Happy hour is a beloved tradition for many employed. During happy hour, establishments may offer discounted drinks, appetizers and an opportunity to unwind after a long day. It can be a time to socialize, bond with colleagues or simply enjoy a break from routine....
Firm News
“Is That Sniff Up to Snuff? – That Dog Won’t Hunt.” Fifth District Court of Appeals Opinion on Ford v. Florida
In a landmark decision that is set to reshape legal standards across the state, the 5th District Court of Appeals (5th DCA) issued a significant decision in Ford v. Florida, addressing the use of dog sniffs in drug-related searches. This case sheds light on the legal...
Can the State Use Child Hearsay Statements Against Me at Trial?
When it comes to legal matters involving children, the rules can be complicated. One significant aspect of Florida law is the Child Hearsay Exception, which allows for certain statements made by children to be admissible in court, even if those statements would...
3 common misconceptions about a DUI
If the police give you a DUI ticket, you may be worried and confused. You are right to be concerned -- it is a serious charge with severe consequences. Yet, there is no need to be confused. There are a lot of misconceptions about DUI charges, so knowing the facts is...
What Should You Do When You Have Been Charged with Solicitation of a Minor?
We are frequently asked what the most important thing a person can so when he learns he is being investigated for solicitation of a minor. The use of a computer to engage in or attempt to engage in acts with a minor can be charged as several crimes. First, the accused...
Bill Sheppard Named 2018 Lawyer of the Year
Congratulations to Mr. Sheppard for being named Jacksonville's 2018 Lawyer of the Year in Criminal Defense: White Collar by Best Lawyers In America. This will be the fourth time Mr. Sheppard has been selected as Lawyer of the Year in his areas of practice, in...
Scharlette Holdman
It is with great sadness that we have learned of the death of our dear friend, Scharlette Holdman. Scharlette was an unstoppable force of nature, who did more to stop the death penalty than virtually any other individual in this country. We first met Scharlette 40...
Supreme Court Expands Right to Effective Assistance of Counsel for Defendants Facing Deportation
The Sixth Amendment guarantees defendants the right to effective assistance of counsel during all "critical stages" of a criminal proceeding. In the context of plea negotiations, this means that criminal defense attorneys must convey plea offers to their client in a...
Nation’s Courts Divide on Whether Title VII Protects LGBT Workers
We previously posted about a decision from the Northern District of Florida-Lafayette v. Winstead County-holding that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protected employees from discrimination based on sexual orientation. Our own Elizabeth White's article on...
Florida Supreme Court Clarifies Definition of “Sexual Intercourse” In Criminal HIV Case
In Florida, it is a crime for anyone infected with the human immunodeficiency virus to have sexual intercourse with another person unless they first disclose the infection and obtain that person's consent. HIV can spread through a range of sexual activities. Until...