In Florida, Reckless driving occurs when the accused operates a motor vehicle in a manner that demonstrates his or her willful or wanton disregard for safety. Fla. Stat. § 316.192. Thus, in a prosecution for Reckless Driving the State must prove beyond a reasonable doubt two elements: The defendant drove a motor vehicle, and The defendant …
In Florida, the criminal charge of “Racing on Highways”, typically involves an accused competitively driving a motor vehicle in a “speed contest”, or “drag racing”. Fla. Stat. § 316.191. However, a passenger in such a racing vehicle, or even a spectator to the race, can also be charged. A first-time conviction for Racing on Highways carries …
In Florida, an accused commits the criminal offense of No Valid Driver’s License when he or she operates a motor vehicle on a public highway without being licensed by an appropriate governmental authority. Fla. Stat. § 322.54. No Valid Driver’s License is a second-degree misdemeanor, with penalties of up 60 days in jail or six month …
In Florida, a “Hit and Run”, or technically, Leaving the Scene of an Accident, occurs when a driver fails to remain at the site of an accident or crash and fulfill his or her legal duties, when the crash involves death, bodily injury, or property damage. Fla. Stat. § 316.061. Depending on the type of damage, …
DEFINITION OF HABITUAL TRAFFIC OFFENDER (HTO) A Habitual Traffic Offender (Fla. Stat. § 322.264) is any person who, within a five-year period, accumulates on their driving record either: (1) Three or more convictions of any, or all, of the following: a. Driving with a suspended or revoked licenseb. DUIc. Voluntary or Involuntary Manslaughter from the …
In Florida, Fleeing and Eluding occurs when a driver fails to stop, or remain stopped, when a law enforcement officer orders the driver to do so. Fla. Stat. § 316.1935. The charge often escalates due to one of several aggravating factors. It is a serious offense often with harsh penalties. For the State to establish Fleeing …
In Florida the crime of Driving with a Suspended License occurs when someone drives a motor vehicle with knowledge that their license is suspended, canceled, or revoked. Unfortunately, too many Floridians accused of Driving with a Suspended License plead guilty to the charge without fully appreciating the consequences of their plea. A first-time offense 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 …
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 …
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.
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