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***

If the butt or stock of a firearm is visible, does that mean I’m open carrying in Florida?

The open carrying of weapons is a misdemeanor in Florida In Florida, it is a crime to openly carry a firearm. The misdemeanor crime of...

Can I ride my electric bike, moped, or scooter in Florida if my driver license is suspended?

Florida law says that any person whose driver license or driving privilege has been canceled, suspended, or revoked who drives any motor...

Is there a difference between a criminal defense lawyer and a DUI lawyer?

Many lawyers, in cities across the U.S. and especially in Sarasota, advertise themselves as "DUI attorneys". This will often lead to...

What is a motion to suppress and how it can it result in a criminal case being dropped?

There are many motions that a criminal defense attorney can file on behalf of a client. One of the most popular and most powerful is a...

Should I bond out of jail before first appearance?

Our law firm sometimes gets calls from people asking if they should bond their friend or loved one out before first appearance. While...

What is speedy trial in Florida?

If you have ever faced criminal charges or have been to a criminal court appearance, you have likely heard the term "speedy trial". While...

Why won't the State drop my charges?

The best result that anybody can obtain is the State dropping all charges. The State may have many reasons to consider dropping charges...

What's the difference between an arrest warrant and a search warrant in Florida?

While it is fairly obvious on its face what the difference between these two types of warrants is, there are some nuances that are not so...

Should I write a letter to the judge about my criminal case?

In almost all cases in our local county, if you write a letter to the judge that is assigned to hear your case, the letter will be copied...

What is attorney-client privilege in a criminal case?

A lot of people are hesitant to talk with attorneys openly and honestly because many are unsure what the lawyer can turn around and tell...

Can I violate my probation (VOP) or community control if I can't afford to pay?

If you do not pay your fines and fees (court costs, restitution, probation costs of supervision, etc.) and it was ordered as a condition...

What is Criminal Conspiracy in Florida?

Conspiracy is one of the most mysterious and misunderstood charges in criminal law. In Florida, conspiracy is not a charge on its own....

Can depositions be taken in my criminal case in Sarasota and Manatee Counties?

One of the most important things an attorney can do for you in a criminal case is depose witnesses the state will be calling. However,...

Can I be charged with possession of controlled substance if I have a prescription in Florida?

In Florida, it is illegal to possess any controlled substance without a prescription. Having a prescription can be a defense to this...

Can a polygraph exam (lie detector test) be used against me in Florida?

The answer, as usual, is it depends. Polygraphs cannot be used in court. Florida case law is clear that a polygraph is never admissible...

Will I get arrested and go to jail at my court date for my criminal case?

We get asked quite frequently if people get arrested and go to jail at court for misdemeanor or felony criminal cases in Sarasota and...

What does a "$0 bond" mean for a criminal charge in Sarasota County, Florida?

In Sarasota County, when a person has a "$0 bond" they in reality have no bond at all--they cannot bond out of jail. Certain charges will...

Should I testify in my case in Florida?

When you are represented by an attorney in your criminal case, the attorney has a large amount of control over how to proceed with your...

My probation officer told me that I violated my probation (VOP'd), should I quit probation?

Absolutely not! The state has the burden to prove that an alleged probation violation was both willful and substantial. For instance, if...

I have been contacted by a police officer who wants to talk to me about a crime

***Each situation is entirely unique. Do not rely on the information in this post to make a decision concerning your particular case....