Ft. Walton Beach Criminal Defense Blog
What to do and not to do at a DUI checkpoint
A DUI checkpoint is a location where police officers ask each person driving through if they have had anything to drink recently and then make a determination regarding whether or not to examine the person further. DUI checkpoints can be anywhere along a public road...
5 Florida cities with some of the highest divorce rates in the U.S.
The national divorce rate for 2020 was about 2.3 divorces per 1,000 residents. That was a significant drop from 2019, which experts believe happened mostly because family law courts across the U.S. shut down for months during COVID-19 lockdowns. The national average...
Seeking a commercial lease? Attention to detail is crucial.
With a growing company, you and your fellow executives determined that it was time to find a new and much more expanded office space. You take your time with your research, scouting out a handful of properties as potential headquarters. Along the way, you must give...
How a bad economy can affect the divorce rate in Florida
The U.S. economy remains shaky as we emerge from the pandemic, with several signs that we are in a recession or will be soon. A recession affects our lives in various ways, including, it seems, our marriages. Money is a common cause of divorce. Unemployment and...
Your career may be in jeopardy after a DUI conviction
A DUI conviction not only can lead to incarceration, excessive fines, restitution and the loss of driving privileges, but it also can have a damaging effect on your career. It is a criminal charge, and employers do not look kindly on criminal behavior. You may not...
How is custody determined for adopted children during divorce?
When couples divorce, custody and support of the children have a significant impact on each party. A parent's concern does not change whether the children are biological or adopted. Florida courts do not differentiate between biological and adopted children during...
A drug conviction no longer affects student financial aid
For decades, many professors and criminal justice advocates have decried a U.S. Department of Education policy that affected students with drug convictions. This policy resulted in a suspension of federal government-backed financial aid for students who had...
Frequently asked questions about adoption in Florida
Understanding Florida adoption laws can help families make an informed decision about adoption. These are the answers to some of the most common questions asked about becoming parents to adopted children. Review this information if you are at the beginning of a...
Your rights and responsibilities as a tenant in Florida
If you pay rent to live in a home or apartment, you are a tenant under Florida law. As a tenant, you have certain rights and responsibilities associated with your occupancy. Understanding your rights can protect you from unsafe living conditions and expensive legal...
3 steps involved in stepparent adoption
You have been with your spouse for a long time, helping to raise their child. You love the child as your own and want to adopt them to make it official. Stepparent adoption occurs when a married person gives their spouse full and equal parental rights and...
