Category: Criminal Defense

Prison Phone Call Industry About to Be Fixed

The prison phone call industry is a lucrative and predatory business that exploits the vulnerability of incarcerated individuals and their families. This industry operates by providing a telephone service for inmates to call loved ones and maintain communication while behind bars. However, these services often come with exorbitant fees and charges that can put a […]

Can you share a medical marijuana card?

Over recent years, twenty-three states have legalized marijuana for recreational use, though Florida has not yet joined this trend. Legalization has been proposed in the Florida Legislature but hasn’t made it past committee hearings. So while medical marijuana is legal, recreational marijuana use is not. This could change in the future, but things are currently […]

Justice Department moves to eliminate cocaine sentencing disparity

by Jonathan Blecher | December 21, 2022 | Criminal Defense

Cocaine sentencing disparity refers to the unequal treatment of individuals who are convicted of crimes involving cocaine, particularly in regards to the length of prison sentences they receive. This issue has been a longstanding concern in the United States, where there is a significant difference in the way that federal sentencing guidelines treat offenses involving […]

3 questions and answers about house arrest

by Jonathan Blecher | November 17, 2022 | Criminal Defense

After getting a DUI, especially for the first time, many people fear that they will be charged fines or end up in jail. However, even first-time offenders in more serious cases are given an alternative to jail, such as house arrest. According to Florida Statutes Chapter 948.001(3), house arrest is a form of community control […]

Is a plea deal a good deal?

by Jonathan Blecher | November 8, 2022 | Criminal Defense

If you are facing criminal charges, there is a high chance the prosecution will offer you a plea deal. The vast majority of criminal cases take this route these days. While jury trials still happen, and you still have the right to one, their use has declined to less than one in ten cases. This […]

2 mistakes you must never make when under criminal investigation

by Jonathan Blecher | October 25, 2022 | Criminal Defense

Florida is one of the toughest states to be charged with a crime. While being arrested and charged with a criminal offense can be stressful, it is important that you do your best to remain calm and understand that your case begins the moment law enforcement pulls you over or knocks at your door to […]

Why you shouldn’t run from the police 

by Jonathan Blecher | September 12, 2022 | Criminal Defense

You see blue lights behind you. Cops approach you on the street or the airport.  It generally comes as a bit of a shock, particularly to those who have had no previous dealings with law enforcement and have done nothing wrong.  In situations like this, it’s common for what is called the “fight or flight” […]

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 […]

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 […]