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 10, 2025 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, Theft/Property Crimes, Violent Crimes Social Share

In Florida, grand theft of a firearm is a very serious crime. However, there are many common misunderstandings about this law. This article will answer frequently asked questions about the charge of grand theft of a firearm in Florida. #1 – What is grand theft of a firearm? Grand theft of a firearm is defined as knowingly obtaining or using, …

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

In Florida, attempted second-degree murder is an extremely serious criminal offense. Florida is one of the only U.S. states to have a law regarding attempted second-degree murder – so this naturally raises many questions about it. This blog will explore the answers to frequently asked questions about attempted second-degree murder (Fla. Stat. 782.04 and 777.04). #1 – What is attempted …

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

In Florida, aggravated assault (Fla. Stat. 784.021) is a very serious offense. It is one of the most commonly charged felonies in the state, but is often poorly understood. This blog will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about aggravated assault in Florida. #1 – What is aggravated assault? Aggravated assault involves an unlawful threat of imminent violence, …

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

In Florida, vehicular homicide is a very serious criminal offense. It is a second-degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. It becomes a first-degree felony (up to 30 years in prison and a $10,000 fine) if either of the following are true: The defendant failed to stop, give information to authorities, or render …

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

In Florida, vessel homicide is an often misunderstood criminal defense. As a result, many questions often arise when someone is charged with vessel homicide in Florida, or when a person simply wants to learn more about the offense. This blog will answer ten of those frequently asked questions. #1 – What is vessel homicide in Florida? Vessel homicide occurs when …

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

Florida’s Stand Your Ground law is one of the state’s most widely-known statutes. Under Fla. Stat. 776.012 and 776.032, someone may use or threaten to use force (including deadly force) if it is a reasonable and proportional response to defend themselves, others, or prevent commission of a forcible felony (e.g. aggravated battery, sexual battery, robbery). But there is a fascinating …

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

Florida’s Stand Your Ground law is one of the state’s most widely debated pieces of legislation. But it is also one of the most poorly understood. This article will address some of the most common myths about Florida’s Stand Your Ground law (Fla. Stat. 776.012 and 776.032) and explain what the law actually says.  The first myth about Florida’s Stand …