Soler & Simon Criminal Defense Blog

***This blog is meant to be informational only and not legal advice. Be sure to speak to an attorney about your unique situation. Do not rely on anything written here to make a decision in your case***

What is a bond reduction hearing? Will the bond be lowered? [11 things a judge will look for]

A bond reduction hearing is a court hearing where a defendant requests the judge to lower or reduce the defendant’s bond to a reasonable...

Can a judge raise my bond, instead of lower it, at my bond reduction hearing in Florida?

Florida case law says that a trial court judge does not have the authority to increase bond sua sponte (or on its own motion) at the...

Breath tests for marijuana and opiates may be a reality in the State of Florida soon

According to an article published by Newsweek entitled, “Marijuana Breath Tests Could Be Available by 2020,” roadside breath tests that...

What should I do if I have a warrant out for me in Sarasota or Manatee County?

While having a warrant out for your arrest may seem like the end of the world, you do have options. Keep in mind that an arrest warrant...

What signs of impairment do police officers look for when pulling over a person and suspecting DUI?

In order to detain someone for a driving under the influence investigation, a police officer in Florida must have reasonable suspicion...

What happens if I violate supervised release (SPR) in Sarasota?

If you violate the terms and conditions of your supervised release, the Supervised Release Officer will send an “Affidavit for Violation...

What is Possession with Intent to Sell Drugs in Florida?

Possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, manufacture, deliver, or purchase in Florida is either a third-degree felony or...

What is consent to search?

Did a police officer say that you consented to a search of your person or car when you feel like you really didn’t? Did a police offer...

What is a non-jury trial or bench trial in a criminal case in Florida?

When a person hears "trial" they often picture movies with jurors sitting, listening to evidence, and determining guilt or innocence....

What is an open plea (AKA a "straight up plea") in Florida?

***This is meant to be informational only and not legal advice. Be sure to speak to an attorney about your unique situation. Do not...

How long can the police stop and detain for a traffic law violation in Florida?

When stopping a car for a traffic violation, the police cannot detain or stop the vehicle and its occupants for as long as they want--the...

RESULTS MATTER! Burglary of an Occupied Dwelling Charges Dropped.

Client was charged with Burglary of an Occupied Dwelling after he was allegedly seen in the garage of a home rifling through belongings. ...

Attorney for Students Who Have Been Charged With a Crime

If you are a student who has been charged with a crime it is extremely important to hire a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible....

Attorney for Professionals Facing Criminal Charges

If you are a professional, such as a doctor, nurse, teacher, or a business owner, being arrested and charged with a crime can obviously...

What happens if I miss a court date for a criminal case in Sarasota or Manatee?

If you miss a mandatory court date for a criminal case, a judge will likely issue a warrant for your arrest. There may, or may not, be a...

Afraid that you might go to jail at your court date? Do this before court!

Most people do not go to jail at their court date. However, it sometimes happens. I wrote a blog post called, “Will I get arrested and go...

What makes an object drug paraphernalia as per Florida law?

A spoon, straw, pipe, scale, a syringe, and a baggie--all of these items have completely innocent purposes, entirely unrelated to illegal...

Can A Human Trafficking Victim Expunge a Criminal Charge If They Were Found Guilty In Florida?

Yes, if the offense was committed while the trafficking victim “was part of a human trafficking scheme” or “at the direction of the...

When Is A DUI A Felony Offense in Florida?

We are often asked when Driving Under The Influence is charged as a felony in Florida. A first DUI is charged as a misdemeanor, unless...

What does “no harmful contact” mean in the context of a domestic violence case in Sarasota?

First, let’s briefly discuss what a “no contact” order means A no contact order is exactly what it sounds like, the defendant is ordered...