Pumphrey Law Blog

Documentary on Florida’s Harsh Two-Strikes Law

September 12, 2023 Criminal Defense, News & Announcements

We’ve previously covered details from the Mark Jones case in Florida, an inmate serving life in prison after being sentenced through Florida’s Prison Releasee Reoffender law (PRR), also referred to as the “Two-Strikes” law. Jones’ story is now being highlighted in a new documentary from Frontline, The Marshall Project, and Firelight Media. The documentary’s goal is to shed light on …

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Search and Seizure of Computers in Criminal Cases

September 4, 2023 Criminal Defense

The role of computers has become increasingly significant for criminal cases in today’s digital age. When police believe a crime has been committed using a computer, or that incriminating evidence is stored on a computer, they may attempt to conduct a search and seizure of the device. The Fourth Amendment protects individuals from unreasonable search and seizures. In cases involving …

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Pros and Cons of Facial Recognition Used in Criminal Cases

September 4, 2023 Criminal Defense

Facial recognition is a newer addition to modern technology that we use every day, such as with smartphones and smart technology, social media and apps, and national security. In recent years, facial recognition technology has been used by law enforcement for identifying potential suspects or witnesses in criminal cases. The issue of facial recognition arises, however, with the potential threat …

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Prepping for Trial: Tips for Defendants

September 4, 2023 Criminal Defense

If you are facing criminal charges in Florida and have not accepted a plea bargain offer, it means that you might be going to trial. During a criminal trial, the State Attorney’s prosecution team and defense team will both provide their own arguments alongside evidence to argue the defendant’s guilt or innocence, respectively. If you are in a position where …

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Palm Beach County “Bird Bandit” Captured and Charged

September 4, 2023 Criminal Defense, News & Announcements, Theft/Property Crimes

The state of Florida has no current legislation for specifying the theft of animals or pets—instead, a person accused of stealing another person’s animal can be charged with theft. Depending on the value of the stolen animal, the charge may be considered petit or grand theft. The search for the Palm Beach “bird bandit,” who was accused of stealing nearly …

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New Florida Bill Increases Penalties for Fentanyl

September 4, 2023 Criminal Defense, Drug Charges, News & Announcements

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis first announced his plan for cracking down on fentanyl-related cases at the January 2023 Miami Police Benevolent Association. Since then, Florida lawmakers have been working on amending various drug statutes to help fight the growing issue of fentanyl overdoses. As of May 1, 2023, Gov. DeSantis signed HB 1359 into law, amending the current penalties for …

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Guide to Florida’s Arson Laws

September 4, 2023 Criminal Defense

If a person starts a fire that results in property damage or personal injury, they may face criminal charges for arson. According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)’s Uniform Crime Report, there were 1,431 reported cases of arson and an additional 93 cases involving attempted arson in Florida in 2021. In Florida, it does not matter whether a …

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Hardship License & Reinstating a Driver’s License in Florida

August 28, 2023 Criminal Defense, Drunk Driving/DUI

Certain offenses in Florida can result in a person losing their ability to drive. This can occur through the suspension or revocation of a driver’s license, either for driving under the influence (DUI) or another qualifying offense. When a Florida driver has their license suspended or revoked, they can apply for a restricted driving privilege through a hardship license or …

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Federal Gun Ban for Cannabis Consumers Rejected by Appeals Court

August 28, 2023 Criminal Defense, Drug Charges, News & Announcements

A federal court in New Orleans just ruled that restricting marijuana users from possessing a firearm is unconstitutional. A three-judge panel of the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously found the 1968 law conflicts with a citizen’s right to carry a firearm. More specifically, prohibiting a person from purchasing or possessing a firearm when declared an “unlawful user” of …

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