Some people think that police can do whatever it takes to solve crimes, but there are limits to what they can do. The United States Constitution has specific protections that apply to these cases, so it’s critical that everyone understands what those include. The...
Drug Charges
Rushing into a plea deal for your drug charges can be a mistake
You’ve been arrested for a drug charge. You’re scared. The prosecutor is pushing for a plea deal. They say it’s ‘your best shot to avoid jail’ or ‘it's the only way to easily make this go away’. It feels like you’re backed into a corner with no good options. Despite...
Is it illegal to buy pain medication without a valid prescription?
Prescription medications are drugs you can only get legally with a "valid prescription" from a licensed health care professional. A valid prescription means a doctor, dentist or nurse practitioner (or other authorized professional) wrote it for an actual medical...
Who is protected under Florida’s “Good Samaritan” overdose law?
There’s no question that the epidemic of fatal drug overdoses in Florida and across the country is showing no signs of abating. That’s why lawmakers in virtually every state, including ours, have taken steps to provide some legal protections to those who get emergency...
The basics of juvenile drug charges: What parents need to know
According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, half of teenagers in the U.S. have abused a drug at least once. In Florida, these kids report using substances like marijuana, cocaine and methamphetamines in the last year, but note that the statistics do...
How helping friends or family can lead to prescription drug charges
Anyone who has experienced severe or chronic pain knows how debilitating it can be. They know that over-the-counter medications fall woefully short for pain management in many cases. For example, those who have cracked a tooth may have more compassion for a neighbor...
How to defend yourself if you get wrongfully arrested for a valid prescription
Taking prescribed medication isn’t something that anyone should be ashamed of. Pill shaming feeds on assumptions about people who use drugs and those with chronic illnesses who depend on medication. Many people, even law enforcement officers, have been guilty of this...
What prescription-related crimes are felonies?
Prescription drugs meant to treat different health issues can also be dangerous if misused, which is why authorities consider them as controlled substances. Some laws exist to restrict and regulate these drugs, with varying rules based on the type of substance and the...
An overview of Florida cocaine laws
Florida law makes it a crime to use, possess or attempt to sell cocaine. If you are charged with crimes related to the use or possession of cocaine, you could spend many years or decades in prison in addition to a large fine. A conviction may also make it harder to...
Criminal record expungement in Florida
A criminal record can have a negative impact on a convicted person’s life. They may not be aware that there is a legal process called expungement that allows their criminal record to effectively be removed, limiting the negative consequences of the past conviction....

