Scoresheets In Florida, when a defendant faces felony charges, the prosecutor must compile a “sentencing scoresheet”. Although the Department of Corrections has a lengthy manual in how to complete a scoresheet, a few basic ideas will help you understand the basics. Essentially, the scoresheet takes several factors – i.e., the primary offense, any additional offenses, […]
In Florida, an “adjudication”, or being “adjudicated guilty” means a defendant has been convicted of a crime. This conviction cannot be sealed or expunged, and unless the defendant is granted clemency, stays with the defendant forever. A conviction carries with it many consequences that will often impact an individual’s ability to secure employment and housing,
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The Florida “10-20-Life” law (Fla. Stat. § 775.087) requires judges to order mandatory minimum sentences of 10, 20 or 25 years to life upon the commission of certain enumerated felonies involving a firearm or other destructive device. (These penalties escalate even more – 15, 20 or 25 years to life – if the firearm is
Sanctions MISDEMEANOR PENALTIES Second-degree misdemeanors are the least serious misdemeanors in Florida, punishable by jail terms of up to 60 days and fines of up to $500. If lawmakers fail to designate the degree of a misdemeanor, it is automatically a second-degree misdemeanor. Theft of property valued less than $100 or is an example of
Florida law allows certain individuals to either destroy (expunge) or shield from public view (seal) his or her criminal history record (Fla. Stat. 943.045). Although the outcome of having one’s record sealed or expunged may seem the same, and they do have the same practical benefits, one’s eligibility for or the other differs considerably. One
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If you are charged with a violent crime, you should speak to an attorney immediately. These offenses may carry mandatory minimum sentences that may include prison, jail, probation, and numerous other negative implications. Fortunately, these charges are often very defendable. Michael has extensive experience litigating violent crimes, including: Simple (Misdemeanor) Assault (Fla. Stat. § 784.011)
Gun Crime Charges Attorney State Attorneys’ Offices throughout Florida aggressively prosecute firearm charges. Moreover, certain weapons offenses carry harsh prison sentences. Florida’s 10-20-Life law requires, for instance, a mandatory sentence when a firearm is used during the commission of certain enumerated offenses, such as carjacking or drug trafficking. The mere presence of a firearm mandates
Traffic Crimes A traffic crime is any driving-related violation that occurs while operating a motor vehicle on Florida’s public roadways, and which carries criminal penalties. Criminal traffic offenses often have serious penalties for the accused, including jail, probation, a loss of driving privileges, fines, and a permanent criminal record. Michael has extensive experience litigating criminal traffic
Property Crimes Property offenses often carry harsh penalties under Florida law. Moreover, prosecutors vigorously prosecute such crimes at both the felony and misdemeanor levels. Some property crimes, such as Burglary, for instance are automatically charged as felonies and mandates prison for even first-time offenders. Property-related crimes are a regular part of our criminal defense practice. We have represented clients
Theft & Fraud Attorneys in Florida In Florida, Theft (Fla. Stat. 812.014) is the taking of property with the intent to deprive the owner of that property to a right or benefit in it. The value of the property and/or prior theft convictions determines the degree of theft charged. An individual with no prior theft convictions accused
After several years as a prosecutor and General Counsel for the Broward County Police Benevolence Association (PBA), Michael White started his own practice focused on protecting individuals accused of crimes.
We serve clients throughout the State of Florida, including, but not limited to, all cities in
the following counties: Broward, Indian River, Martin, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, and St.Lucie.