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Weapons Charges Defense

By inDefense Law Tag

Weapons Charges Defense

The United States Constitution gives citizens the right to keep and bear arms. However, that right is not absolute. Florida has stringent laws involving weapons, and those accused of violations face serious charges if convicted. The State Attorney’s Office has a Gun Unit, which aggressively prosecutes weapons cases. If you or a loved one has been arrested on weapons charges in Broward County, including the cities of Coral Springs, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood or Pompano, contact an attorney skilled in defending weapons charges as soon as possible. Lawyers with experience in dealing with the tactics and investigative methods used in these types of cases can provide a better chance for a positive outcome.

Harsh minimum sentences

Florida law provides mandatory minimum sentences for weapons charges. Under these provisions of the law, 1,251 individuals were serving three-year minimum mandatory sentences in 2007. Another 22 inmates have 10-year mandatory minimum sentences to serve.

Florida statues also outline minimum sentences that apply to specific weapons crimes : 10 years for actual possession of a firearm, 20 years for unlawful discharge of a firearm and life for wounding or injuring a person with a firearm. The 10/20/Life provision applies to crimes committed while in possession of a firearm, such as kidnapping, burglary, robbery and trafficking in a controlled substance.

Gun sales and weapons law

Florida law details specific requirements for the sale and purchase of guns. If you fail to follow these rules when buying a gun, you can be charged with illegally possessing a firearm. These charges can be misdemeanors or felonies – or both – depending on circumstances. Penalties may include fines and jail time or a prison sentence.

Weapons Charges Defense

Gun sellers must also abide by specific law. Failure to adhere to Florida law can result in the seller losing his or her license to sell weapons, as well as incurring steep fines and/or a prison sentence. (3) If you or a loved one has been arrested for violations of weapons laws in Broward County, weapons charges attorneys can help preserve your legal rights and determine the options you may have for a defense.

The laws regarding weapons and firearms can be complicated and difficult to understand. Broward County weapons charges lawyers have the legal knowledge necessary to determine your options, protect your rights and defend you against the charges if you are arrested for weapons violations. When facing the possibility of such serious penalties, you owe it to yourself to obtain the most experienced legal representation possible.

Public Corruption Defense

By inDefense Law Tag

Public Corruption Defense

Although the news might focus on one or two big cases involving public corruption, more than 1,060 government employees were convicted of corrupt activities between 2004 and 2005. This includes 177 federal officials, 158 state officials, 360 local officials and 365 police officers, according to statistics compiled by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. If you believe you may be under investigation for charges of bribery or kickbacks, you need to retain the services of experienced Broward County public corruption lawyers as soon as possible.

  • Public corruption cases require specialized legal assistance
  • Public Corruption Defense in Fort Lauderdale

Bribery occurs when a government official, or anyone who conducts business on behalf of the public, uses the status of his or her position in exchange for something of value. Bribery charges can result simply from accepting a promise to offer something of value; it does not need to be received. The penalties for a conviction of bribery can include up to 15 years in prison and fines. Civil actions can also result with charges of up to $50,000 for each violation.

Most projects that receive federal money are subject to rules against kickbacks. A kickback is an agreement between a government official and another party where the official agrees to direct business to the party in exchange for something of value. Both the party who offers the kickback and the official who accepts it are subject to investigation of the crime. Penalties include prison time of up to 5 years and/or fines as high as $5,000 per count, if convicted.

The FBI has a special unit to investigate pubic corruption. They have many sophisticated tools at their disposal to investigate public corruption cases. These include:

  • Undercover operations
  • Electronic surveillance, authorized by a court
  • Confidential informants

Public Corruption Defense

A lawyer experienced with public corruption offenses, such as bribery and kickbacks, understands how these crimes are investigated and may be able to help you avoid arrest, reduce your charges or negotiate a lesser sentence. If you or someone you love is under investigation for receiving or offering bribery or kickbacks in Broward County, including the cities of Coral Springs, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood or Pompano, public corruption attorneys can help protect your rights.

Public Corruption Cases are Complex

Cases involving bribery and kickbacks can be very complicated, which can make it difficult to prove – and to defend. The laws involving bribery and kickbacks are complex, so even innocent exchanges may be subject to investigation. To protect your rights and defend against these specialized charges, you need the experienced legal representation that Broward County public corruption attorneys can offer. Obtaining the services of a legal professional with the expertise and knowledge in these unique cases can increase your chances for a successful outcome.

Computer Crimes Defense

By inCrime Law Tag

Computer Crimes

Computers and the Internet offer unprecedented freedom, enabling people to connect to each other around the world and access information. However, this freedom might encourage some people to act in ways they would not normally behave in the real world. Florida has enacted tough new laws to deal with computer crimes. If you or someone you care about is under investigation or has been arrested for crimes involving computers, contact experienced Broward County computer crimes lawyers quickly to protect your legal rights.

Protect yourself from Prosecution for computer crimes

Florida’s Computer Crimes Act covers crimes committed using a computer, such as misusing a computer system, hacking into a computer system, creating a program to do so and taking money or information from a business or individual using a computer. These crimes constitute felony charges, which can include prison time of up to 15 years and fines of up to $10,000.

Florida’s Attorney General employs the Child Predator Cybercrime Unit to focus on crimes against children committed on the Internet, including child pornography and similar crimes. In 2007, Florida also created tough new laws with increased penalties for possessing and distributing child pornography.  Simply possessing ten or more child pornography images of any type raises the offense to the next higher category, with more serious penalties.

A more recently adopted charge, cyberstalking is defined as unwanted or harmful communication to others that cause great emotional stress by way of the Internet or through text messages, including “sexting.” This also includes email, instant messaging, social networks like Facebook and Twitter or through blog posts. Penalties for a cyberstalking conviction are prison for up to a year and fines of up to $1,000.

Computer Crimes

Computer crimes lawyers in Broward County, including the cities of Pompano, Coral Springs, Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood have the experience to defend the accused against computer crimes including cyberstalking or child pornography. Individual facts in the case must be carefully analyzed to provide a strong defense and offer the best chance for acquittal or reduced charges. A conviction of any computer crime can seriously impact the future of the accused. In some cases, the conviction can follow him or her for life. To protect your future or that of your loved one, you need the expert guidance of computer crimes attorneys in Broward County.

Protect Yourself with Legal Experts

It is difficult to prove the identity of a person involved in computer crimes. Sometimes mistakes are made and the wrong person is accused. With Florida’s tough laws and specialized units for these crimes, the accused will need expert representation from a computer crimes attorney who will work to protect his or her rights and defend against computer crimes charges. Contact Broward County computer crimes lawyers as quickly as possible to provide the skill needed for a successful defense.