Miami Criminal Lawyer Blog

There is a huge difference between parole and probation for a criminal offense. Probation is court ordered, which is usually given as a punishment for committing a crime. Most of the time, probation is an additional punishment that goes along with jail time. Parole is granted to an inmate after serving so much time in prison. Many inmates are released for good behavior or time served and are then offered parole as a probationary period.

Probation

Miami criminal defense attorneys can walk you through every process of probation. When an offender is placed on probation, they have to follow certain rules and standards that the judge has ordered. In most cases, the offender has to follow these rules:

· Be in by a certain curfew
· Stay in the jurisdiction
· Stay away from firearms
· Offender cannot hang around other offenders

Continue reading "Offenders on Probation, Inmates on Parole" »

There are several reasons that one may be under arrest such as driving under the influence, domestic violence, child abuse, etc. If you have ever been in custody then you probably know the process could be very scary. Let us say, for instance, you or someone you know are stopped for speeding. The police officer may perform a sobriety test if he or she smells alcohol on your breath. If for some reason the officer believes you are over the legal limit then an arrest is valid, on the spot, for drunk driving. A Miami DUI lawyer is the perfect person to help you get through this difficult time.

Getting Arrested

Once a person is arrested, they will be taken into custody and put into a jail cell. If there is nobody else with the person at the time, then his or her car will be impounded. In some cases, the police officers may give you a stern warning and let you go with a harsh punishment. At other times, you may not be so lucky. An individual charged with a crime can end up with a criminal background.

Continue reading "Getting Arrested and Knowing your Rights in Miami Florida" »

If you or someone you know is going through a felony offense charge, then you may know about the three strikes law. This situation arises when an arrested individual is a repeat offender of three or more felony charges. The term actually comes from baseball when the batter receives two strikes before being out after the third.

What is the Three Strikes Law?

This is a law that increases the prison sentences for repeat offenders whether it is a felony regarding drunk driving, domestic violence or any other criminal offense. On the third strike, the judge gives the offender prison time. The first two instances may not result in a prison sentence, but that is why it is like baseball…third strike and you are out.

Continue reading "How Fair is the Three Strikes Law for Miami-Dade Criminals?" »

In most situations, criminal cases end in plea bargains from the court. Miami-Dade criminal lawyers can help during this tough time and help their clients understand the offer. Plea bargains happen before the case goes to trial, and the sentence is almost always lesser than it would be if the client goes to trial. Most Miami-Dade criminal defense attorneys will persuade their client to accept the plea bargain because there is a chance the offense can be dismissed from their record.

Why the Accused is Offered a Plea Bargain

Any outcome for a client and their case is unpredictable. Fortunately, this is why the state will offer the Miami-Dade criminal lawyers and their client a plea bargain. In the end, the accused receives punishment and they are proven guilty.

Continue reading "What Defendants Should Know About Plea Bargains" »