Jacksonville Criminal Attorney Blog

Red-Handed Man Still Not Caught In Jacksonville Bank Robbery

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:08:15 -0500

Jacksonville’s citizens have needs that they feel surpass others, to the point in which they feel those needs be satisfied by taking by force. Unfortunately for them, the law does not allow for such actions and will punish those who break the law very severely. If one has been accused of such a crime, one should obtain an experienced attorney to fight for one’s case and ensure one’s rights are protected.

According to the Florida Times-Union, police are on the lookout for a man who allegedly robbed the Compass Bank on Monument Road in Jacksonville. The robbery occurred after the man, who came into the bank dressed in a shirt and tie, handed a bag and a note to the teller demanding the money. A security dye bomb went off in the thief’s bag, however, causing the man to be covered in red paint, which police are using as a method of identifying the suspect.

Jacksonville theft crimes typically involve an accused party who is desperate and needs money to pursue some want or need. Unfortunately, most of the people actually guilty of theft crimes only stole because they sincerely thought they needed it, rather than the common perception of greed. Unfortunately, the legal system does not typically take these into consideration these factors in determining whether to severely prosecute the accused.

For many banks and law enforcement in Jacksonville, the newest and most effective device used to find the thief is the dye pack, an explosive container placed amidst the money being stolen so that when the thief goes to open the bag, the dye pack explodes in the thief’s face, which will not wash off for a period of weeks. Unfortunately for the accused, the sentence for the crime is not so easily washed off either.

Many times in Jacksonville, the average individual feels that they either want something so much they cannot control that want, or they need to feed their family and have no money. However, there are alternative and legal means that might be pursued that, even though they may take longer, will yield the most benefit and have the least negative consequences.

Unfortunately for those that choose the path of theft, one can spend countless hours in legal battles, facing a very large prison sentence, and face outrageous criminal fines and restitution requirements. The amount of time spent trying to successfully complete the crime will seem wasted and in vain, as one will face a number of different legal hurdles that one may not be able to combat on one’s own. In a situation such as this, one might feel the walls closing in around one, like there is no way out.

One has one choice of relief in a situation like this. One charged with a crime of this nature should contact an experienced Jacksonville theft crimes defense attorney to fight for one’s case and ensure one’s rights and defenses are known and protected. One can either sit back and wait for the Judge to render a decision against one, or one can take charge of one’s defense and win one’s cause for freedom.

Jacksonville Woman Kills Fiance Over Cigarettes

Wed, 16 May 2012 09:10:39 -0500

Jacksonville’s citizens have many issues that they deal with concerning family and other types of personal relationships. For some, violence is the answer. For others, violence may the only choice to defend themselves from a possible fight that could end in the death of one. If one has been accused of such a crime, one should obtain an experienced attorney to fight for one’s case and ensure one’s rights are protected.

According to the Florida Times-Union, Yolanda Lenette Stills has been charged with the murder of her fiancé, Ricardo McMillan. Stills allegedly stabbed McMillan to death over a fight about a pack of cigarettes in the early morning at their Jacksonville apartment. McMillan was later taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. Stills has a criminal record of repeat violence.

Jacksonville felony violent crimes cases are typically cases that involve revenge or anger induced violence. For many though, violent actions are caused by another’s violent action against them. Unfortunately though, some violent crimes are induced by a desire to not lose whatever possessions that one has in one’s life. Many times, deprivation of valuables in the past may cause deprivation of freedom in the future.

Many times in Jacksonville, as well as many other cities around the globe, people grow up in an underprivileged neighborhood with very little possessions to call their own. For some, if they make it out of this situation, those people have a greater appreciation for the possessions they have. For others who unfortunately are still in this situation, the value of simple objects can be great, and might be something worth fighting for.

As one can glean from this case, Stills killed her fiancé over a pack of cigarettes. An individual who has had possessions in their life would not kill a human being over such a trivial object as a pack of cigarettes. This is clearly an example of a woman who has not had much in her life and was probably scared that her fiancé was going to take her belongings away from her.

Many times, the State knows of one’s reason for violent action and see that it was because of economic deprivation, and will completely ignore that fact, painting the accused as a senseless individual who is a menace to society and should be locked away. Unfortunately for many of the accused in situations like this, the ability to mount the required defense on their own would be nearly impossible.

One may think that the walls are closing in as the State draws near to prosecute. However, one has options for relief. If one obtains an experienced Jacksonville felony violent crimes defense attorney to fight for one’s case, one will ensure one’s rights and defenses are known and protected. One should stand idly by while one’s freedom is being restricted. One needs help. One needs an experienced attorney.

Jacksonville Man Set Free After Child Sexual Battery Charges Dropped

Mon, 14 May 2012 14:13:41 -0500

Jacksonville’s citizens sometimes become caught up in activities that are illegal. Other time, individuals are accused of crimes that they simply had no involvement in. Unfortunately for many, the accused is treated as guilty before they even step foot in a courtroom. If one has been in a situation such as this, one should obtain an experienced attorney to fight for one’s case and ensure one’s rights are protected.

According to the Florida Times-Union, Christopher D. Durden, who was originally charged with the sexual battery of a 12-year-old, has been set free after the State Attorney’s office officially dropped the charges. The State said that evidence concerns regarding the allegedly victim’s testimony was the reason for the charge being dropped.

Jacksonville sexual assault crimes are typically crimes that once accused of, no matter who the victim may be or the circumstances of the case, the representation associated with that offense will be forever worn by the accused, guilty or not. Many times, the accused becomes the victim because of a choice by a prosecutor to file charges without an ability to make a case.

Under Florida Statute 794.011, a person 18 years of age or older who commits sexual battery upon, or in an attempt to commit sexual battery injures the sexual organs of, a person less than 12 years of age commits a capital felony. This means that someone accused of this crime could serve a life sentence or even worse possible outcomes. The harsh reality is that there are many who have served sentences like these and have been innocent or have been professionally or socially ruined in the community.

Attorneys have an ethical duty to the community to make sure that only meritorious claims are brought before the court, and similarly, only meritorious criminal charges with reasonable basis that might lead a person to find guilt should be filed; if the evidence is insufficient, the charges should be dropped, as was properly done in this case. Unfortunately, proper procedure is not always followed, leaving meritless criminal charges being filed against accused parties who have been violated by a flawed system.

In many cases, even if the charge that was wrongfully brought and subsequently dropped, the damage is sometimes irreversible. Average citizens who have had their lives in order and happen to be accused of a crime they did not commit, especially one related to sexual battery, can cause one to lose one’s job, friends, family, and every sense of peace and security one has in one’s life, regardless of whether one is found to be innocent or not.

Countless innocent people are subjected to treatment such as this every day within the legal system, and need the best representation possible in their case. One in a situation such as this should obtain an experienced Jacksonville sexual battery crimes defense attorney to fight for one’s case and ensure one’s rights and defenses are known and protected.

Jacksonville Man Gets 100 Years For Sex Crime Conviction

Sun, 13 May 2012 15:33:54 -0500

Jacksonville’s citizens do commit crimes that are heinous, and when those crimes are so atrocious as to warrant a harsh punishment, one will receive such a fair punishment. However, that fair punishment is not always so fair, leaving the accused suffering far worse than one ever deserved. If one has been in a situation such as this, one should obtain an experienced attorney to fight for one’s case and ensure one’s rights are protected.

According to the Florida Times Union, Keith Anthony Brown has been sentenced to 100 years in prison for the rape of a 12-year-old girl. The conviction came after Brown was arrested in 2010 and was also convicted of multiple counts of sexual battery and lewd molestation. The sentence will force Brown to spend the rest of his life in prison.

Jacksonville sexual battery crimes typically involve an accused party who is felt by many to be a menace to society and unfit for the social situations that life forces people into. However, most of the people that are accused of sexual battery crimes would not actually commit those crimes again, or were caught in an awkward situation that they could not legally fight their way out of.

Many times in Jacksonville, the accused is not given a fair level of treatment similar to other accused parties, particularly when the accused party is supposedly involved in a sexual crime. Unfortunately for many accused parties is that when they enter the courtroom to face a sexual assault charge, they are already presumed by the court to be guilty.

Many times, an accused party in a sexual assault case will have supposed DNA evidence that proves that the accused did the crime in question. The State will attempt to sling whatever kind of evidence they can at one in order to say that one did the crime in question. However, if one has an experienced Jacksonville sex crimes defense attorney to fight for one’s case, one can ensure one’s rights and defenses are known and protected.

The State may attempt to punish someone simply because they believe that the person charged, no matter whether or not there is enough evidence to prove that that person committed the crime, committed the crime, and therefore deserves to be made an example of. This system is not fair nor just and is not one in which the accused individual needs to be subjected to.

If one obtains an experienced attorney to fight for one’s case, one can be sure that the evidence that is available will be used to show that one’s innocence is obvious and that one will not be subject to the legal abuse by the State. One cannot afford to take a chance with one’s defense, when one’s risk of going to jail for a long period of time could be lessened if not completely avoided.

Fleeing Suspect Leads Jacksonville Police In 2 a.m. Chase Through Beach Sidestreets

Fri, 11 May 2012 11:38:45 -0500

Jacksonville’s young adults have many things that they think are fun, and unfortunately, they will do those things, legal or not, on a whim. Unfortunately for those who do such illegal activities, the cost can be tremendous. If one has been charged with one such criminal activity, one should obtain an experienced attorney to fight for one’s case and ensure one’s rights are protected.

According to the Florida Times-Union, Ronnie Joe Sneed, Jr. has been charged with reckless driving, resisting an officer, operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license and having no vehicle registration. He was also wanted on an outstanding warrant on a battery charge from Marion County. His arrest came after he spilled his motorcycle in a high-speed pursuit with police. His passenger was thrown off the motorcycle but was unharmed.

Jacksonville traffic violations cases typically range from smaller offenses such as speeding tickets or reckless driving offenses. However, when those offenses are coupled with more serious driving offenses or outstanding warrants as in this case, the costs and punishments for those crimes can be severe. Furthermore, the penalties will probably be more severe if there are outstanding warrants in the mix.

Many times in Jacksonville, citizens have committed traffic crimes such as reckless driving, been ticketed, set a court date, and then failed to show up for court on the preset date. As unfortunate as it is, the Judge may put out a warrant for one’s arrest, particularly if the matter involved one’s bail hearing for any criminal matter. At that point, the court is making the accused a fugitive evading the law, as is in this case.

An outstanding warrant on someone involves a few possibilities that a Judge will take into account when making subsequent decisions regarding bail and leniency towards the accused. One Judge might look to the fact that an accused individual was on an outstanding warrant and see that the accused is simply another lawbreaker who needs punishment. However, if one knows one has an outstanding warrant and has the ability to turn one’s self in, the Judge may look favorably towards the accused and afford an easier time for the accused while in the system.

In this case, the accused ran away from police because he was probably aware that he was a fugitive and was not wanting to get caught by police. Even though it is the human instinct to run when faced by the possibility of one’s freedoms being stripped, when one is caught, one is caught. Furthermore, the police can only temporarily deprive one of one’s rights. However, one controls just how much the police and the legal system control the outcome.

One can either hope that the system is fair and treats one with the dignity of a citizen that is expected under the Constitution, or one can obtain an experienced Jacksonville traffic violations defense attorney to fight for one’s case and ensure one’s rights and defenses are known and protected. One should not have to face an army of difficult legal problems alone. One needs an experienced attorney.

Arrests Made In Nighttime Jacksonville Bar Shooting

Thu, 10 May 2012 10:10:20 -0500

Jacksonville’s citizens have heated moments in time when they overreact and attempt to do things that are not reasonable. However, some of those decisions can be based upon a sense of fear of the consequences of what might happen should they not retaliate. If one has been in a situation like this and is facing a criminal charge, one should obtain an experienced attorney to fight for one’s case and ensure one’s rights are protected.

According to the Florida Times-Union, Nicholas David Ortiz has been charged with attempted murder, shooting into a public establishment and battery and Daniel Leon has been charged with principal in the first degree in a nighttime shooting at Park Place Pub in Jacksonville. The charges came after Ortiz and Leon allegedly left the establishment after heated debate and fire shots at the bar while driving away.

Jacksonville felony violent crimes cases normally involve an actor who has done some act that constitutes a danger to not just himself but to everyone else around him. However, the reason behind the action is sometimes not looked into nearly as well as it should be to determine what actually caused the accused to do that action, and whether that action was against his or her will.

Many times, the State will assume that an accused party committed whatever crime they committed on their own volition without any prior coaxing or coercing, either passive or active. However, many modern crimes are being pushed by an economic duress that is causing people to react violently in their work, either legal or illegal.

Unfortunately for the accused, many times, the violent crime, particularly one involving a shooting, is motivated by other illegal activity. This does not excuse the first illegal activity; however, the fact that because of duress, a violent felony was committed, this may be seen as something to lessen the amount of time one might serve or serve to show that one would not have committed the crime but for the duress.

This defense is clearly seen in the following example: A poor man is stealing food to feed his family. It is a down economy and in order to ensure that his family is fed, he removes other people from the playing field of stealing food, violently. This individual did not want to harm his competition but wanted to ensure his family was fed, and was willing to do so at all costs.

Many times, individuals commit violent crimes that they do not have either the right mind for or they feel they have no choice but to commit. However, when one has been charged with committing that crime, one has only one choice that one should feel they have to make. One should obtain an experienced Jacksonville felony violent crimes defense attorney to fight for one’s case and ensure one’s rights and defenses are known and protected.

Man Convicted of Slashing Wife’s Face at Jacksonville Salon Club

Tue, 08 May 2012 12:46:17 -0500

Jacksonville’s citizens sometimes get angry and do things that are irrational and that, if accomplished, will lead to physical harm of another or possible death of another. No matter what the circumstance, those actions have the consequences of legal action; one in a situation like this should obtain an experienced attorney to fight for one’s case and ensure one’s rights are protected.

According to the Florida Times-Union, Jay Lemuel Donnel Kennedy has been convicted of attempted first-degree murder after allegedly slashing his wife's face at a Jacksonville salon, trying to cut her throat. The conviction came after Kennedy came to Jacksonville from Georgia with the intent of killing his wife at a flea market hair salon. Kennedy faces life in prison because he is a habitual offender.

Jacksonville felony violent crimes cases typically are crimes of passion or crimes that are much more based on the mindset of the accused committing the crime. Many times, violent crimes of this nature are crimes that seen as cold and methodical; however, many times, the accused has simply lost all control for a brief moment. Unfortunately for the accused in a prosecution like this, a crazed individual is not the image that a jury will see nor here, many times.

Many times in a case such as this, one’s mental state at the time that the crime was allegedly committed can be the key to winning one’s case. Many times prosecutors will try to paint a picture of a defendant who planned for a long period of time an act that probably only took five seconds to think up and was probably based on an irrational thought that caused the accused to lose control.

Unfortunately for many accused people in our broken legal system, the State prosecutor does more than just attempt to show that the defendant committed the crime in question, but attempts to show that the accused is a menace to society that should not be able to walk the streets ever again. For many, the system makes a victim of the accused party, leaving a broken individual having to pick up the pieces from a legal invasion.

The legal system is not just meant to protect those who have been wronged by those people who have committed bad acts. The legal system and the Constitution’s primary purpose is to protect the due process of law and make sure that the accused in a criminal prosecution has rights and that that those rights are duly protected in order to ensure fairness and justice. Those rights are not protected when the accused is made to suffer at the hands of a State attorney who wants their own personal revenge on the accused.

One has but few options when being attacked by the possibility of a criminal prosecution.
One can give in to the taunting and hassling of the State, or one can obtain an experienced Jacksonville felony-violent crimes defense attorney to fight for one’s case and ensure one’s rights and defenses are known and protected. If one obtains an experienced attorney, one will be able to ensure that one will not be made a victim of the State and that one will have all of one’s rights protected.

Jacksonville Area Man May Face Life-Sentence For Drug Charges

Mon, 07 May 2012 12:16:31 -0500

Jacksonville’s citizens have interesting involvements in many different activities, from clubs and organizations, to hobbies and crafts. Unfortunately for some though, one’s hobby may be use of a controlled substance and one’s organization may be a drug ring. If one has been charged with a crime such as this, one should obtain an experienced attorney to fight for one’s case and ensure one’s rights are protected.

According to the Florida Times-Union, James Lamark Early of St. Augustine has been indicted for conspiring to manufacture and distribute more than 280 grams of crack cocaine, maintaining a drug-involved premise and multiple distributions of crack cocaine. His charges came after the man allegedly ran a drug house where he sold the crack. If convicted on all counts, the man will serve a minimum life sentence because of prior drug convictions.

Jacksonville drug crimes typically involve an individual who is dealing drugs in small amounts to friends or neighbors. Most of the time, those kinds of operations are not too complicated. However, when drug houses become the path of choice, the possibility of getting caught goes considerably up as well as the amount of time one might have to serve should they face a charge such as this. Many times, it proves better to never start the habit than to reap whatever small reward one might see, and still reap all of the consequences.

Many times, the accused in a criminal prosecution can be abused at times and sometimes made a victim because of a state or federal prosecutor’s overzealous attempt to inflict as much chaos into the life of the accused as possible. Many times, the accused is mentally tortured by the highly intimidating court theatrics that a prosecutor might put on, claiming that the accused is a menace to society and should be locked away for longer than any person should ever have to spend in jail, particularly for non-violent offenses such as drug charges.

For many, the thought of having to undergo the long, tiresome and costly court proceedings, including a trial, many will be more prone to fold under and accept a plea deal from a prosecutor that does not care about the best interests of the accused. When one see’s a flashy attorney throwing around legal terms and accusing someone of an offense that may not even be what they have done, one’s morale and ability to fight may be severely diminished.

Fortunately for the accused, one does not have to fight the battle for one’s freedom alone. If one obtains an experienced Jacksonville drug crimes defense attorney to fight for one’s case and ensure one’s rights are protected, one can be sure that one will know one’s rights, know what the prosecution is trying to spin one to be, and be able to fight for one’s innocence. One should not have to go to jail for a long period of time when one can get an experienced attorney to fix the problem before it becomes one.

Jacksonville Police Search For Sexual Assault Suspect Based On Composite Sketch

Sat, 05 May 2012 12:06:03 -0500

Jacksonville’s citizens have many different characteristics that separate them from others, making them their own individual. Unfortunately, it is the common characteristics that plague our citizens when the individual being sought after for a crime looks very similar to many people. If one has been in a situation such as this, one should obtain an experienced attorney to fight for one’s case and ensure one’s rights are protected.

According to the Florida Times-Union, Jacksonville Police are looking for a man believed to be in his mid- to late-20s following an armed attempted sexual assault on a woman. The crime allegedly occurred after the suspect took the victim into an abandoned house and attempted to perform a sexual attack on her with a gun. The victim was able to escape the suspect, and was able to provide enough detail of the suspect for a composite sketch made for police search purposes.

Jacksonville sexual assault cases typically involve the accused being portrayed as a scary attacker who severely overpowered the victim and caused them both physical and mental harm. However, the legal system mistakenly forgets the harm caused to accused from a misidentification of an attacker, particularly one accused of a crime such as sexual assault.

Jacksonville police use many means of identification of suspects whom the police are searching for, including eye witness testimony, victim testimony, license plate numbers and any other evidence that might possibly be used for finding the suspect. However, many of these methods use to find suspects end up in the wrong person being found an accused of the crime.

Eye Witness testimony is one of the widely used means of identification and search by the police. The use of eye-witnesses can help in proper apprehension of the guilty; however, eye-witnesses are not typically within a reasonable distance of the crime in order to positively identify as a suspect as the suspect. Therefore, eye-witness identification can be detrimental to the accused’s case.

Furthermore, the police will attempt to use victim testimony and identification. However tragic, many times, the victim’s testimony and description of the victim’s attacker may be different than actuality because the traumatic effect of the attack will cause memory loss that might affect the recollection of the attacker’s face or other identifying features.

Many times, the accused is really a victim of a false accusation because of poorly obtained or seen eye-witness testimony that causes one to look the guilty party being sought after. If one has been in a situation such as this, one should obtain an experienced Jacksonville sex crimes defense attorney to fight for one’s case and ensure one’s rights are protected. One should not risk going to jail or even going through legal proceedings that will put an undue burden on one when one can obtain an experienced attorney to fight for one’s cause.

Three Charged in Meth-Lab Crackdown In St. John’s County

Fri, 04 May 2012 09:22:11 -0500

Jacksonville’s citizens have an extreme amount of stress going on in their daily lives, so much so that many of those people turn to drugs. Unfortunately for those people, the State will not take pity on a someone with an addiction and try to get them help, but rather attack them with an extreme punishment for the crime. If one has been involved in a situation such as this, one should obtain an experienced attorney to fight for one’s case and ensure one’s rights are protected.

According to Florida Times-Union, Rachel Marie Tavares, 36, no address; Thomas Lipton Robinson III, 37, of Crookshank Drive; and Karla Diane Cheshire, 32, of Palmer Street, have been arrested with production of methamphetamine in St. John’s County. Their arrests came after their local CVS pharmacy called the police after the three came into the store attempting to buy medications containing pseudoephedrine, used for the production of methamphetamine. The police tailed the van they used and found a meth lab in it.

Jacksonville drug crimes that rise to the level of production of the drug in question typically involve some form of addiction on the part of the person creating the drug. Most people who are involved in production of a drug such as methamphetamine, marijuana, or other drugs have an issue with their own consumption that makes them more susceptible to addiction, thus adding to the increase in amount that person will be in possession with and eventually will produce.

Many times in Jacksonville, the person accused of possession of enough of a substance to be considered a dealer or a person that is accused of production of that drug is participating at this rate because that person is merely trying to support their habit. Unfortunately, the point of no return has already passed to get out of the drug trade, for many, once one has hit one’s peak in their addiction. One becomes stuck in a never-ending story of drug usage and sales.

When the police arrest someone involved in such a drug trade, one has two options for one’s future. One can either obtain an experienced Jacksonville drug crimes defense attorney to fight for one’s case and ensure one’s rights and defenses are known and protected, or one can hope that the State will never attempt to lock one away in a dark prison for a long time instead of trying to have one’s options and punishment more proactive and helpful for one’s rehabilitation.

In many cases, if one’s experienced attorney is able to show the court that one’s drug usage, sales, and creation of the drug exists in such high amount because of one’s insurmountable drug addiction, one can be shown to need a proactive rehabilitation effort that will be vastly more beneficial than a hard prison sentence that will simply make one’s drug problem worse.

Florida Man Shoots Girlfriend In Quest For Hog

Thu, 03 May 2012 12:37:02 -0500

Jacksonville’s hunters have a love for a sport that goes beyond just an end-of-line goal. Hunters love the thrill of the hunt. However, what they do not love is when they are charged because of accidental gunfire that causes the death or serious harm of another. If one has been in a situation such as this, one should obtain an experienced attorney to fight for one’s case and ensure one’s rights are protected.

According to the Florida Times-Union, Steve Egan shot his girlfriend in the upper part of her legs with a .30 caliber rifle at a hunting camp in Flagler County. The gunshot was said to occur after Egan shot a what he thought was a wild pig, and then shot again, not even realizing his girlfriend was in the line of fire. His girlfriend, Lisa Simmons, has been listed in serious condition.

Jacksonville gun crimes typically involve some sort of intent or negligence on the part of the accused in harming the victim. This could be from an accidental firing of a gun or from an intentional want to kill. Either way, when the charges are filed, the State will attempt to show the worst in a person and show that that person they are describing is a person deserving of a harsh punishment. This is a scary thought for an accused person, because they realize the State is charging at them with everything the State has.

Many times, the State will take an obvious accident case and twist it into “an intent to kill” case. Unfortunately for the accused in a case such as this, one will be described as someone who wanted someone dead and tried to do make sure that want became reality. As bad as this sounds, the State will dive into the very fiber of one’s life and try to dig up as much dirt on one in order to establish a motive to commit the crime in question.

The first thing that will happen when the police come to question one after an accidental accident is attempt one to make statements that would lead to a cause for further investigation. From there, evidence becomes combined here and there, and before long, one has a picture of an intentional commission of a crime against oneself, with little hope of fighting it.

One in a situation such as this has few options. One can either go along with the State as they lead one down the path to one’s prison time for a crime that had no intent behind it, or one can go to obtain an experienced Jacksonville gun crimes defense attorney to fight for one’s case and ensure one’s rights are protected. With the help of one’s experienced attorney, one can be sure that one’s statements cannot and will not be able to be used against one’s self for prosecution. One’s words can lead to one’s demise, but one’s words can also lead to one’s victory.

George Zimmerman Released On Bail In Florida Murder Case

Tue, 01 May 2012 17:48:52 -0500

Jacksonville’s legal process starts very quickly, leaving the slow to be eaten by the harsh process of the criminal system. However, if one follows a few simple steps towards a better future in one’s road ahead, one will stay away from being mauled by an overly-aggressive process who is abusing the system. One in this situation should obtain an experienced attorney to fight for one’s case and ensure one’s rights are protected.

According to the Florida Times-Union, George Zimmerman has been released on $150,000 bail in Seminole County. Zimmerman was originally arrested for his involvement in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin. Zimmerman allegedly killed Martin in self-defense, and as a result, is pleading the controversial defense of the stand your ground law, which will see some rocky roads ahead.

Jacksonville felony violent crimes may vary in type of harm as well as venue, but when the person accused of such a crime begins first steps into the criminal system, the crime becomes very similar in process, and thus is very important no matter what offense one is charged with. If one knows one’s options and allows for consideration of all options, one’s choice will be the best and most well laid plan for a better future free from the criminal justice system.

Many times in Jacksonville, the accused is scared of the thought of being in jail and just wants to go back home. Some of these people immediately make bail and run as far away from the legal system as possible. This may seem like the best idea at the time; however, the consequences of the action after it has been done can sometimes be hard to take back. In a situation like this, running away after posting bail can be the worst mistake in a case.

Sometimes, depending on the circumstances surrounding the case, one’s attorney can have one released on one’s own recognizance. Being released on one’s own recognizance means that the court will release one without imposing bail costs for release, on the promise that one will appear to all court proceedings one is involved in, and that one will cooperate with the court.

In this case, Zimmerman’s attorney as well as opposing counsel and the judge had to assess whether to first allow Zimmerman to leave police custody, as he might be a flight risk, and furthermore, the amount of money that would be reasonable for Zimmerman to be released. However, in many situations, it might be a safer idea to rest easier in jail knowing that one has at least some manner of police protection, especially in a high-profile crime such as this.

Many times, the minute one’s bail is set, one rushes to the bail bondsman’s office to be released from police custody, as any smart individual would. However, one should not hesitate on the next and most crucial step to a proper defense. One should obtain an experienced Jacksonville felony violent crimes defense attorney to fight for one’s case and ensure one’s rights are protected.

Florida Man Caught With Pants Down In Drug Trafficking Case

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 11:20:05 -0500

Jacksonville’s citizens have activities that they must keep away from authorities simply because those activities are illegal. However, when those people are arrested for those crimes, they deserve a defense to their charge and an honest outcome rather than an extremely harsh punishment for a crime that is nowhere near worth the punishment rendered. If one has been in an a situation like this, one should obtain an experienced attorney to fight for one’s case.

According to The Bradenton-Herald, Marvin Leonard Morris Jr. was arrested for evading police and trafficking cocaine. Morris Jr.’s arrest came after Morris Jr. crashed his car into a tree while police were chasing him, continued running on foot, and was later caught by police after his baggy shorts fell down and tripped him.

Jacksonville drug crimes normally involve the accused making bad choices and because of those choices’ consequences, being scared for the outcome of criminal charges being brought against them. This is the common fear of someone who knows the police are on their trail and are scared to go to prison or face the possibility of prison. However, one has options that can significantly lessen the amount of time one might spend in prison.

Many times in Jacksonville, the legal system, from the police who arrest to the prosecutor in charge of one’s case, will attempt to sway the judge and jury, if the case reaches that point, to believe that by running away from police, one is trying to show the world that one believes his actions are justified. However, just because someone runs away from the police, does not mean that one is condoning one’s actions as good conduct.

The legal system treats the act of running or evasion of police as an aggravating factor for punishment. However, the reality is that the individual accused of the crime is scared of not only what sentence will be rendered against that individual, but even more scared of what will happen to that person once one they are behind bars. However, the option of not running can sometimes be a better solution to one’s fear.

Many times one knows that it is only a matter of time before the police find and arrest oneself for the crime in question. If one is aware of this inevitable fear, one should obtain an experienced Jacksonville drug crimes defense attorney to fight for one’s case and ensure that one’s legal rights are known and protected. Many times, if one turns one’s self in to police without resisting, the court will be considerably less hostile and more considerate to the accused and possibly lower the sentence considerably.

One should not risk going to jail for a long period of time when the possibilities of starting over a new life sooner and with an easier sentence to bear are right at your doorstep. Do not waste one’s time trying to worry about what might happen and choose the best possible outcome that one wants to happen with the help of an experienced attorney at one’s side.

Juror Misconduct Leads To New Jury Deliberations In Jacksonville Racketeering Trial

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 11:10:53 -0500

Jacksonville’s citizens want to feel safe in their homes and neighborhoods. Unfortunately though, there are those people who form gangs and attempt to harm others through their associations. However, that when that individual is prosecuted for their crimes, they still have certain rights under the Constitution and laws of The United States that must be protected. If one has fallen victim to this sort of situation, one should obtain an experienced attorney to fight for one’s case and ensure one’s rights are protected.

According to the Florida Times-Union, Eric Steven Ellis has been convicted of federal racketeering charges as being part of a gang, and Maynard Kenneth Godwin is facing similar charges as the gang’s leader. Ellis is facing life in prison, while Godwin is possibly facing a new set of jury deliberations, as one juror’s misconduct in following jury instruction will most likely expel him from the jury, causing an alternate to have to fill his place.

Jacksonville racketeering crimes normally involve some form of organized crime such as gang forces, money laundering, illegal online gambling or other forms of ongoing criminal enterprises. However, the fact that the individual being charged with the crime happened to be a member of a gang does not strip them of their Constitutional right to due process and justice.

The jury, in a trial, is one of the most rudimentary and important parts of a trial because the jury represents the community of one’s peers casting judgment. However, the risk of community judgment in the form of a jury is that outside sources and influences could drive one of the jurors to be impartial. To fight this problem, the legal system imposes an enormous responsibility upon jurors to stay impartial in their findings by following jury instructions from the judge.

When a juror either disregards the judge’s directions as to the intake of evidence for consideration, arguments that were heard and facts to be construed, the juror disregards the defendant’s right to an impartial jury. Therefore, when this sort of misconduct is found in a juror, an alternate juror must take his place, causing jury deliberations to start over. This is the court system’s way of making sure that the jury stays as impartial in their decision as possible.

In this case, the juror accused of misconduct was going to disregard the Judge’s jury instructions and do research on racketeering via Google. This may not seem like a big deal to some, however, this is very important because Google sources have definitions of racketeering that are not the exact law and are not a basis by which to make a decision. Furthermore, what a website’s contents might say might possibly sway the juror in or out of favor with the defendant.

Many times in Jacksonville trials, the courtroom is filled with a tense feeling of anxiety and fear when the jury is let back in for the reading of the verdict. One should be able to feel secure when that verdict is handed down that the jurors involved protected one’s rights to impartiality. One in a situation like this should obtain an experienced Jacksonville racketeering crimes defense attorney to fight for one’s case and ensure one’s rights are protected.

What Insanity Plea Means For Jacksonville and Texas Woman in Child Kidnapping/Murder Case

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:54:00 -0500

Jacksonville’s citizens have many problems within their lives that bog them down, depress them and cause them to sometimes go insane. Unfortunately, actions typically occur during that period of insanity that might be subject to criminal prosecution. If one has been in a situation like this and believes they were not in the right mental state, one should obtain an experienced attorney to fight for one’s case and ensure one’s rights are protected.

According to the Florida Times-Union, Verna McClain is charged with capital murder in the shooting death of Kala Marie Golden. The murder was said to have occurred over a child kidnapping, resulting in McClain shooting Golden multiple times and driving away in her car. McClain was said to have recently suffered a miscarriage and wanted a baby no matter what the cost. She has sense turned herself in and confessed.

Jacksonville felony violent crimes typically involve some sort of anger, rage or mind-altering emotion or state that would make one not aware of the consequences of one’s actions, or makes them think that their actions are right and thus they are justified in the action. Unfortunately, this state does lead to serious harm and death if the individual cannot cope with the situation.

Under Florida Statute 775.027, the defense of insanity allows for the accused to show the court that at the time the crime was said to occur, the accused was suffering a mental infirmity that caused the accused to not know the consequences of one’s actions and that one’s actions were wrong. This defense is particularly notable in this case because McClain was recently mourning the death of her unborn child.

A perfectly normal person of a reasonable mind may still have tendencies toward the insane, particularly when a traumatic event such as a close death or a car accident. No matter what the particular circumstance surrounding the event, if the person is truly insane during the period of the crime, then that person will have to show that something caused this mental infirmity and that the infirmity caused them to not think about their actions.

In this case, it is easy to see from very few facts that McClain was suffering from the death of her unborn child, decided to give in to her ideas of obtaining a child through kidnapping, and the first child that she happened to see caused her to snap and become violent. Her insanity was temporary, because after the crime was committed, she realized what she did was wrong and turned herself in. Her showing of recognizance by turning herself in further shows that actions like her deathly behavior was not normal for her, suggesting a brief period of insanity.

Many times, people go through with actions that they would not normally ever think of doing because of altered states of mental acuity. When this happens, things said, acts done, and effects rendered can leave the accused what seems like a very rough position with no way out. However, if one obtains an experienced Jacksonville felony violent crimes defense attorney to fight for one’s case, one can ensure one’s rights will be known and protected.