If you are facing a criminal conviction in a federal court, you need to understand how the sentencing process works. The law may outline sentencing guidelines, but the judge in your case has some ability to alter them. According to the U.S. Sentencing Commission, the court will consider various factors when determining your sentence. Basic guidelines The basic sentencing guidelines will depend on the severity of your crime. Serious offenses will have much harsher sentencing suggestions than less serious ones. The judge will get a basic starting point based on severity and then use other...
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Get The Details On Racketeering Laws In Florida
Racketeering is receiving money or profit from organized illegal activities, and there are laws in Florida that make it a crime. The laws around racketeering in Florida are complex and can be confusing. Following is what you need to know if you ever find yourself charged with racketeering in Florida. Background “Racketeering” is a term coined by the Employers’ Association of Chicago in the late 1920s to describe a variety of crime they allege was occurring among the Teamsters in the area. In their usage, “racketeering” was a service that causes its own demand and would not have otherwise...
Expose Yourself To Florida’s Laws On Indecent Exposure
In Florida, exposing one’s own genitals in public is often prosecuted as indecent exposure. The laws surrounding indecent exposure in Florida can be quite complicated and confusing. What follows is a basic overview of Florida’s laws on indecent exposure and what you need to know if you find yourself charged with such a crime in Florida courts. Definition In Florida, indecent exposure generally means the display, exhibition, or exposure of sexual organs in a public place or within public view. Generally in order to obtain a prosecution, the state must prove unlawful intent by the defendant,...
Who has to register as a sexual offender?
A conviction for a sexual offense can have a serious impact on people's lives. In some situations, people may need to register as sexual offenders. The Florida Legislature says that people have to list themselves on the sexual offender registry if they receive a conviction for certain sexual offenses. Most of these offenses are ones that involve minors. People do not always have to commit a sexual act in order to become part of the registry. Courts may require people to register if they receive a conviction for attempting to commit a sexual offense. What requirements do people have to meet?...
Protect Yourself From Florida’s Laws Against Non-Consensual Sexual Activity
Non-consensual sexual activity is prohibited in Florida, just as it is in every other jurisdiction in the United States. However, there are certain consensual sexual acts that are also illegal in Florida. Though enforcement of laws against consensual sexual activity varies widely, many Floridians find themselves on the wrong side of the law after committing certain consensual sexual acts each year. Unnatural and Lascivious Act Florida law makes it illegal to commit an act it calls “unnatural and lascivious” with another person. Although the statute does not give any further definition to the...
Pyramid Schemes And Ponzi Schemes In Florida, A Primer
White collar crime comes in many different forms in Florida. Among the more complicated varieties are pyramid schemes and Ponzi schemes. In this article we hope to give you everything you need to know if you are charged with running a pyramid scheme or a Ponzi scheme in Florida. Basics A pyramid scheme is an arrangement where investors are promised payment or services if they enroll someone else into the scheme, with the majority of the money going to the people at the top of the pyramid. This type of fraud has been around for at least a century, and many people consider many multi-level...
How does heroin addiction occur?
Heroin is a highly addictive illegal opioid that can cause a wide range of negative effects. Along with legal issues for possession of this substance, users also face a serious chance of overdose if they do not seek help for their substance abuse. While drug addiction can happen to anyone, there are a few occurrences that can increase the risk. Healthline explains a few of the risk factors associated with heroin addiction and abuse. Long-term use of legal opiates for medical conditions People with chronic pain conditions are often prescribed legal opioids as a treatment. Over time, the...
Insurance Fraud In Florida: What You Need To Know
Insurance fraud in Florida is perennially a major concern, and scores of Floridians find themselves charged with insurance fraud in Florida courts. What follows is a brief synopsis of insurance fraud laws in Florida and what you need to know if you find yourself charged with insurance fraud. Basics Insurance fraud in Florida is the act of submitting an insurance claim that is false, exaggerated, or based on a deliberate injury or loss. In general, submitting false or misleading information when making an insurance claim can be grounds for a charge of insurance fraud. Professionals Committing...
When “stand your ground” laws may not protect you
Under current Florida law, people no longer have a "duty to retreat" from any situation where their use of deadly force could save their lives or the life of others or prevent serious bodily harm. Florida's "stand your ground" law expanded the "castle doctrine" to include any place where the law permits people to be. These laws protect a person's right to use deadly force if necessary without facing criminal prosecution. The law presumes that the individual acted reasonably and was in fear of losing his life or sustaining severe bodily harm unless the prosecution can prove otherwise....
The Basics Of Florida’s Laws Against Cultivating Or Manufacturing Drugs
Cultivating or manufacturing certain drugs in Florida is illegal, and many Floridians have faced prosecution and serious penalties for possessing even small amounts of an illegal drug. Following is what you need to know if you ever find yourself charged with possessing illegal drugs in Florida. Basics In Florida it is a violation of law to deal in certain drugs. Those illegal drugs, or “controlled substances,” are defined by Florida law and it is illegal to sell, manufacture, or deliver, or possess with intent to sell, manufacture, or deliver those controlled substances. In addition to the...
