Pumphrey Law Blog

September 10, 2025 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, Sex Crimes, Violent Crimes Social Share

In Florida and throughout the U.S., DNA evidence often serves as a key aspect of a criminal case. But there are clear limits to the value of DNA evidence that are not widely understood. This blog will bust 10 common myths about the use of DNA evidence in Florida criminal trials. #1 – A “DNA match” means someone is guilty …

September 10, 2025 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, Sex Crimes, Violent Crimes Social Share

In Florida, there are currently three criminal offenses punishable by the death penalty: First-degree premeditated murder First-degree felony murder Capital sexual battery (defendant over 18, child under 12) But starting October 1, 2025, there is a new offense that will be punishable by death in Florida: capital human trafficking. Though this law has not received much discussion, as it is …

September 5, 2025 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, Sex Crimes Social Share

In Florida, traveling to meet a minor for the purpose of sexual activity (Fla. Stat. 847.0135(4)) is a very serious criminal offense. However, it is often misunderstood. This blog will answer all of the most frequently asked questions about the charge of traveling to meet a minor in Florida. #1 – What is “traveling to meet a minor?” Florida’s law …

September 5, 2025 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, Sex Crimes Social Share

In Florida, sexual battery is an extremely serious criminal charge. If someone is involved in a Florida sexual battery case or is conducting research into the state’s sexual battery statute (Fla. Stat. 794.011), many “frequently asked questions” tend to be asked. This blog will answer those questions. #1 – What is sexual battery in Florida? Sexual battery is commonly referred …

September 5, 2025 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, Sex Crimes Social Share

In Florida, someone may be charged with traveling to meet a minor (Fla. Stat. 847.0135(4)) after being ensnared in a police sting. Traveling to meet a minor for the purpose of sexual activity in Florida is a second-degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Many defenses to this charge exist, such as entrapment …

September 5, 2025 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, Sex Crimes Social Share

In traveling to meet a minor cases that stem from law enforcement stings, a frequently asked question is – when can the police legally search my phone if I am arrested? The answer largely depends on the facts of the case and whether or not someone consents to law enforcement going through their phone. This blog will explore when law …

September 5, 2025 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Sex Crimes, Violent Crimes Social Share

In Florida criminal cases, it is often assumed that the presence of DNA equates to a defendant being guilty. This is sometimes called the “CSI Effect” – if someone sees that DNA evidence indicates someone’s involvement in a criminal case, they are much more likely to support a conviction. However, it is important to understand a frequently overlooked part of …

August 28, 2025 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, Sex Crimes Social Share

In Florida, sexual battery (Fla. Stat. Section 794.011) and sexual assault are often used as interchangeable terms. However, there are key differences between these offenses. To the surprise of many, there actually is no crime called “sexual assault” in Florida law. However, if a sexual assault occurs (commonly thought of as a nonconsensual sexual touching without penetration), it is likely …

August 28, 2025 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, Sex Crimes Social Share

In Florida, someone may face a sexual battery charge (Fla. Stat. 794.011) even if a victim did not physically resist the act. A common question is – if the victim was not incapacitated and did not physically attempt to stop the alleged battery, can someone still be convicted?  The answer is yes, because the legal question is whether or not …