Pumphrey Law Blog

Recent Florida Supreme Court Decision Discusses Stand Your Ground Immunity Standards

October 12, 2021 Criminal Defense, Violent Crimes

Brief Summary On October 7, 2021, the Supreme Court of Florida reviewed Boston v. State. This case arose out of the First District Court of Appeal in 2020 and discussed the correct standard of Stand Your Ground Immunity under Section 776.032 of the Florida Statutes. The First District Court of Appeal concluded that a defendant convicted by a jury after …

Read More

GHB Crimes in Florida

October 9, 2021 College, Criminal Defense, Drug Charges, Sex Crimes

What is GHB? GHB, scientifically known as gamma-hydroxybutyrate, is a depressant that affects the central nervous system. It is a common “date rape” or “club drug” used to cause symptoms like euphoria, increased sexual libido, decreased critical thinking, dizziness, loss of consciousness, and hallucinations to those who are drugged. While GHB is a chemical produced in the brain and other …

Read More

Rachel’s Law & What it Means for Confidential Informants

October 9, 2021 Criminal Defense, News & Announcements

Rachel’s Background   Rachel Hoffman was a 23-year-old Florida State University graduate living in Tallahassee, Florida, with hopes of attending cooking school in Arizona. Police arrived at her apartment after her neighbors reported smelling marijuana and voiced their suspicion that drugs were being sold from the home. Police seized more than five ounces of marijuana as well as valium and …

Read More

The Dog Bite Law & Dangerous Dog Statute in Florida

October 7, 2021 Criminal Defense

What Does the Statute Say?  If you are a dog owner in Florida, it is imperative you are aware of the serious legal repercussions that can occur if your dog bites someone else. The laws pertaining to dog bites are codified in Section 767.04 of the Florida Statutes and states: “The owner of any dog that bites any person while …

Read More

Faking It: Is Age Really Just a Number?

October 7, 2021 College, College Student Disciplinary Hearing, Criminal Defense

It’s that time of year again. School is back in session, and freshly graduated high school students walk onto their new university campus bright-eyed and ready for a new adventure. The first few weeks include a plethora of welcoming parties, group get togethers, and events to get students comfortable and situated. It probably takes about a week to meet your …

Read More

Arrested While on Vacation in Florida– Now What?

October 7, 2021 Criminal Defense, Drunk Driving/DUI

It’s no shock that Florida’s warm weather, beautiful beaches, amusement parks, and other vibrant attractions make it one of the nation’s leading vacation destinations. In fact, the state attracted nearly 87 million tourists in 2020. Although this number is low compared to the 131 million that flocked to Florida in 2019, the fact the state was still able to garnish …

Read More

Bill Proposes Enhanced Penalties for Selling Drugs Near Rehab Facilities

October 7, 2021 Criminal Defense, Drug Charges

On September 13, State Representative Scott Plakon filed HB 95 which revises elements that constitute capital offense of first-degree murder, defines “substantial factor,” and prohibits specified activities involving controlled substances within 1,000 feet of mental health facilities. An identical measure, SB 190, was filed the following day by Senator Jason Brodeur. What Would These Bills Do? First, the bills would …

Read More

Bill to Modify Florida’s Stand Your Ground Law Introduced

October 7, 2021 Criminal Defense, Violent Crimes

What is Florida’s Stand Your Ground Law? HB 73, called “The Self-Defense Restoration Act,” entered the Criminal Justice & Public Safety Subcommittee on September 17th. This bill was introduced by civil rights attorney and State Representative Michele Rayner and would alter Florida’s Stand Your Ground Law. The law, codified in Section 776.013 of the Florida Statutes, answers the question of …

Read More

An Alarmingly Odd Case Involving a Firebomb & a Buddhist Temple

October 7, 2021 Criminal Defense

On September 26, Mei Cheung, a Palm Beach County woman was arrested for igniting and throwing firebombs at a Buddhist temple. Video surveillance on the property revealed she was throwing the firebombs, also often referred to as “Molotov cocktails” over the gate towards the temple, as well as placing a firebomb in a mailbox on the property. She fled the …

Read More
Back to Top