Pumphrey Law Blog

April 18, 2022 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, Juvenile Offenses, Theft/Property Crimes Social Share

When we think of teenagers, one thing that often comes to mind is that they tend to make mistakes. It makes sense—their brains aren’t fully developed yet, their bodies and minds are still developing, and the social stigma of looking “cool” to friends can often lead to some bad decisions. Young adults lack impulse control due to the fact that …

April 7, 2022 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, Juvenile Offenses Social Share

For generations, youngsters have been “ding dong ditching” their neighbors for a quick laugh. The term “ding dong ditching” is associated with the act of ringing someone’s doorbell and running away before the unsuspecting victim can answer the door. Although this prank is often played by children and teenagers who believe they are engaging in harmless fun, that fun can …

March 27, 2022 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, Juvenile Offenses Social Share

The latest TikTok trend – the “Orbeez Challenge” has swept across Florida, leaving law enforcement to warn both parents and children of the seriousness behind the social media trend. What is the Challenge? The “Orbeez Challenge” also referred to online as the #OrbeezChallenge, constitutes teens using a gel-ball gun or airsoft gun to shoot Orbeez, which are circular water gel …

March 24, 2022 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Juvenile Offenses Social Share

Before the help of research by experts, sentencing for crimes was determined based solely on the severity of the crime committed. Now with the help of neuroscientists’ and psychologists’ research, the criminal justice system can evolve and change the way adolescents who have committed crimes are perceived and sentenced. For instance, factors that now may be considered in such a …

March 6, 2022 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, Juvenile Offenses Social Share

Pranks are one form of comedy that withstands the test of time. From the 1980s and 1990s, before caller ID existed and *67 worked wonders for prank callers, to the modern-day when the technology exists to create sham phone numbers, prank calling/texting has subsisted in the mainstream. But is prank calling illegal? Can you get arrested for prank calling and …

March 6, 2022 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, Juvenile Offenses Social Share

Unfortunately, most students have experienced a false bomb threat at some point during middle school or high school. Although these threats may start as a harmless prank that the writer believes no one will take seriously, they are no laughing matter and can land you in serious legal trouble. Florida Law Section 790.163 of the Florida Statutes details the legal …

March 3, 2022 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, Juvenile Offenses Social Share

Newly proposed bill SB 7040 and its companion bill HB 7029 are both titled “Time Limitations for Preadjudicatory Juvenile Detention Care.” Both center on amending and creating new conditions and procedures when it comes to detaining juveniles. The portions of the bills gaining the most attention are their proposed amendments to Section 985.26 of the Florida Statutes, which governs the …

February 6, 2022 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Juvenile Offenses, Seal or Expunge Criminal Record Social Share

On February 1st, the House Judiciary Committee unanimously voted in favor of HB 195, a bill that would require the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to expunge nonjudicial arrest records of minors who successfully complete diversion programs for non-violent felony offenses. Its sister bill, SB 342, was approved unanimously in the Appropriations Subcommittee on Criminal and Civil Justice and faces …

January 28, 2022 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, Juvenile Offenses Social Share

Being accused of a crime and having to experience the legal system can be a daunting and scary experience. If you’ve been accused of a crime, you will likely have to be interrogated by law enforcement officers. This is when they will ask you questions about your criminal case, trying to get you to give up information or confess to …