Florida Criminal Defense Blog | Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group

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 & Farinella Law Group | 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 & Farinella Law Group | 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...

Should you accept that plea bargain?

On Behalf of Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | Aug 13, 2023 | Criminal Law

Plea bargains provide an avenue for the settlement of a criminal charge without the spectacle of a trial. When you face criminal charges, you might receive an offer from the prosecution for a plea deal. Most plea deals offer a reduced sentence or lesser charge in exchange for your guilty plea. Consider that plea offer and the ramifications of your decision carefully before you accept or refuse it. Should you accept a plea bargain? You may believe that prosecutors only offer a plea bargain when their case is weak or circumstantial. That often leads people to decline a plea offer on the belief...

Hold On – What is a Nebbia Hold in Florida?

by Brunvand Wise, P.A. | Aug 6, 2023 | Criminal Law

One of the integral parts of the arrest process in Florida is the bond process, in which a defendant may post a certain amount of money with the court in exchange for being released from custody until trial. However, the state may complicate that process with certain procedures and hurdles that only an experienced attorney can navigate. Following is a discussion of the Nebbia Hold and how it may affect you if you are in custody in Florida. Basics The US Constitution guarantees those in police custody the right to be free from excessive bail under the Eighth Amendment, which was adopted in...

Criminal Records In Florida – A Primer

by Brunvand Wise, P.A. | Aug 2, 2023 | Criminal Law

A conviction in Florida is a life-altering event. But just how far do the ramifications of being convicted of a crime in Florida really go? This article will delve into the effect a criminal conviction has upon an individual in Florida and what you need to know if you are convicted of a crime in the Sunshine State. Basics In general, Florida law recognizes three levels of criminal charges, namely Infraction, Misdemeanor, and Felony. An infraction is the least serious category of crime in Florida. These include traffic violations and are usually only punishable by a small fine. Infractions...

What qualifies as a sex crime in Florida

On Behalf of Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | Jul 28, 2023 | Criminal Law

According to the Department of Justice, sexual crimes happen approximately every 93 seconds across the United States. These offenses involve non-consensual sexual conduct or illegal sexual activities. Because of the seriousness of the crimes and the lasting effects on the survivors, strict penalties often follow these crimes. Understanding what constitutes a sex crime in Florida can help prevent such acts and contribute to a safer community. Sexual assault and battery One individual committing a non-consensual sexual act against another constitutes sexual assault and battery. This ranges...