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Theft charges in Florida range from a minor misdemeanor to a serious felony, and the line between them often comes down to the dollar value of what was allegedly taken. Petit Theft: Misdemeanor-Level Charges Petit theft applies when the property or services taken are valued under $750. A first offense involving property valued under $100 is a second-degree misdemeanor, while…

People often use the terms “assault” and “battery” interchangeably, but under Florida law they are two distinct crimes with different elements and penalties. What Counts as Assault Under Florida Statute 784.011, assault is an intentional, unlawful threat by word or act to do violence to another person, combined with an apparent ability to carry it out, that creates a well-founded…

Domestic violence charges in Florida carry consequences that go beyond the criminal case itself, often affecting custody arrangements, firearm rights, and living situations. Here’s what to expect if you or a loved one has been arrested. Mandatory Arrest and No-Contact Conditions Florida law generally requires an arrest when officers have probable cause to believe domestic violence occurred, even without the…

A DUI arrest happens fast, and the decisions you make in the hours and days afterward can shape the outcome of your case. If you were recently arrested for DUI in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, or Polk County, here is what to know right away. 1. Stay Calm and Exercise Your Rights You have the right to remain silent and the…

Florida has some of the strictest drug laws in the country, and even a small amount of a controlled substance can lead to serious criminal charges. Understanding how these cases work is the first step in building a defense. Simple Possession vs. Possession With Intent to Sell Simple possession involves having a controlled substance for personal use. Possession with intent…

Being charged with your first DUI in Florida can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve never been through the criminal justice system before. Here’s a breakdown of what first-time offenders in the Tampa Bay area typically face. Potential Penalties for a First DUI Conviction Fines ranging from $500 to $1,000 (higher if BAC was 0.15 or above, or a minor was…

When two people decide to divorce and agree on how to divide their lives, the document that puts that agreement in writing is called a Marital Settlement Agreement. It is one of the most important legal documents in any Florida divorce. What Is a Marital Settlement Agreement? A Marital Settlement Agreement — sometimes called an MSA — is a binding…

Florida Statute §827.071   |   Classification: Third-Degree Felony per count What Is This Charge? Florida law makes it a felony to knowingly possess, control, or intentionally view any image, video, computer file, or other data that depicts a minor engaged in sexual conduct. Each individual image or video is treated as a separate criminal count. Penalties & Fines Each…

DUI in Florida — What You Need to Know Florida Statute §316.193   What Is a DUI in Florida? Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is one of the most common criminal charges in Florida — and one of the most serious. Unlike many states, Florida treats DUI convictions as permanent. They cannot be sealed, expunged, or removed from your record…

Florida Statute §316.192   |   Classification: Misdemeanor to Third-Degree Felony (with serious bodily injury) What Is This Charge? Reckless driving in Florida is defined as driving any vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. Florida law requires more than carelessness or negligence — the driver must have consciously disregarded a known and substantial…