Category: Blog

Restraining Orders Restraining orders are also known as domestic violence injunctions, with dozens being filed in all Florida counties each day. Domestic violence is a serious issue. It gives grounds for an individual to file a temporary court order prohibiting a specific individual from carrying out a particular action, approaching, or contacting the person. A […]

Arrest It is essential to know your rights if you are ever in the situation of being arrested. Police are allowed to use reasonable force when making an arrest. However, it is illegal for police to use excessive force, which infringes on the civil rights of the arrestee.

  Prosecutors Prosecutors are lawyers who represent the government and are responsible for presenting a case in a criminal trial against an individual that they think has committed a crime. Prosecutors investigate, charge, and prosecute. At the state level, prosecutors are also known as district or state attorneys.

Probation Not all people convicted of crimes are sent to jail. Many times, people who have been convicted of a crime, but have a clean record, can be sentenced to probation. Provided the convicted meet specific criteria for a prescribed length of time, they can remain free.

What is a Pretrial Intervention? Pretrial intervention is a program run by your State Attorney’s Office. The state will consider sending minor, non-violent cases to the Pretrial Intervention. If you and the state agree to a pretrial intervention, you will both sign a non-binding contract if you complete negotiated conditions. The state will decide to […]

  Police Searches Have you ever been pulled over by a police officer? It can be an intimidating scenario. Imagine the officer explaining that you have been pulled over for speeding, asking for your license and registration, and then asking to search your vehicle. Do you have to consent?

Police Interrogations Interrogation is one tactic law enforcement uses to obtain confessions from people they suspect have committed a crime. Police will question the suspect. It is crucial for the public to know what to expect from a police interrogation and how to protect your rights.

Mistaken Eyewitness Identification Did you know that over 75% of cases overturned through DNA testing involved eyewitness error? Mistaken eyewitness identifications are a leading cause of wrongful convictions in the United State’s Court System. Ronald Chapman can help ensure there are no wrong convictions because of misidentification. He defends the accused.

Kidnapping Kidnapping is a serious crime in any state. According to Florida Statute 787.01, kidnapping is defined as using force to imprison, abduct, or confine another person against their will. Kidnapping is a first-degree felony and punishable by life in the Florida State Prison system.

America’s Judicial System The American Judicial System is a federal system with individual governments in each of the fifty states and the federal government at the center. Each state has its own judicial system conducted in state court. The trial by jury is the most fundamental feature of the American Criminal Judicial System. Guaranteed by […]