Recent Blog Posts

Challenging Field Sobriety Tests During a DUI Defense
Field sobriety tests are administered by law enforcement when someone is pulled over for a suspected DUI. The police claim that these tests are used to evaluate a driver’s physical and cognitive functions to determine if they are impaired. The horizontal gaze nystagmus (HGN), the walk and turn, and one-leg stand are some of… Read More »

Mistakes to Avoid After a DUI Arrest
It is natural to feel very confused after being arrested for driving under the influence. This may be the first time you have found yourself in this situation, and you may not know what to do next. Our Fort Lauderdale DUI lawyer knows the confusion, fear, and uncertainty you are facing. While there are… Read More »

When are Juveniles Tried as Adults in Florida?
It is a sad fact that Florida leads the country for the number of juveniles sentenced to adult prisons, even though the rate has dropped by 77 percent in the last ten years. There are many ways juveniles can be tried as adults in criminal court. When this occurs, juveniles who are convicted are… Read More »

Can You Claim Self-Defense in a Domestic Violence Case?
An argument that occurs between family members or members of the same household can quickly result in criminal charges, even when you are simply defending yourself. Whether you can argue self-defense in your domestic violence case depends on many important factors. You and your Fort Lauderdale domestic violence lawyer must present strong evidence to… Read More »

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 »