Category: Criminal Defense
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 […]
The Canada-U.S. border is reopening! Will a criminal record prevent a visit?
by Jonathan Blecher | August 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, […]
MADD Proposes Mandatory IID Installation in Florida
by Jonathan Blecher | 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 […]
Can You Go to Canada if You Have a DUI?
by Jonathan Blecher | 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 […]
Tips for Virtual Court Hearings
by Jonathan Blecher | May 4, 2021 | Criminal Defense
How Do I Prepare for a Zoom Court Hearing? Virtual court hearings have become the new “norm” in the COVID-19 pandemic. Although we don’t know when all Florida courts will reopen for in-person hearings, we do know that video conference hearings are the only available option for most defendants in the state. If you were […]
Difference Between Hit and Run & Leaving the Scene of an Accident
by Jonathan Blecher | March 24, 2021 | Criminal Defense
Is Leaving the Scene of an Accident the Same as Hit and Run? Simply put, hit and run generally means the same thing as leaving the scene of an accident- it’s the term that’s more familiar to the general public. “Leaving the Scene of An Accident” is used in the legal context. A hit and […]
Is a Hit and Run Worse than a DUI in FL?
by Jonathan Blecher | March 10, 2021 | Criminal Defense, DUI
Hit and Run vs. DUI Regardless of the circumstances, hit and run charges and DUI charges are both serious. Clients often ask me if one is worse than the other, but the bottom line is each charge alone has damaging consequences. Getting accused of both crimes together is even more devastating. Depending on the details […]
Who Can See My Criminal Record After Expungement?
by Jonathan Blecher | August 19, 2020 | Criminal Defense
Accessing Expunged Criminal Records in FL People who end up on the wrong side of the law can suffer steep consequences, including a criminal record. Criminal records can hold people back from enjoying the same opportunities as those who don’t have a record, resulting in barriers to employment, housing, education, financial aid and social acceptance. […]
How Cybercrimes Exploit COVID-19
by Jonathan Blecher | June 16, 2020 | Criminal Defense
COVID-19 Isn’t the Only Threat to the Nation The coronavirus has impacted nearly every American across the nation in some way. Whether it be health, employment, relationships or social activities, the pandemic has hindered the livelihoods of millions. But there’s another crisis affecting Americans during COVID-19: Fraud schemes. The FBI issued a Statement for the Record discussing […]
Miami Beach to Reopen Beach & Hotels on June 1st
by Jonathan Blecher | May 22, 2020 | Criminal Defense
Miami Is Ready to Get Back in Action, One Step at a Time After months of waiting, it’s time to grab your sunscreen and towels: On June 1st, Miami Beach and Miami-Dade will reopen beaches and hotels. Miami Beach leads the pack, announcing its decision to reopen beaches and hotels on Friday, May 22nd. As […]
