Monthly Archives: March 2025
What is a Deportable Offense?
Either directly or indirectly, almost any misdemeanor or felony could be a deportable offense. Aggravated felonies and CIMTs (crimes involving moral turpitude) usually prompt immediate deportation proceedings. More on that below. Furthermore, at a later status adjustment hearing, any criminal record is a black mark that could make the difference between a permanent status… Read More »
DUI and Your Drivers’ License
It’s a little-known fact that the state of Florida can suspend your drivers’ license based solely on a DUI arrest. In fact, pre-arrest suspensions are very common, especially in chemical test refusal cases. Florida is an implied consent state. So, if a driver refuses to provide a chemical sample, for the state, a driver’s… Read More »
Why Does My Lawyer Think I Should Go to Trial?
Nowadays, in federal court, many lawyers hardly ever utter the phrase “I think we should go to trial.” A generation ago, criminal trials in federal court were somewhat common. Today, plea bargains resolve over 95 percent of federal criminal cases. For both sides, a bird in the hand is normally worth two in the… Read More »
What to Expect in a Federal Criminal Case
Eventually, most defendants in most federal criminal cases can expect an out-of-court settlement. As late as the 1980s, criminal trials were somewhat common. Today, they’re almost unheard of. Over 98 percent of federal criminal cases settle out of court. Such a large majority of criminal cases end in plea bargains because this process creates… Read More »
What is the Difference Between Expungement and Sealing in Florida?
The primary difference between these two forms of post-trial relief is the effect they have on a criminal record. Expungement, which completely erases the record, is basically a judicial admission that the defendant was wrongfully accused. It’s generally only available if charges were dropped or the person was acquitted. Sealing conceals a record from… Read More »