Daytona Beach Criminal Lawyer Blog

Florida Court Reverses Conviction for Driving with a Suspended License

July 16, 2021 | Genine Ann Mejia

While ignorance of the law is generally not a valid defense, in many criminal matters, the State must nonetheless prove that the defendant meant to engage in criminal activity. Thus, if the State cannot establish intent beyond a reasonable doubt, it may be grounds for a non-guilty verdict or reversal of a conviction. This was demonstrated in a recent Florida case in which the defendant’s conviction for driving with a suspended license was reversed due to the State’s failure to prove he knowingly committed a crime. If you are charged with driving with a suspended license or any other offense, it is prudent to meet with a skillful Florida criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to assess your rights.

Facts of the Case

It is reported that the defendant was stopped by a police officer, after which he was charged with driving with a suspended license and possessing marijuana in excess of 20 grams. Prior to trial, he moved for acquittal, but his motion was denied. Following the trial, he was found guilty as charged. He appealed his conviction for driving with a suspended license, arguing that the State failed to meet its burden of proof. Upon review, the appellate court agreed, reversing his conviction.

Proving the Offense of Driving with a Suspended License

Under Florida Statutes section 322.34(2), it is a crime for a person to drive with a suspended license. To convict a person of this offense, the State must establish each element as set forth under the law. Specifically, it must show that the defendant’s driver’s license was suspended at the time the crime was allegedly committed and that the defendant knew his or her license was suspended but drove a vehicle regardless.

Florida Court Discusses Serious Drug Offenses as Defined by Federal Law

July 11, 2021 | Genine Ann Mejia

Convictions for drug crimes often result in significant penalties. Additionally, if a person is convicted of multiple drug-related offenses, it may result in a sentence under the Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA), which imposes a minimum sentence of fifteen years. In order for the ACCA to apply, a defendant must have at least three prior convictions for serious drug offenses. The question of whether the purchase of a trafficking quantity of cocaine constitutes a serious drug crime as defined by the ACCA was recently discussed in an opinion issued by a Florida court. If you are charged with a drug crime, it is vital to retain an assertive Florida criminal defense attorney to help you seek a just outcome.

Facts of the Case

It is reported that the defendant was convicted of a weapons crime and was subsequently sentenced under the ACCA. Specifically, the trial court held that the defendant had three prior qualifying drug-related convictions, one of which was trafficking cocaine in violation of Florida law. The defendant appealed his sentence, arguing that his drug trafficking conviction did not satisfy the ACCA’s definition of a serious drug crime. The district court was ultimately unable to resolve the issue and certified the question to the Florida Supreme Court.

Serious Drug Crimes as Defined by the ACCA

Under the ACCA, a serious drug offense is defined as an offense that involves the distribution, manufacturing, or possession with the intent to distribute or manufacture of a controlled substance. Thus, the court assessed whether trafficking cocaine in violation of Florida law satisfied the ACCA’s definition of a serious drug offense. The criminal statute in question listed six methods of trafficking, and the court noted that a violation of the statute would only be considered a serious offense if each of the alternatives met the definition.

Florida Court Discusses Evidence Needed to Establish Guilt for DUI Manslaughter

July 6, 2021 | Genine Ann Mejia

In many cases, people who drive recklessly due to intoxication and ultimately cause another person’s death will be charged with DUI manslaughter. In some instances, though, people may be charged with DUI manslaughter, even if it is not immediately clear that impaired driving caused the accident and subsequent loss of life. In such instances, a DUI defendant may be able to argue that the prosecution cannot establish that there is sufficient evidence to establish guilt. In a recent Florida opinion, a court discussed what evidence the State must produce to establish a driver operated a vehicle while intoxicated, and in doing so, caused a fatal accident. If you are charged with DUI manslaughter, it is prudent to meet with a trusted Florida DUI defense lawyer to evaluate your rights.

The Fatal Accident

It is reported that the defendant was operating his ATV with his son riding on the back. They were on a rural road that had decreased visibility and no shoulder. At approximately 9:00 pm, the ATV tipped into a ditch. The defendant was able to get the ATV back onto the road, and he and his son got onto the vehicle and attempted to start it. A truck began approaching the ATV, and witnesses nearby tried to alert the truck to slow down and advise the defendant and his son to get out of the road.

Allegedly, the truck hit the ATV, killing the defendant’s son and injuring the defendant, who was airlifted to a hospital. The defendant admitted that he consumed alcohol, and a blood test revealed his BAC to be .16. He was charged with DUI manslaughter, and following a trial, was convicted. He appealed, arguing that the State failed to produce sufficient evidence to establish his guilt. Continue reading ›

Court Explains the Elements of Criminal Mischief Under Florida Law

July 1, 2021 | Genine Ann Mejia

In some instances, a court will sentence a defendant convicted of a crime to probation rather than ordering the person to serve a term in prison. If a defendant violates probation by committing a crime, however, the probation may be revoked, and a stricter penalty may be imposed. As in other criminal matters, the State must prove each element of the offense that allegedly constituted a violation in order for the defendant to be deemed guilty. Recently, a Florida court set forth an opinion discussing what the State must establish in order to prove a defendant committed criminal mischief in a case in which it was the basis for the revocation of the defendant’s probation. If you are accused of criminal mischief, it is prudent to retain a knowledgeable Florida criminal defense attorney to assist you in asserting a defense.

Factual and Procedural History

It is alleged that the defendant was convicted of multiple crimes, after which he was sentenced to probation. One of the conditions of his probation was that he was to live without violating the law. The condition stated that it was not necessary for a conviction to be obtained for a criminal violation to be considered a violation of his probation. While the defendant was on probation, he was accused of violating the conditions imposed on him by engaging in criminal mischief and other activities.

Reportedly, the violation accusations arose out of an altercation with his ex-girlfriend in which a vase broke. A hearing was held, after which it was determined that the defendant committed criminal mischief and other offenses. Thus, his probation was revoked. The defendant appealed, arguing the trial court failed to demonstrate he committed criminal mischief.

Florida Court Discusses Grounds for Granting an Injunction

June 26, 2021 | Genine Ann Mejia

There are numerous laws in place to protect people from harassing behavior. For example, someone who is routinely subjected to threatening behavior can seek an injunction barring the aggressor from further contact. Injunctions will only be granted in cases in which there is objective evidence that it is necessary, though. Recently, a Florida court issued an opinion discussing the proof needed to demonstrate an injunction for protection against stalking in a case in which it ultimately reversed the trial court ruling. If someone is seeking an injunction against you, it is advisable to speak to a capable Florida injunction lawyer to discuss your options.

Facts of the Case

It is reported that the plaintiffs and defendant owned neighboring businesses. They were involved in a dispute over property boundaries and the use of an easement located on the defendant’s property. They could not come to an agreement, and the plaintiffs filed petitions seeking an injunction for protection from stalking against the defendant. In support of their petition, the plaintiffs alleged that the defendant harassed and stalked them by blocking their access to their property and yelling and screaming profanities at them. After an evidentiary hearing in which the plaintiffs stated that the defendant’s actions caused them stress and anxiety, the court granted the plaintiffs’ request and entered an injunction to prevent stalking against the defendant. The defendant appealed.

Grounds for Granting an Injunction

Under Florida law, a person who repeatedly harasses, follows, or cyberstalks another individual in a willful and malicious manner is guilty of the crime of stalking. The statute defines harassment as engaging in a course of conduct that is directed towards a certain person, that serves no legitimate purpose, and causes the person to suffer substantial emotional distress. Continue reading ›

Are DUI Charges Possible if I Wasn’t Driving? Prepare for Anything with a Volusia County DUI Attorney

June 21, 2021 | Genine Ann Mejia

Even though DUI is an acronym for driving under the influence, police can still make an arrest without proof of driving. Due to the severe consequences that these charges can have, it is important to understand the unique circumstances in which these arrests may occur. Plus, you will need the very best DUI defense Daytona Beach on your side. Continue reading to learn more about these important situations.

Being in control of the vehicle is just as important as driving it

What does it mean to “be in control” of your vehicle? This question is often the deciding factor for police when making DUI arrests of people in parked cars. Simply put, being in control of the vehicle means that you have the power and means to operate the car. If you are inside a car with its keys, police may determine that you are in control of it without so much as ever turning it on.