Firm News

Federal privacy law prevents healthcare providers from sharing your medical information with anyone — including your spouse, your adult children, or your closest family members — without your written authorization. A HIPAA Authorization is the document that changes that. What Is a HIPAA Authorization? HIPAA stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. A HIPAA Authorization is a signed…

Florida Statute §812.014   |   Classification: Second-Degree Misdemeanor to First-Degree Misdemeanor What Is This Charge? Petit theft (commonly called shoplifting) is the unlawful taking of property valued under $750 with the intent to deprive the owner of it. While classified as a misdemeanor, even a petit theft conviction carries lasting consequences that extend well beyond the courtroom. Penalties &…

A Durable Power of Attorney is one of the most important — and most overlooked — documents in a complete Florida estate plan. Without one, your family may face significant legal obstacles if you become unable to manage your own affairs. What Is a Durable Power of Attorney? A Durable Power of Attorney is a legal document in which you…

Florida Statute §784.03   |   Classification: First-Degree Misdemeanor (first offense) What Is This Charge? Battery in Florida is the actual and intentional touching or striking of another person against their will, or intentionally causing bodily harm to another person. Unlike assault, battery requires physical contact. Even a push, slap, or unwanted grab can result in a battery charge. Penalties…

Florida Statute §787.01   |   Classification: First-Degree Felony to Life Felony What Is This Charge? Kidnapping in Florida is the forcible, secret, or threatening confinement, abduction, or imprisonment of another person against their will, with the intent to hold for ransom, commit or facilitate a felony, inflict harm or terror, or interfere with a governmental function. Penalties & Fines…

Nearly 90 new Florida laws took effect on July 1, 2026 — and several of them carry serious criminal consequences for drivers and residents throughout the Tampa Bay area. If you drive in Florida, here is what you need to know. 1. Driving Without a License Can Now Make You a Habitual Traffic Offender — Isaiah’s Law (HB 35) This…

Mental Health and the Criminal Justice System in Florida — What You Need to Know The Intersection of Mental Health and Criminal Law Mental health and the criminal justice system intersect more often than most people realize. A significant percentage of individuals charged with criminal offenses in Florida are living with untreated or under-treated mental health conditions — including depression,…

Abuso Deshonesto — Estatuto de Florida §800.04 ¿Qué es el Abuso Deshonesto? Este cargo aplica cuando una persona intencional y de manera lasciva toca las partes íntimas de un menor de 16 años, o fuerza o incita a un menor de 16 años a tocar al acusado en esas áreas. Clasificación del Cargo y Penalidades Según las Edades • Acusado…

Florida Statute §893.135   |   Classification: Felony with Mandatory Minimum Sentences What Is This Charge? Drug trafficking in Florida is triggered not by the act of selling drugs, but by possessing, purchasing, selling, manufacturing, delivering, or transporting a controlled substance in an amount that exceeds a statutory threshold. You can be charged with trafficking even if you never sold…

Asalto Agravado — Estatuto de Florida §784.021 ¿Qué es el Asalto Agravado? El asalto agravado es un asalto cometido con un arma mortal sin intención de matar, o con la intención de cometer un delito grave. A diferencia del asalto simple — que solo requiere una amenaza intencional — el asalto agravado involucra un arma o un propósito delictivo. No…