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***

First-Time DUI? Learn about the DETER Program for DUI’s in Sarasota and Manatee Counties

What is the DETER Program for DUI’s? The Driver Enhanced Treatment Education Rehabilitation (the DETER Program) is a program for people...

Do I have to complete all my community service hours or can I buy them out?

This post is relevant to Sarasota County, FL and Manatee County, FL. Judges in Sarasota and Bradenton will often allow criminal...

A quick guide to restitution in a criminal case in Florida

If you are facing criminal charges where a victim allegedly suffered loss, such as a theft case where money or property was taken and or...

What is a battery on a person 65 years of age or older in Florida?

Florida law has enhanced punishments for crimes committed against the elderly In Sarasota and Bradenton we have a large elderly...

Can A DUI Be Expunged or Sealed in Florida?

Unfortunately, it is not possible to expunge or seal a DUI case in Florida In Florida, if a person enters a plea or is otherwise...

First-Time Offender? Is This Your First Time Charged With A Crime In Sarasota or Bradenton?

Attorney For First-Time Offenders If this is the first time you have been charged with a crime in Sarasota or Manatee County you are...

The difference between "no contest" and "guilty"

Everybody knows what a "not guilty" plea means--that you are innocent and did not do whatever the State is accusing you of. There are two...

What is the difference between Adjudication of Guilt and Adjudication Withheld in a criminal case?

We are often asked what the difference between being adjudicated guilty and having adjudication withheld means. A formal adjudication is...

What is a felony scoresheet?

In Florida, unlike misdemeanors, Felony sentences are largely based on a scoresheet. The scoresheet has been devised by the Florida...

What is the difference between a Misdemeanor and a Felony?

Many people wonder what the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony is in Florida. The simple answer is a felony is more severe...

Boating Under the Influence

While most are familiar with driving under the influence charges (DUI) in Florida, a person can also be charged with "boating under the...

What is PTI (Pre-Trial Intervention)?

While the State generally recommends jail, prison, or probation as sanctions for a criminal charge, there is another possible...

How can I Drop Domestic Violence / Domestic Battery Charges?

Domestic violence charges include battery, assault, felony battery, or aggravated battery. What makes it "domestic" is basically that the...

What Happens at First Appearance in Sarasota, Florida?

First Appearance is your first court date, usually within 24 hours of your arrest. At first appearance the judge will determine if there...

What is Obstruction (Resisting without Violence) in Florida?

What is Obstruction (Resisting without violence)? Obstruction (Resisting without violence) is a first degree misdemeanor that is...

Can I be charged with DUI if I was not actually driving the car?

The short answer is – it depends. While most DUI's occur while an individual is actively driving a car, truck, or van, it is possible to...

What is Doctor Shopping in Florida?

Doctor shopping can entail multiple charges. The most common "doctor shopping" charge is withholding information from a physician....

I Was Charged With DUI In Sarasota, Do I Need to Pay The Traffic Tickets I Received?

If you hire us to represent you for your DUI, we can file a motion to consolidate the traffic citations into the DUI case. If the judge...

When should an attorney be hired in a criminal case?

The answer to this question is going to depend largely on your particular situation and finances. The best thing to do is hire an...

What are the different driving on a suspended license (DWLS) charges in Florida?

One of the most common traffic charges in Sarasota, and throughout Florida, is driving while license suspended, cancelled, or revoked,...