Pumphrey Law Blog

June 4, 2024 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense Social Share

In a crossing situation involving a stand-on vessel and a give-way vessel under Florida’s Inland Navigation Rules, the stand-on vessel has the right of way. Under federal boating regulations, when two power-driven vessels are crossing so as to involve risk of collision, the vessel which has the other on her own starboard side (the give-way vessel) shall keep out of …

June 4, 2024 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense Social Share

Reckless operation of a vessel in Florida is a serious crime that may endanger the lives and property of others. Florida Statutes 327.33 describes the reckless operation of a vessel as involving “Wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property at a speed or in a manner as to endanger, or likely to endanger, life or limb, or damage …

June 4, 2024 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Sex Crimes Social Share

Florida, like most states, has strict laws in place to protect children from sexual predators. One such law deals with the act of traveling to meet a minor after online solicitation for unlawful sexual conduct. This offense is outlined in Florida Statute § 847.0135(4) and carries serious consequences. Understanding the Law This statute makes it a crime to: Travel or …

June 4, 2024 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense Social Share

Why Honesty is Still the Best Policy, Even with Silence as Your Right: A Criminal Defense Attorney’s Guide As a criminal defense attorney, I understand the initial urge to explain away a situation when facing criminal charges. However, I firmly believe that honesty, not deception, is the key to navigating a difficult legal situation. Let me explain why: The Power …

June 4, 2024 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, Sex Crimes Social Share

Florida has strong laws in place to protect children from online predators and those who use communication channels to lure them into harmful situations. One such law is Section 847.013(1)(a) of the Florida Statutes, which makes it a crime to use obscene or harassing communication to seduce, solicit, induce, entice, or attempt to entice a child to commit a sex …

June 4, 2024 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, Drunk Driving/DUI Social Share

DUI charges in Florida can be dropped, though it’s not guaranteed. Here’s a breakdown of situations where dismissal might be achievable in the event you hire an experienced DUI defense attorney. Errors by Law Enforcement Improper Stop: If the police officer lacked a valid reason to pull you over, the entire case could be thrown out. Examples include broken tail …

June 4, 2024 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense Social Share

Being arrested can be a stressful and confusing experience. Here’s a breakdown of what typically happens after an arrest in Florida, focusing on the legal process: Booking After the arrest, the police will take you to a station for booking. This involves creating a record of your arrest with details like your name, fingerprints, and photographs. Your belongings will be …

June 4, 2024 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense, Sex Crimes Social Share

In Florida, browsing the internet, even if you stumble upon unlawful content, this normally does not qualify as a criminal offense. However, there are conditions where certain actions someone takes while visiting a site can result in charges. First Amendment and Freedom of Speech The First Amendment to the Constitution protects freedom of speech, which extends to having access to …

May 31, 2024 Don Pumphrey, Jr. College, College Student Disciplinary Hearing, Criminal Defense Social Share

Hazing Charges in Florida, Explained Hazing in Florida occurs when a person recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for purposes including, but not limited to: Initiation into any organization operating under the sanction of a postsecondary institution Admission into any organization operating under the sanction of a postsecondary institution Affiliation with any …