The right of people “to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures” is enshrined in the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution. Despite these legal protections, law enforcement may be authorized to search a person, location, or vehicle for evidence of a crime when a police officer has a valid search warrant, …

The Eighth Amendment of the United States Constitution states, “Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.” Article I, Section 14 of the Constitution of the State of Florida also establishes, “Unless charged with a capital offense or an offense punishable by life imprisonment and the proof of guilt is evident or …

When people are arrested in Florida, some alleged offenders are held in custody until they can pay a required bond amount. Other individuals, however, may be eligible for a release on recognizance, often referred to as a recognizance or ROR bond. When a person is released from custody on an ROR bond, he or she will be instructed to sign …

A sobriety checkpoint is a specified roadblock set up by police to randomly stop vehicles to check if the driver is under the influence of alcohol or other unlawful substances. The purpose of a sobriety checkpoint is to deter drunk driving, and to reduce the number of alcohol-related accidents on the road. Drivers who are found to be impaired may …

Date Rape in Florida When people hear the term “date rape” they most likely associate it with pop culture references from TV or movies. Date rape is so named for the unfortunate trend of individuals committing sexual battery while on dates. The most commonly known scenario involves an alleged offender sneaking an incapacitating drug into a person’s drink. Date rape charges occur …

Tallahassee International Airport (TLH) is considered one of the major airports in Northern Florida, as it serves not only several counties in the Florida Panhandle region but also many counties in Southern Georgia. Just like most every airport in the United States, security is a primary concern that is taken very seriously at Tallahassee International Airport. Most people who are …

The disciplinary function at Florida State University (FSU) can be triggered after an on-campus or off-campus law violation related to underage possession of alcohol (often called “minor in possession of alcohol“). In a typical case, the student is given a “notice to appear” in court and the law enforcement officer will forward a copy of the notice to FSU. The …

Florida law makes it a crime to offer to commit or solicit any act of prostitution. Also referred to as “sex work,” prostitution is defined as the act or practice of engaging in sex acts, including sexual intercourse, for money. The most common charges for such sex crimes include soliciting for prostitution, soliciting another to commit a lewd act, deriving …

Conviction for solicitation of a child in Florida will lead to dire consequences: not only the prison time and the other penalties normally associated with a criminal conviction, but also requiring you to register as a sex offender even after completion of your sentence. Your sex offense registration will be available to the public, and you will be viewed as …