Coral Springs Criminal Defense and Family Law Blog

Understanding Florida's deadbeat dad laws

On behalf of Salomon & Salomon on Wednesday, August 7, 2019.

No matter where you live, no one wants to be a deadbeat dad (or mom). Last October, the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General named a Florida resident as the most deadbeat dad in the United States for owing $4.2 million in unpaid child support.

To circumvent many of the issues that come with unpaid child support, Florida has come up with so-called "deadbeat dad" laws. The goal of these laws is to make sure children have adequate support. Regardless of the visitation arrangement, some parents still need to pay child support to ensure kids have a good upbringing. It is paramount to understand the consequences of not paying child support because it could come back to bite you in the end.

Domestic violence charges come against 4 Florida women

On behalf of Salomon & Salomon posted in domestic violence defense on Tuesday, August 6, 2019.

When many people think of domestic abuse, they often picture husbands hurting their wives. While this scenario is common, it is also possible for women to find themselves facing criminal accusations for domestic violence. Just like when a man is accused in this type of scenario, women facing criminal charges also need to find their best defense avenues.

It was recently reported that multiple women have been accused of domestic abuse in Florida. The incidents vary in the manner in which the alleged abuse occurred, and the women range in age from 21 to 47 years old. Among the alleged victims in these cases were two husbands, a fiance and a mother. The 21-year-old woman charged with domestic battery reportedly shoved cake into her mother's face and took her brother's cellphone so that he could not call authorities.

Mother in need of criminal defense after felony charge

On behalf of Salomon & Salomon posted in criminal defense on Monday, July 22, 2019.

In this age of internet challenges and viral videos, many individuals participate in activities that can prove dangerous or even illegal. Some people may think that their actions are harmless or that they are only making a joke. However, some of those actions could lead to serious charges and the need for a criminal defense.

It was recently reported that a Florida mother is currently facing a felony charge after an incident she claims was a joke. Apparently, the mother was at a doctor's office with her daughter, who is a minor, when she recorded a video of her daughter licking a tongue depressor and putting it back among the unused tongue depressors. The mother stated that she recorded the video and sent it to a few friends, but someone else posted the video online.

Decorating after divorce may depend on legal outcomes

On behalf of Salomon & Salomon posted in divorce on Wednesday, July 10, 2019.

For some Florida residents, ending a marriage can seem like the time to have a fresh start. They may contemplate how they will redecorate their current home if they stay, or they may wonder about their new living arrangements if they will move after the divorce. Whether a person stays or moves could depend on the outcomes of their cases and how property division proceedings turn out.

Whether staying or going, it is important to remember that the legal aspects of the divorce need handling first. Though an individual may find temporary living arrangements while the case is underway, he or she may want to refrain from taking any of the marital assets from the home until the case has come to a close. In some instances, a person may believe that a particular item belongs to him or her only for the court to rule otherwise.

Knowing immigration status a key element to certain serious crime

On behalf of Salomon & Salomon posted in immigration consequences of a criminal conviction on Monday, June 24, 2019.

As an immigrant, the idea of facing a criminal charge can hold much more serious implications than for other people. In some cases, individuals charged with a serious crime in Florida or other parts of the United States could find themselves at risk for deportation. Of course, just like anyone else in the country, these parties have the right to a criminal defense.

It was recently reported that a Supreme Court case resulted in a ruling that could affect these types of cases. The situation stemmed from one individual's arrest for possessing a firearm. Apparently, the man had come to the United States on a student visa but overstayed that visa. He was charged with possessing firearms as an alien unlawfully in the United States, and a key aspect to his case was whether he "knowingly" violated the law in regard to being aware that he no longer had a legal immigration status. His case resulted in a conviction after it was determined that the only proof needed was that the man knew he was holding a firearm.

Is drug court an option for you?

On behalf of Salomon & Salomon on Wednesday, June 12, 2019.

Research has repeatedly shown that there is a definitive link between drug addiction and criminal behavior, and Florida and the nation’s drug court programs seek to curb that criminal behavior by treating drug addiction itself. If you are a state resident who is facing a drug-related criminal charge, and that charge was not for a violent crime, you may be able to gain entry into a Florida drug court.

While the exact details of how drug courts operate can vary from one program to the next, most drug courts operate similarly to one another in that they require participants to stay compliant with a number of program terms. For example, drug offenders must show up to court at regular intervals and appear before a judge or administrator, and they also must agree to undergo drug treatment and periodic drug testing until the program comes to a close. So, are drug courts serving their intended purpose and helping addicts beat their addictions and refrain from future criminal behavior?

Boat captain facing criminal charges after passengers call police

On behalf of Salomon & Salomon posted in criminal defense on Tuesday, June 11, 2019.

Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol can alter a person's decision-making abilities. As a result, an individual may carry out actions that he or she would not have done under other circumstances. Unfortunately, some actions could put others in harm's way or at least make them fearful for their lives, and serious criminal charges could result.

It was recently reported that a charter boat captain in Florida found himself in such a difficult spot. Apparently, the captain was out on the water with passengers on his boat when some of those passengers contacted the police. They claimed that the captain was intoxicated and would not take them back to shore. Additionally, they stated that he had fired a handgun. The situation resulted in police officers and the U.S. Coast Guard getting involved.

Could accepting the possibility of divorce make couples happier?

On behalf of Salomon & Salomon posted in divorce on Monday, May 27, 2019.

While many Florida residents may hope to live happily ever after when they get married, it is not uncommon for that hope to not last. Divorce is a common occurrence, and many people may find themselves dreading that possibility. However, that dread could cause unnecessary worry and difficulties, and instead, individuals may want to simply accept the possibility.

It may seem counterproductive to some people to accept that their marriages could end in divorce. However, accepting this possibility does not mean that it will inevitably happen. It could mean, though, that parties spend less time worrying about divorce and more time focusing on living happily in their marriages. It could also mean that parties who are in unhappy relationships feel less guilt about wanting to find happiness as single people.

Criminal defense strategies may help with child neglect charges

On behalf of Salomon & Salomon posted in criminal defense on Tuesday, May 14, 2019.

Being a parent is one of the most difficult jobs anyone could have. Unfortunately, some parents may face significant struggles and not have the ability to care for their children as best as they wish they could. In some cases, the situations could become so severe that a parent ends up in need of a criminal defense after being charged with child neglect.

One mother in Florida is currently facing this type of predicament. According to reports, the woman has five children, and a teacher for one of her elementary school children reported the child's poor hygiene. Apparently, the child would wear the same clothing for days at a time, and when asked about having a bath, the child could not remember the last time he or she had one. The teacher gave the child a change of clothes and found the ones the child had been wearing were heavily soiled.

Criminal defense issues: Was the arrest legal?

On behalf of Salomon & Salomon posted in criminal defense on Wednesday, May 1, 2019.

Being taken into custody by police can be a frightening experience whether it happens here in Florida or elsewhere. It is often the first step in facing charges for an alleged violation of criminal law. While most people focus on contesting the charge, a complete criminal defense will also look into whether the arrest was even legal.

In making this determination, the primary factor is whether the officer had a legal reason to make the arrest. In many cases, the officer needs to establish probable cause, which means that certain circumstances and facts led him or her to believe that an individual committed a crime, or was about to do so. The officer does not need to witness the alleged offense to develop the necessary probable cause.