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

What to do if you receive federal charges for drug trafficking

On Behalf of Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | Jun 26, 2023 | Drug Charges

According to Drug Abuse Statistics, law enforcement agencies arrest over 1.1 million Americans each year for drug-related crimes, and approximately 20,000 of those arrests are for federal drug trafficking. Facing federal charges for drug trafficking is a serious situation that requires careful navigation. If you find yourself in this predicament, it is important to understand the steps you should take to protect your rights and ensure a fair legal process. The severity of the charges Federal charges for drug trafficking carry significant penalties, including substantial fines and lengthy...

What are some different types of fraud?

On Behalf of Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | Jun 20, 2023 | Criminal Law

At its core, fraud involves deceiving someone for personal or financial gain. The specific types that occur encompass a wide range of actions and schemes. Recognizing different types of fraud can help protect you from falling victim to these deceptive practices. Identity theft Business Insider listed Florida as the third worst state for identity theft and fraud in 2023. Identity theft involves someone stealing your personal information, such as your social security number or credit card details, and using it for their benefit. They might open new credit accounts in your name, make purchases...

Don’t Be Scared By Criminal Threat Laws In Florida

by Brunvand Wise, P.A. | Jun 20, 2023 | Criminal Charges, Criminal Law

Criminal threats are a serious crime in Florida, and Florida’s criminal threats laws are not always as straightforward as one may assume. Here’s what you need to know about criminal threats in Florida if you find yourself charged with such a crime in Florida courts. Basics In Florida, criminal threats are divided in two broad categories Threats to kill or do bodily injury, and Written threats. Threats to kill or do bodily injury include making an oral, written, or electronically communicated threat to kill or do bodily injury to another. Written threats involve sending a written threat to...

Marijuana DUI In Florida: What You Need To Know

by Brunvand Wise, P.A. | Jun 14, 2023 | Drug Charges, Drug Crimes, Dui

Most Floridians understand that drinking too much alcohol and getting behind the wheel is considered by the law to be driving under the influence. But what about consuming other drugs like marijuana in excess before driving? Here’s what you need to know if you find yourself charged with DUI in Florida after consuming drugs other than alcohol. In Florida, a person may be convicted of DUI if he or she is stopped while under the influence of marijuana or a cannabis product. Even though cannabis usage and possession is legal for medicinal purposes in Florida, if a law enforcement officer...

Bribery in Florida: What You Need To Know

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

Most people in Florida understand that bribery is a crime. However, most Floridians don’t know the particulars of Florida and federal laws that make bribery illegal. The following is a discussion of bribery in Florida and what you need to know if you find yourself facing bribery charges in Florida court. Basics In general, bribery is the practice of obtaining special favors or treatment by a position in government using money or other valuable consideration. The practice is illegal due to its effect of eroding public trust in government institutions and because it gives those willing and...

Responding effectively to accusations of cyberstalking

On Behalf of Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | Jun 1, 2023 | Criminal Charges

In an increasingly digital world, the line between harmless online interactions and unacceptable behavior can blur, leading to situations where individuals find themselves accused of cyberstalking. Being on the receiving end of such an accusation is daunting, and it is critical to understand how to navigate this situation effectively and responsibly. Learn more about this issue and what you can do if someone accuses you of cyberstalking. Defining cyberstalking Cyberstalking refers to repeated online actions intended to keep track of and harass or intimidate another individual. This could...

What You Need To Know If You Are A Passenger During A DUI Arrest

by Brunvand Wise, P.A. | Jun 1, 2023 | Dui

Most everyone in Florida understands that driving while intoxicated is against the law. But what if you are a passenger in a vehicle that’s being driven by someone who is drunk? The answer to this question is not quite as clear. Under Florida statute, a defendant must be either driving a vehicle or in physical control of one while having a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or more. Usually the person in control of a vehicle is the one sitting in the driver’s seat. However, in some cases a passenger may be in control of a vehicle. For instance, if the passenger grabs the steering wheel from...

Navigating potential deals for white collar crimes in Florida

On Behalf of Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | May 31, 2023 | White Collar Crimes

White collar crime is a broad term that refers to non-violent crimes typically committed in business settings. These crimes often involve fraud, embezzlement and insider trading, among others. Facing charges for a white collar crime in Florida can be a daunting experience, and one might wonder if a deal is possible to lessen the charges or penalties. This article explores that question, providing some general insight into the matter. Understanding plea deals A plea deal, or plea bargain, is an agreement between a defendant and the prosecution. The defendant agrees to plead guilty to a lesser...

Navigating the complexity of the grand jury process

On Behalf of Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | May 31, 2023 | Criminal Charges

To comprehend the American legal system, understanding the grand jury process becomes imperative. Originating in England and adopted by the United States as part of its Constitution, the grand jury system serves as a protective measure against unwarranted accusations and unnecessary trials. Grand juries decide whether probable cause exists to believe a crime occurred and if the accused individual committed it. Here is a short dive into what a grand jury does. Roles within the grand jury In a grand jury, 16 to 23 individuals serve as jurors, making decisions based on the evidence presented to...

Agree to Learn About the Age of Consent in Florida

by Brunvand Wise, P.A. | May 25, 2023 | Criminal Charges

The age of consent in Florida is an important factor in many prosecutions in this state. However, it isn’t as simple a subject as it seems. Here’s what you need to know if you are ever charged with a crime involving the age of consent in Florida. Initially, age of consent laws were instituted to prevent sexual relations outside the bonds of marriage. The intent in establishing an age of consent in past centuries was not to protect children from being exploited by adults, but to preserve a young woman’s virginity for marriage. Florida’s age of consent was shockingly low until the end of the...