Pumphrey Law Blog

September 4, 2023 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, News & Announcements, Theft/Property Crimes Social Share

The state of Florida has no current legislation for specifying the theft of animals or pets—instead, a person accused of stealing another person’s animal can be charged with theft. Depending on the value of the stolen animal, the charge may be considered petit or grand theft. The search for the Palm Beach “bird bandit,” who was accused of stealing nearly …

September 4, 2023 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, Drug Charges, News & Announcements Social Share

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis first announced his plan for cracking down on fentanyl-related cases at the January 2023 Miami Police Benevolent Association. Since then, Florida lawmakers have been working on amending various drug statutes to help fight the growing issue of fentanyl overdoses. As of May 1, 2023, Gov. DeSantis signed HB 1359 into law, amending the current penalties for …

September 4, 2023 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense Social Share

If a person starts a fire that results in property damage or personal injury, they may face criminal charges for arson. According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)’s Uniform Crime Report, there were 1,431 reported cases of arson and an additional 93 cases involving attempted arson in Florida in 2021. In Florida, it does not matter whether a …

August 28, 2023 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, Drunk Driving/DUI Social Share

Certain offenses in Florida can result in a person losing their ability to drive. This can occur through the suspension or revocation of a driver’s license, either for driving under the influence (DUI) or another qualifying offense. When a Florida driver has their license suspended or revoked, they can apply for a restricted driving privilege through a hardship license or …

August 28, 2023 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, Drug Charges, News & Announcements Social Share

A federal court in New Orleans just ruled that restricting marijuana users from possessing a firearm is unconstitutional. A three-judge panel of the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously found the 1968 law conflicts with a citizen’s right to carry a firearm. More specifically, prohibiting a person from purchasing or possessing a firearm when declared an “unlawful user” of …

August 28, 2023 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense Social Share

For those who have watched high profile criminal cases on TV, such as the trials of Casey Anthony or George Zimmerman, are likely familiar with the idea of an examination during a trial. While it may seem to be a straightforward question-and-answer process with the attorneys and witnesses, there are specific guidelines that must be followed during trial. In short, …

August 28, 2023 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, News & Announcements, Violent Crimes Social Share

Following the 2018 massacre that took place in Parkland, Florida, state legislators passed a law to prevent anyone under the age of 21 from purchasing a rifle or long gun.   Shortly after the law was passed in 2018, the National Rifle Association (NRA) challenged it, claiming it was unconstitutional by violating both the Second and Fourteenth Amendment. The Florida …

August 28, 2023 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, Drug Charges, News & Announcements Social Share

The legal confusion and misconceptions surrounding medical marijuana continues to puzzle Floridians. In one recent case, a Department of Corrections officer is taking matters to the Florida Supreme Court after getting fired for his prescribed use of medical marijuana for PTSD. The case brings up the ongoing issue of whether Floridians should be allowed to possess a firearm while they …

July 26, 2023 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense Social Share

When a defendant is charged with a criminal offense, one way to resolve the case is through a plea bargain. A plea bargain is an agreement between the prosecutor and the defendant or defense team about the resolution of the criminal case. Plea agreements often contain a certain promise for both the charges listed for the conviction and the specific …