his wife was overturned, the concept of an “Alford Plea” has once again entered the public consciousness. But what exactly is an Alford plea? How does it differ from pleading “nolo contendere” (“no contest”) in court? The end […]

Can you be searched without a warrant?

by Jonathan Blecher | June 28, 2022 | Criminal Defense

The Fourth Amendment protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures by the police. It states that law enforcement officials cannot legally search your home or belongings without a valid warrant. However, there are some exceptions. The police can conduct a warrant-less but lawful search of you or your property in some cases. These are described […]

Watch your drink: Drugs could lead to a DUI

by Jonathan Blecher | June 27, 2022 | Drug DUI, DUI

You were out at a club and you had a few drinks–but nothing that should have remained in your system to the point of impairment by the time you decided left for home. However, you left because you started to feel tired and disoriented, deciding that you probably just needed to get some sleep. If […]

Can my charges be reduced?

by Jonathan Blecher | June 17, 2022 | Criminal Defense, DUI

You’re facing serious criminal charges, and you don’t really think that you can totally avoid a conviction – but you may have hope of seeing your charges reduced. Reduced charges (especially when they take an offense from a felony to a misdemeanor) can still benefit you when it comes to sentencing and the overall impact […]

Can breathalyzer equipment give false results?

by Jonathan Blecher | May 25, 2022 | DUI

Even if you have never encountered one, there is a pretty good chance you have heard about breathalyzer tests. Basically, a breathalyzer test is used to determine the driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) level in a DUI arrest. If the equipment gives a positive outcome, the obtained BAC test result can be used as evidence […]

What is a no-contest plea during a criminal trial?

by Jonathan Blecher | May 23, 2022 | Criminal Defense

If you are charged with a crime in Florida, one of the most important issues you will need to explore is the type of plea you should enter during the arraignment. One of the pleas you can consider is known as a “no-contest plea.” Nolo contendere or no-contest is a Latin term that translates to […]

Should you contest a DUI?

by Jonathan Blecher | May 18, 2022 | DUI

Drunk driving is one of the simplest ways to become a criminal without intending to. A criminal record can haunt you for life, so it is crucial to do all you can to fight a DUI charge. Getting legal help to understand your options will be crucial to that. Yet many people never do. They […]

How do you know if you are safe to drive after drinking?

by Jonathan Blecher | May 16, 2022 | DUI

You may have carefully calculated how much you drink before driving home without a problem for years. Then one day, the police pulled you over and asked you to perform a Breathalyzer test which you failed. There are two possible scenarios. You may have been wrong all along about how much you could safely drink […]

What if I decline the breath test during a DUI traffic stop?

by Jonathan Blecher | May 10, 2022 | DUI

The result of a breath, blood or urine test often is the strongest piece of evidence in a DUI case. But when it comes to the breath test, at least, the police cannot make you take one without your consent. So what happens if you refuse to take the test? Could the officer have to […]

What Defenses Can Be Raised for Reckless Driving?

by Jonathan Blecher | April 29, 2022 | Firm News

Reckless driving in Florida carries serious penalties. Depending on the facts, the offense can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, with punishments including incarceration and/or fines. If you’re convicted, you will also have a mark on your criminal record, which can show up on background checks for employment, housing, or other opportunities. But being […]