Monthly Archives: May 2025

What is the Difference Between Assault and Battery in Fort Lauderdale?
Assault and battery are very similar, but in fact, two very different offenses. Still, many people incorrectly use the two terms interchangeably to refer to the same offense. Regardless of the crime you are charged with, both assault and battery carry very harsh penalties for those convicted. What is the Difference Between Assault and… Read More »

What is the Romeo and Juliet Law in Florida?
Many states have Romeo and Juliet laws. In many cases, these laws provide an exception the statutory rape laws. For example, in other states, Romeo and Juliet laws do not prosecute individuals who engaged in sexual intercourse with someone who was a teenager but relatively close to their age. However, this is not how… Read More »

What are the Different Types of Homicide in Florida?
In Florida, many people use the terms ‘murder’ and ‘homicide’ interchangeably. In fact, these two terms are not the same. The term ‘homicide’ refers to the killing of another person while ‘murder’ refers to intentionally taking someone else’s life. Due to these differences, and others, it is critical to know what charges you are… Read More »

What are Defenses to Homicide in Fort Lauderdale?
Being charged with any type of homicide whether it is first-degree murder or manslaughter is extremely stressful. If you are convicted, you will face at least 15 years in prison. Fortunately, there are defenses available in these cases. Still, due to the serious nature of these charges in Fort Lauderdale, and throughout the state,… Read More »

Partner and President of the FACDL Jason Blank Comments as Jason Raynor Act Fails to Pass as Legislators Disagree on Change
Daytona Beach News-Journal 5/14/25 Frank Fernandez Prosecutors sought a first-degree murder conviction and the death penalty against Othal Wallace for fatally shooting Police Officer Jason Raynor but jury found him guiilty of lesser charge. “The Officer Jason Raynor Act,” named in honor of a Daytona Beach Police Officer who was fatally shot in the… Read More »

Two Important Things to Know About Domestic Violence Charges in Fort Lauderdale
Being charged with domestic violence can have many serious consequences. Other than jail time and high fines if you are convicted, you may also have difficulty obtaining employment and there is a very real possibility of losing child custody, even if you are not convicted. It is critical that you obtain legal representation as… Read More »

Can Convicted Felons Own a Gun?
Being convicted of a felony has many penalties. You will likely have to serve a prison sentence and pay high fines. Even after you have paid your debt to society and are released from prison, you may be surprised to learn there are additional consequences. One of these is your ability to own a… Read More »

What is Carjacking in Fort Lauderdale?
Today, the anti-theft technology in vehicles has made it much more challenging for them to be stolen. Still, just as the technology to protect vehicles has made them harder to steal, thieves have also started to use their own high-tech measures to access vehicles. On the other hand, others continue to rely on older… Read More »

FAQs About Expunging and Sealing Records
If you have been charged or convicted of a crime, it can have serious implications for your future. You may have trouble obtaining gainful employment, may not be able to find housing, and you could even miss out on certain academic opportunities. To avoid all of these issues, you may wonder if you can… Read More »