JONATHAN B. BLECHER, P.A. LEGAL BLOG

Is Open Carry Legal in Florida Now?

by Jonathan Blecher | April 2, 2023 | Criminal Defense

The Florida Legislature recently passed a new law regarding concealed weapons, which has stirred up some controversy and debate. Governor DeSantis is expected to sign the bill into law very soon. SB 150/HB 543, expand the rights of gun owners in the state and allows them to carry concealed weapons without a permit in certain […]

Second DUI Conviction in Florida: What Are the Penalties?

by Jonathan Blecher | March 30, 2023 | DUI

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 […]

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

by Jonathan Blecher | March 22, 2023 | Probation

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 Are Police Allowed to Search Your Property?

by Jonathan Blecher | March 22, 2023 | Criminal Defense

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 Passengers Be Charged with DUI in Self-Driving Cars?

by Jonathan Blecher | March 15, 2023 | DUI

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.