Florida Criminal Defense Blog | Brunvand Wise, P.A.

What to do when accused of an online sex crime

On Behalf of Brunvand Wise, P.A. | Sep 25, 2023 | Criminal Charges

Being accused of online sex crimes is a serious and distressing situation. Conviction for charges of online sex trafficking, sextortion or child pornography could result in years of prison time. Taking the right steps in this situation may increase the chances of a favorable outcome in your case. Remain calm and seek emotional support Facing accusations of online sex crimes can be emotionally overwhelming. Reach out to close loved ones or support groups for emotional help during this challenging time. You may also want to find a therapist who can advise you. Avoid discussing the case Do not...

Understanding Florida Racketeering Laws: A Comprehensive Guide

by Brunvand Wise, P.A. | Sep 19, 2023 | Criminal Law, White Collar Crimes

In Florida, the law takes a strict stance against criminal activities that are organized and continually perpetrated to achieve illegal financial gains. This is especially true when it comes to racketeering. Inspired by the federal RICO Act, Florida's Racketeering laws have been designed to ensure that criminal enterprises, and those involved in them, are brought to justice. What is Racketeering in Florida? When most people hear the term 'racketeering,' they might think of old-timey gangsters and mob bosses. In reality, the term, as per Florida's statutes, refers to the act of committing,...

5 unintentional actions that can lead to tampering charges

On Behalf of Brunvand Wise, P.A. | Sep 13, 2023 | Criminal Law

Facing criminal charges is a daunting experience in itself, which makes avoiding extra charges important. In some instances, even unintentional actions can inadvertently lead to tampering with evidence. Regardless of intent, that can result in severe legal consequences. 1. Deleting digital files In today's digital age, it is easy to unintentionally delete or alter electronic records that could be relevant to a case. Deleting text messages, emails, or files without realizing their significance can lead to accusations of evidence tampering. 2. Discussing the case on social media Posting about...

The Role of the Interstate Compact for Adult Offender Supervision (ICAOS) in Criminal Justice

by Brunvand Wise, P.A. | Sep 13, 2023 | Criminal Law

The U.S. criminal justice system comprises many elements, each designed to serve specific roles. One of these essential components is the Interstate Compact for Adult Offender Supervision (ICAOS). As a binding agreement among all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, ICAOS plays a pivotal role in the management and supervision of adult offenders who move across state lines. Historical Background To understand the significance of ICAOS, we must look back to its predecessor - the original interstate compact established in 1937. This agreement was informal...

Demystifying the Money Laundering Control Act

by Brunvand Wise, P.A. | Sep 5, 2023 | Criminal Charges, Criminal Law, White Collar Crimes

Money laundering is a global crime, which led to the passage of the Money Laundering Control Act (MLCA) in 1986. In this article, we'll unravel the intricacies of this legislation, shedding light on its definition, statutes, federal legal process, potential penalties, available defenses, and the indispensable role of private attorneys in navigating this complex terrain. Understanding Money Concealment At its core, money laundering involves obscuring the origins of unlawfully obtained funds by routing them through diverse financial channels, effectively transforming 'dirty' money into...

Intent in Florida Law: A Breakdown

by Brunvand Wise, P.A. | Aug 30, 2023 | Criminal Law

An element of nearly every law in Florida is criminal intent. Though important, few laypeople grasp how criminal intent works in Florida. Following is a deep dive on the topic of criminal intent in Florida and what you need to know about it if you find yourself charged with a crime in Florida courts. Basics Criminal intent is a concept that has a long history in English common law. Current English law defined criminal intent in R v Mohan [1976] QB 1 as "the decision to bring about a prohibited consequence." As a general proposition, intent is Foreseeing that a consequence will happen if...

When a drug conspiracy becomes a federal offense

On Behalf of Brunvand Wise, P.A. | Aug 30, 2023 | Drug Charges

Drug-related crimes can have serious consequences, and in some cases, they can escalate to federal offenses. This means more severe penalties and legal actions. One such scenario is when the courts try a drug conspiracy as a federal crime. Understanding the severity of a federal drug crime and the possible penalties can help you build the best defense. Defining a drug conspiracy A drug conspiracy involves a group of individuals who work together to commit illegal drug-related activities. This can include manufacturing, distributing or possessing controlled substances with the intent to sell...

Injunctions and Their Function in Florida

by Brunvand Wise, P.A. | Aug 24, 2023 | Criminal Law

Injunctions in Florida are a somewhat common court order. However, most laypeople are unaware of the ins and outs of Florida injunctions. We intend to tell you everything you need to know about Florida’s laws on injunctions and what you need to know if you are ever party to an injunction in Florida. Basics At a high level, an injunction is an order by a court to a party compelling them to stop engaging in a particular behavior. An injunction is a civil proceeding, but injunctions can also potentially have repercussions in criminal court if they are not obeyed. Some injunctions are used in a...

How will drug charges affect your life?

On Behalf of Brunvand Wise, P.A. | Aug 21, 2023 | Drug Charges

When facing drug charges in Florida, the immediate concern may be about legal penalties such as fines or imprisonment. However, the impact of a drug charge can be much more far-reaching, affecting various aspects of your life. These charges are serious, and the consequences can linger long after any legal proceedings have ended. Impact on employment A drug charge on your record may hamper your job prospects. Many employers conduct background checks and may hesitate to hire someone with a criminal record, especially related to drugs. Even if you are already employed, a drug charge may lead to...

Follow Me to Learn About Aggravated Stalking in Florida

by Brunvand Wise, P.A. | Aug 16, 2023 | Criminal Charges

Florida law does not take aggravated stalking lightly. As the term implies, aggravated stalking is a more serious crime than ordinary stalking, and thus has stricter penalties attached to it. What follows is a discussion of Florida’s aggravated stalking laws and what you need to know if you find yourself facing a charge of aggravated stalking in a Florida court. Basics To understand aggravated stalking in Florida, one must first understand ordinary stalking. Florida law defines stalking as the persistent following, harassing, or cyberstalking another and that person feeling threatened or...