In Florida, police must generally secure a warrant before entering homes unless the entry meets an exception to the search warrant requirement. A recent decision from the Supreme Court of the United States offers more protection to people against warrantless searches...
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Orlando Criminal Defense Blog
Can police officers legally lie to you?
If you have committed a criminal offense or know someone who has, you may expect police officers to question you eventually. Even if you have little or nothing to hide, cooperating with a police investigation may not be in your interests. After all, you may...
What do you do if the police knock on your door?
Dealing with the police is a stressful and difficult situation for anyone. It is natural for people to panic, handling their brush with law poorly. This can lead to unfortunate consequences, such as accidentally incriminating yourself. It is thus important to...
Are there different types of restraining orders?
When people accuse you of domestic violence, they may take out a restraining order. These orders, also known as injunctions of protection, have specific requirements that you have to follow. There are several different kinds of restraining orders. Dating violence...
Florida fails to address police reform bills in most recent legislative session
Although the Democratic Black Caucus of Florida proposed more than 24 criminal justice reform measures, the state House or Senate heard none of these ideas during the March and April legislative sessions. These bills, along with others the legislators heard but did...
Reacting defensively toward a police officer
Interactions with law enforcement officers are a frequent occurrence both in Florida and throughout the rest of the U.S. Many of those cases remain amicable, but there are situations where one might feel threatened by an authority's actions. The law permits people to...
Florida legislators review police use of force
In May 2021, the Florida House of Representatives and Senate unanimously passed a police reform bill. Under the terms of the proposed state law, police officers must disclose previous excessive force investigations and will receive de-escalation training. The law also...
Exceptions to the right to remain silent
Most Florida residents know the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution gives criminal suspects the right to remain silent when questioned by police officers, but they may not know that there are several exceptions to this rule. The right against self-incrimination...
Understanding your right to counsel
If you have ever seen a television cop show, you may be able to recite the Miranda advisement from memory. This advisement, which comes from a 1966 U.S. Supreme Court opinion, includes your right to remain silent and your right to legal counsel. Officers usually must...
What does the Occupational Freedom and Opportunity Act mean for licensed professionals in Florida?
Residents of Florida may want to learn about the recently passed Occupational Freedom and Opportunity Act that was signed by Governor Ron DeSantis. It removes barriers to certain professions, making it easier to meet requirements and easing payment of required fees....
