Pumphrey Law Blog

September 17, 2021 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense Social Share

Overview In 2015, Appellant Whatdly Petit was found to have shot a nightclub patron beyond a reasonable doubt, securing his conviction of first-degree murder and resulting in a life sentence. He recently appealed his sentence to the Fourth District Court of Appeals, raising five issues and arguing that the trial court either abused its discretion or reversibly committed an error. …

September 13, 2021 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense Social Share

Under Florida Law, it is a crime to shoot into or throw deadly missiles into dwellings, public or private buildings, occupied or not, aircrafts, vessels, buses, railroad cars, streetcars, or other vehicles. Pursuant to Florida Statute 790.19, “whoever, wantonly or maliciously, shoots at, within, or into, or throws any missile or hurls or projects a stone or other hard substance …

September 13, 2021 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, News & Announcements Social Share

A lawsuit has recently been filed in the Broward Circuit City Court; an action taken by The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Why sue? This measure was taken by the ACLU in response to what they claim has been a failure of state and local officials to follow the 2018 Criminal Justice Data Transparency law (CJDT). The law imposed in …

September 13, 2021 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, News & Announcements Social Share

Pasco County and the Department of Justice Bureau – Issues with the Focused Deterrence Program The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office is not seeing eye to eye with the Department of Justice regarding their program “Focused Deterrence”. The intelligence program is set to receive an intensive review by the Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance—and they are asking for a …

September 13, 2021 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, News & Announcements Social Share

The West Florida News recently covered a story on a Tampa man who has been given a second chance of freedom after serving over 30 years in jail. Tony G. Hopps is a 56-year-old man who was arrested 31 years ago for armed theft in South Tampa at the Tahitian Inn. After being convicted for a crime he did not …

September 13, 2021 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, News & Announcements Social Share

The Florida Supreme Court has issued an order to hear a challenge to the controversial 2011 state law on local gun regulations. Thirty local governments have sued to overturn the Florida law that enforces strict punishment on officials who challenge gun regulations. As it currently stands, the law leads to fines of up to $5,000 and potential removal from office for …

September 9, 2021 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, Seal or Expunge Criminal Record Social Share

In Florida, once you are convicted of a felony, you lose certain rights. The most common right is the right to own or possess a firearm or ammunition. If someone with a felony conviction is found illegally owning a firearm, serious penalties can arise. Additional issues come up when this charge is tried with another charge, like possession of a …

September 8, 2021 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, News & Announcements Social Share

The New Florida Rule According to SB 2006, a liability bill signed into law in May by Governor Ron DeSantis, businesses, schools, and government entities can be fined of up to $5,000 per individual and face a separate violation by the Department of Health if they ask to see a customer or member of the public’s vaccine passport. A vaccine …

September 7, 2021 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, News & Announcements Social Share

The Tallahassee Police Department introduced a first of its kind  mobile phone app last month that allows the public to record their interactions with law enforcement. Coined “Tallahassee Bystander”, the app, which was unveiled by Tallahassee’s Police Chief, is supposed to be a way for law enforcement to “listen and continue to collaborate on ways to strengthen our relationships with …