Pumphrey Law Blog

August 12, 2016 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Bench Warrants/Warrants, Drunk Driving/DUI Social Share

The Impact of the Birchfield Decision on DUI Blood Draws in Florida A recent decision by the United States Supreme Court chips away at the so-called “DUI exception” to the Constitution. The case makes clear that law enforcement officers in Florida will not be able to take blood in a DUI related case without either a valid warrant or voluntary consent. The Search-Incident-to-Arrest Exception …

August 5, 2016 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense Social Share

If you are under investigation for committing a crime, it is important to seek out the services of a qualified criminal defense attorney before you make a statement or answer any questions. Both the United States Constitution and the Florida Constitution provide important protections against self-incrimination. The Florida Supreme Court recently decided on May 5, 2016, State v. Horwitz, SC15-348 (2016), …

July 26, 2016 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Theft/Property Crimes, Violent Crimes Social Share

Teen Nightclub Shooting Reignites Debate Over Gun Control in Florida In the wake of two children being killed and 19 others being wounded by gunshots early Monday morning at Club Blue nightclub in Ft. Myers, Florida, gun-control activists are seeking stricter gun laws to be put in place to prevent tragedies like this from reoccurring. Advocates of stricter gun control …

July 21, 2016 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Drunk Driving/DUI Social Share

An arrest for drunk driving or driving under the influence (DUI) can be a traumatizing experience. After a drink or two at the Florida State Seminoles’ game, the company end-of-year party, or another social gathering, it is possible to “feel fine” or “not feel drunk” and still be arrested for DUI. If you are arrested for DUI in Leon County, including Tallahassee, …

October 9, 2012 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, Drunk Driving/DUI DUI Social Share

As I tell juries during jury selection, the arrest decision for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is very unique.  It’s one of the few crimes where a citizen can be arrested and seized based solely on the opinion of a police officer.  A little-known fact is that the demand for a breath sample is not allowed by Florida law until …

October 17, 2011 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Theft/Property Crimes, Violent Crimes Social Share

Forbes recently unveiled its list of this year’s top dangerous American cities. Many Tallahassee residents were shocked to find their city on the list, much less in the number eight position. Other cities flagged as dangerous by the closely-read Forbes lists include Memphis, Tennessee; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Flint, Michigan. When asked to explain its rationale for Tallahassee’s appearance on …