Pumphrey Law Blog

October 9, 2025 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, Sex Crimes Social Share

A new Florida law, HB 1455, creates harsh new mandatory minimum sentences for sex offenders who commit certain additional sex offenses after they are released from custody. In Florida, the criminal penalties for sex offenses are very serious. But for those convicted of re-offending, the potential prison time they face is now significantly increased. This is due to a new …

October 9, 2025 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, Violent Crimes Social Share

Domestic violence injunctions in Florida may be issued if someone has previously experienced domestic violence, or has a reasonable and imminent fear of becoming a domestic violence victim. In Florida, petitions are often filed for a domestic violence injunction – regulated by Fla. Stat. 741.30. Whether someone is filing for an injunction (petitioner) or is the target of the petition …

October 9, 2025 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, Violent Crimes Social Share

Aggravated assault with intent to commit a felony occurs when someone commits assault with the intent of using that assault to commit a separate felony offense under Florida law. In Florida, aggravated assault is a very serious offense. There are two types of aggravated assault recognized by Florida law – aggravated assault with the use of a deadly weapon, and …

October 9, 2025 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense Social Share

Recent updates to Florida law make it more likely someone may face criminal charges from a boating accident – even if nobody is injured or killed. In Florida, boating accidents are quite common and can be extremely scary. To make it matters worse, if someone unintentionally collides with another boat or the property of another person, they may face serious …

October 9, 2025 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, Drug Charges Social Share

After hemp and medical marijuana legalization, Florida’s District Courts of Appeal have voiced differing opinions on how the “plain smell doctrine” should be applied to the odor of marijuana. In Florida, the “plain smell doctrine” is a hotly debated legal concept that serves as an extension of the “plain view doctrine.” It allows law enforcement to perform a probable cause …

October 9, 2025 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, Sex Crimes Social Share

Lewd or lascivious conduct is a serious felony in Florida that involves unlawful sexual touching or sexual solicitation of a minor under the age of 16. In Florida, lewd or lascivious conduct (Fla. Stat. 800.04(6)) is a very serious offense. However, it is often confused with other lewd or lascivious crimes, and many do not know about it all. This …

October 3, 2025 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, Drug Charges Social Share

Florida Appeals Court Rules the Smell of Marijuana is No Longer Considered Probable Cause in Florida On October 2, 2025 a Florida appeals court ruled that the smell of marijuana alone is no longer enough to establish probable cause for a search, reasoning that the odor is indistinguishable from legal substances like hemp and medical marijuana. As a result, law …

September 23, 2025 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, Violent Crimes Social Share

In Florida, Stand Your Ground is a prominent state law that is often discussed in the context of shootings in self-defense. But there is often a lack of understanding regarding the specifics of Florida’s Stand Your Ground law (Fla. Stat. 776.012, 776.013, 776.031, 776.032, 776.041). This blog will answer frequently asked questions about Stand Your Ground in Florida. #1 – …

September 23, 2025 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, Sex Crimes Social Share

In Florida, Unlawful Sexual Activity with Certain Minors (Fla. Stat. 794.05) is a very serious criminal offense. However, it is not well known and often misunderstood. This blog will answer frequently asked questions about Unlawful Sexual Activity with Certain Minors in Florida. #1 – What is Unlawful Sexual Activity with Certain Minors? Unlawful Sexual Activity with Certain Minors occurs when …