Pumphrey Law Blog

July 29, 2025 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense Social Share

In Florida, “swatting” is a very serious criminal offense. Swatting has become famous in the context of SWAT teams being called on various politicians, commentators, and celebrities – and typically involves someone calling 911 to report an emergency situation (such as the taking of hostages) at an address where this is not actually occurring. The result of “swatting” in some …

July 29, 2025 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense Social Share

In Florida, criminal mischief is a serious offense. If someone is arrested and formally charged with criminal mischief, one of the first questions often asked is whether this is a felony or a misdemeanor. The answer is that criminal mischief can be either – but it depends on the value of the property allegedly damaged. This blog will discuss the …

July 29, 2025 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, News & Announcements Social Share

The Death of Justice currently has a 5-star rating on Amazon. It is available for purchase here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FF3PDZVS  While most law students were cramming for exams, David Glasser was doing the same… and writing a legal thriller. Glasser, a rising third-year law student at Florida State University, is a law clerk at Pumphrey Law. He has worked at the firm …

July 18, 2025 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, Drunk Driving/DUI Social Share

Trenton’s Law: Florida’s New Law On DUI, DUI Manslaughter, Vehicular Homicide, BUI Manslaughter and Vessel Homicide DUI (driving under the influence) and BUI (boating under the influence) manslaughter, as well as vehicular and vessel homicide, are very serious felony offenses in Florida. Now, the penalties are even heavier as a result of a new act from the Florida Legislature, titled …

July 18, 2025 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, Violent Crimes Social Share

In Florida, attempted second-degree murder and attempted manslaughter by act are both very serious offenses. Attempted second-degree murder (Fla. Stat. Sections 782.04(2) and 777.04) is a second-degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Attempted manslaughter by act (Fla. Stat. Sections 782.07 and 777.04) is a third-degree felony punishable by up to 5 years …

July 18, 2025 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, Drunk Driving/DUI Social Share

In Florida, BUI (boating under the influence) manslaughter and vessel homicide are both extremely serious felony offenses that carry heavy penalties. Though both involve the death of a victim (or multiple victims) in connection to a vessel, there are key distinctions between the elements of these crimes and defenses.  This article will discuss the elements, criminal penalties, and available defenses …

July 18, 2025 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, Violent Crimes Social Share

In Florida, vehicular and vessel homicide are very similar criminal offenses. However, there are also key differences between them. This blog will discuss elements, potential penalties, and legal defenses to vehicular and vessel homicide charges in Florida. Vehicular Homicide Vehicular homicide (Fla. Stat. Section 782.071) is the killing of a human being (or unborn child by injury to the mother) …

July 18, 2025 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, Violent Crimes Social Share

Florida’s Stand Your Ground law (Fla. Stat.Section 776.012) allows someone facing down an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm to use (or threaten to use) deadly force in defense of themselves or others. But under certain circumstances, the law does not apply to those who are engaged in criminal activity at the time the force is used or …

July 18, 2025 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, Violent Crimes Social Share

In Florida, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon is a very serious offense. In addition to the prohibition on felons possessing a firearm, Fla. Stat. Section 790.23 also forbids someone convicted of a felony in the state from having ammunition or electric weapons or devices (such as tasers) in their care, custody, or control. As possession of a …