Author Archives: Joseph Montrone
No Valid Driver’s License Enhancements As Of July 1, 2024
New Law For Driving Without A Valid License In Florida The Florida Legislature passed a bill that was signed by the Governor that will go into effect as of July 1, 2024. Prior to this new law, all crimes charging a person driving without a valid driver’s license were punished as a second-degree misdemeanor only. … Read More »
Florida Considering Making First DUI Test Refusal a Crime
Many people in Florida and elsewhere frequently ask defense lawyers if they should agree to a breathalyzer test if they are pulled over on suspicion of driving under the influence. While the answer to this question varies depending on the circumstances, a bill proposed in Florida might significantly alter how motorists should react when a… Read More »
DUI Diversion Program
Understanding the DUI Diversion Program For many years if you were charged with a DUI, the only option to resolve your case, short of a trial, was to be convicted of a DUI or enter into a plea agreement with the State Attorney’s Office where they would reduce your charge to a Reckless Driving. Slowly… Read More »
FLORIDA RISK PROTECTION ORDERS (RPO)
In response to the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, legislation was passed in an effort to protect the public from shootings by restricting firearm and ammunition possession by persons who may be a danger to themselves or others, Florida Statute 790.401. As a result, courts can now issue… Read More »
PINELLAS PASCO COVID-19 NO BOND FOR ISOLATION OR QUARANTINE VIOLATIONS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
On March 27, 2020, Chief Judge Anthony Rondolino signed an order allowing Judge’s in the 6th Judicial Circuit (Pinellas and Pasco Counties) to hold people who violate the isolation and quarantine orders without bail under certain conditions. First, the order remains in effect while the State of Florida is under a declared public health emergency…. Read More »
DEFENDING CHILD SEX CRIMES IN FLORIDA
During my six years as a prosecutor in Pinellas County, Florida, I investigated, prosecuted, and tried numerous cases involving child sex crimes and related offenses. I received specialized training and practical experience in interviewing many child witnesses and witnesses of child sex crimes. That training included gathering evidence for the purpose of building a case… Read More »
FLORIDA DUI PENALTIES AND SENTENCING
If you are arrested for a DUI in the state of Florida, you are facing a serious criminal charge. If convicted of a Florida DUI, your sentence will include numerous conditions such as a fine, jail, driver’s license suspension, impoundment of your car, an ignition interlock device, and probation. DUI convictions can carry serious consequences… Read More »
Criminal Pre-Filing Decision: Don’t Miss Your Window of Opportunity!
An arrest for a crime is just that – an arrest. It’s not a conviction. It means that the arresting officer is of the opinion that there is probable cause to arrest you for the charge. That is not to say that it is an insignificant event. It is significant and important. An arrest is… Read More »
SECTION 2(f): SOLICITING A PROSTITUE IN FLORIDA WILL GET YOU MORE THAN YOU BARGAINED FOR
Within the last few years, the Florida Legislature has significantly increased the penalties for those charged with the crime of soliciting a prostitute under Florida Statute Section 796.07. As a criminal defense attorney, when I get a call from someone faced with this charge, the first thing I do is look to see if they… Read More »