Pumphrey Law Blog

June 29, 2021 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense Social Share

What is a Firework? Nearly everyone has seen fireworks in the sky, but with the Fourth of July approaching, it’s important to know the nuances behind the use of fireworks that can lead to legal trouble. Chapter 791 of the Florida Statutes outlines the rules and regulations of the sale and use of fireworks. Under Section 791.01, fireworks include “any …

June 29, 2021 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, Seal or Expunge Criminal Record Social Share

After getting convicted of a criminal offense, it may feel as if you’re left with little to no options. Holding a criminal conviction on your record can negatively impact your life, such as making it difficult to find a career or place to live. Despite these difficulties, the state of Florida offers relief through the process of clemency. If a …

June 26, 2021 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense Social Share

What Martin v. State Tells Us About Juror Dishonesty in Criminal Cases Jury trials are a sacred right for Florida’s criminal defendants, and the right to a fair and impartial jury of your peers is enumerated in Article I, Section 22 of the Florida Constitution, the Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution, and the Due Process Clause of the …

June 26, 2021 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense Social Share

What Does the Fourth Amendment Protect Against? The Fourth Amendment protects citizens against unreasonable searches and seizures perpetrated by the government. The general rule under the Fourth Amendment is that a search or arrest warrant and probable cause are required before a member of the government can lawfully search or seize an individual or their property. However, one or both …

June 24, 2021 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, Drug Charges Social Share

This is Part 2 of a 2-Part Blog series. Read Part 1 here.  Florida is known for its tough stance on drug crime. If arrested for possession, distributing, or trafficking drugs in the state, the accused may face harsh penalties like substantial fines and lengthy prison sentences. What might come as a surprise is that an individual can face these …

June 23, 2021 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense Social Share

What is Cyberstalking? When you think of stalking, you probably think of someone who is monitoring every move of someone else and actively pursuing them. Most often, it takes place between two people who had some kind of romantic relationship in the past. However, the internet has made stalking significantly easier. To combat this issue, Florida enacted Section §784.048 of …

June 23, 2021 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, Drunk Driving/DUI Social Share

What is a BUI? It is common to hear stories about people convicted of driving vehicles while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Although less common, people may also be convicted of driving boats while similarly impaired. In Florida, there are many instances where people head out on the water to enjoy a day with friends, and it is …

June 23, 2021 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense Social Share

What is Brady Evidence? The term “Brady evidence” comes from the holding of Brady v. Maryland, a United States Supreme Court case in which it was established that the State or Prosecutor has the affirmative duty of disclosing all evidence within their possession or, with due diligence, could be in their possession, that is material in regard to guilt or …

June 22, 2021 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense Social Share

What is a Polygraph or Lie Detector Test? Polygraph examinations have become culturally iconic tools used in movies and television whose subject matter is criminal investigations. A polygraph test uses a recording instrument that records physiological changes in the body in order to examine whether a lie is being told based on the subject’s heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, and …