Category Archives: Criminal Defense
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 »
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 »
Do You Have Rights When Arrested in Florida?
When you have been charged with a crime, you may think that you do not have any rights at all, even if you know you did nothing wrong. Fortunately, that is not true. The law in Florida, and throughout the country, is designed to ensure that individuals accused of a crime are protected and… Read More »
Jason Blank Comments on the Florida Supreme Court Reworking the Speedy Trial and Formal Charges Timelines
March 14, 2025 By Mark D. Killian www.floridabar.org The Florida Supreme Court has revised the state’s criminal procedure rules, amending the speedy trial procedures and timeline for filing formal charges. The new rules, which take effect July 1, extend the recapture period, set a new starting point for speedy trial deadlines — beginning when… Read More »
FACDL President Jason Blank Highlights Annual Sips & Suit Event
Floridabar.org Mar 05, 2025 The Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (FACDL) recently hosted “Sips & Suits” events across the state, bringing together criminal defense lawyers for some networking while giving back to their communities. These events aimed to replenish Public Defenders’ trial clothes closets by collecting professional attire for their clients in need… Read More »
“To speak, or not to speak? That is the question!” What You Need To Know Before Taking the Stand in Your Criminal Case
If you are facing criminal charges in Florida, and your case is headed to trial, you may consider testifying in your defense. The thought of wanting to clear your name and tell your side of the story can be tempting. But before you decide to take the witness stand, you must understand the potential… Read More »
6 Reasons Why You Need Legal Counsel When Facing a Criminal Investigation in Florida
Being under criminal investigation can be overwhelming, especially if you believe you’ve done nothing wrong. Many people assume that hiring a lawyer at this stage is unnecessary, but that is far from the truth. You need to hire a criminal defense lawyer immediately after you learn that you are under a criminal investigation to… Read More »
Did You Know That the Law Protects You From Having Past Wrongdoings Used Against You in a Criminal Case?
Facing criminal charges in Florida can be stressful, given the state’s strict laws against crimes. And if this is not your first arrest, you may be worried that the state might attempt to bring up evidence of your past crimes or similar acts to prove your guilt. Florida law has strict rules that limit… Read More »
Partner Jason Blank Comments on the Broward Sheriff’s Office Actions in Rapper YNW Melly’s Retrial
Partner Jason Blank comments on the Broward Sheriff’s Office Actions in a recent Sun Sentinel article entitled Can Defense Lawyers Go Too Far? Prosecutors Face Dilemma When Targeting Courtroom Opponents. Threatening to charge opposing counsel with a crime could be seen as an intimidation tactic that could backfire and create issues the defense can… Read More »
Can You Receive “Multiple Punishments” for the Same Crime in Florida?
You have likely heard the term “double jeopardy” used in connection with criminal law, although you may be unsure what it really means. The Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution–as well as Article 1 of the Florida Constitution–state that a person cannot be placed in legal jeopardy twice for the same criminal offense…. Read More »