Recent Blog Posts
Cyberstalking in Florida: What to Know About This Crime
Virtually everyone has heard of stalking. You may have seen movies where a man or woman is constantly pursuing another person—typically a love interest. In the past, this was primarily done in person. In the age of technology, however, stalking is much easier. You can now use email, text, social media and the internet… Read More »
What is Human Trafficking?
Human trafficking is a crime under Florida and federal law. It refers to the transportation or solicitation of another person primarily for sexual purposes. A person can also be trafficked for domestic servitude for forced labor. Human trafficking can involve minors or adults. When an adult is involved, the prosecutor must prove that the… Read More »
Sexting and Florida Law: What You Need to Know
In the age of cell phones, texting has become ubiquitous. Everywhere you go, someone is on their phone texting someone. Some are even sexting, which involves sending sexually explicit messages and photos to others. Sexting is used to flirt with others and is especially common among high school and college students. Sexting among adults… Read More »
Target “Peeper” Sentenced In Federal Court
Former United States marshal, Michael Rivera (defendant), was sentenced recently in connection to his peeping case at a North Dakota Target store. Rivera pled guilty to one count for the receipt of images depicting the sexual exploitation of minors. Federal Judge Ralph Erickson sentenced the defendant to seven years in federal prison followed by… Read More »
Understanding the Federal Criminal Appeal Process
Across the U.S. media landscape, Americans are inundated with television reporters throwing around the word “appeal” when referring to federal criminal cases. However, few people truly understand what this term means and the process it entails. A guilty verdict to a criminal offense is obviously a crushing blow, however, it is important to understand… Read More »
Conviction Overturned? You Are Entitled To A Refund
The United States Supreme Court recently ordered in the case of Nelson v. Colorado that an individual whose criminal conviction has been overturned on appeal is entitled to receive a refund for the court fees and restitution they may have paid. This ruling comes in response to a Colorado state law (known as the… Read More »
Florida Man Sentenced For World’s Largest Child Porn Website
Naples, Florida resident, Steven Chase, has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for running what the FBI called the “world’s largest child pornography website.” The sentence comes after Chase’s February 2015 arrest when the FBI determined found him to be the creator of the Tor network website “Playpen” with over 150,000 members…. Read More »
FBI Facial Recognition Coming To An Airport Near You
Over the last two years, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has quietly been developing facial recognition software. Unbeknownst to the majority of American people the FBI recently started rolling out this software across the country. The technology will allow law enforcement to recognize individuals without their knowledge. However, lawmakers across the country are… Read More »
Preacher Sentenced to 35 Years for Child Sex Charges
North Florida preacher Kenneth Adkins was recently sentenced for child sex charges. Adkins was convicted of five counts of child molestation, two counts of aggravated child molestation, and one count of enticing a child. The judge sentenced Adkins to 35 years in prison followed by sex offender probation for the duration of his life…. Read More »
Should You Take A Plea Deal?
When an individual is charged with a crime, there is often a chance that the prosecutor may offer the accused a plea deal. A plea deal is essentially an agreement between the prosecutor and the defense for the defendant to accept a certain predetermined sentence rather than go to trial. Once the plea deal… Read More »
