By Stephen G. Cobb, Board Certified Criminal Trial Law Specialist One of the most frustrating things for a specialist in criminal trial law is the use of inaccurate language. This frustration is due to the fact that such language causes confusion. For example, domestic assault and battery is a co...
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Ocala Attorney: Making Sense Of Criminal Classifications
When you watch police or courtroom dramas on TV or when the newscasters speak about someone who has just been arrested, you will hear terms such as “felony,” “misdemeanor” and the like. Often the terms will include “degrees,” such as a first degree or so on. Knowing what all of those classificati...
How to defend yourself against a murder charge in Florida?
Homicide is one of the most serious crimes that can be committed in the state of Florida. It is the death of one person caused by another, whether intentionally or through negligence. Depending on the circumstances, homicide may be classified as murder, involuntary manslaughter, or justifiable ho...
Filing an Injunction for Protection
Nobody ever deserves to be hit or treated cruelly, especially by the ones they love. While everyone would probably agree that that is true, it is not always the way things actually are. There are many reasons that domestic or stranger violence occurs and when it becomes a regular problem, when it...
False Domestic Charges
Domestic violence law in Florida is not just one law, but several laws that operate together. Thus, it is more accurate to think and speak in terms of Florida's Domestic Violence Laws. The reason is very simple: Florida's legal system creates many different types of domestic abuse that constitute...
Rehabilitation for Offenders in Florida
What rehabilitation options are there in Florida for offenders? Rehabilitation is a process that aims to help people who have committed crimes to change their behavior, acquire skills, and reintegrate into society. Rehabilitation can be an alternative or a complement to the prison sentence, depen...
Did you know that in Florida, there is the possibility of performing community service as an alternative sanction to imprisonment for the commission of a crime?
Community service is a voluntary activity that is carried out for the benefit of the community without receiving any payment or financial compensation. Community service can have different purposes, such as helping people in need, taking care of the environment, and promoting education or human r...
Restriction order
A restraining order in Florida is a court order that prohibits a person from approaching or contacting another person who has been a victim or is at risk of being a victim of some type of violence. The restraining order is intended to prevent the aggressor from continuing to commit acts of violen...
How is the length of a sentence determined in Florida?
In general terms, the duration of a sentence is related to the seriousness of the crime. For example, minor crimes, such as traffic violations, often have shorter sentences, up to 60 days in prison. By contrast, more serious crimes, such as first-degree murder, can carry much harsher penalties, s...
Penalties and Sentencing in Florida
The judicial system of Florida, United States, arouses great interest and public debate due to its penalties and sentences. In this article, we will explore the essential elements of this system, from mandatory minimum sentences to parole policies, in order to understand how the justice system wo...
How does racism affect the criminal justice system?
Since the murder of George Floyd at the hands of a white police officer, a wave of protests has been unleashed in the United States and around the world against racism and police brutality. This case is not isolated but adds to a long list of African Americans who have lost their lives due to the...
Arrest warrant in Florida
An arrest warrant is a court order authorizing the arrest and detention or questioning of a person within the state for their alleged involvement in a crime. These warrants are requested by the district attorney's office and issued by judges or magistrates, who must have reasonable grounds to bel...
Statistics on Domestic Violence in Florida
Domestic violence is present all over the world, and the state of Florida is no stranger to this reality. In fact, statistics show that it is a frequent problem in this part of the country. Domestic Violence Statistics in Florida According to the World Population Review (2023), in the United Stat...
Understanding Florida Laws: How Is Murder Punished?
In Florida, manslaughter is a felony punishable by life in prison or the death penalty if the context warrants it. In any case, the punishment will depend on the seriousness of the crime and the distinct circumstances surrounding it. What are the types of homicide? First degree murder: It is the ...
What To Do If You Or A Loved One Is Investigated Or Arrested In Florida
No one wants to read what you are about to read. Optimistic, hopeful-sounding marketing fluff is much sweeter. Yet this will blow up like a bomb when things get real around Docket Day and a decision must be made to accept a plea offer or go to trial. Therefore, here are precisely 6 things you sim...
False Domestic Violence Charge Awareness Month 2022
It's that time of year again when we acknowledge False Domestic Violence Charge Awareness Month. This is probably the least popular thing I write about. This year, let's add some perspective not normally shared before people come out of the woodwork filled with hate due to lack of knowledge: I su...
Friendly Reminder: We Are Now Cobb Criminal Defense Law Firm, PLLC
Legal fees for Violation of Community Control, House Arrest or Probation must be paid up front and in full. If you are looking for a lower legal fee without regard to quality, we are probably not the right legal group for you. Most misdemeanors are $3,500.00 and up while most felonies start at $5...
Interference With Child Custody | Florida Criminal Law
787.03 Interference With Custody (1) Whoever, without lawful authority, knowingly or recklessly takes or entices, or aids, abets, hires, or otherwise procures another to take or entice, any minor or any incompetent person from the custody of the minor's or incompetent person's parent, his or her ...
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A DUI Or Criminal Defense Lawyer?
Disclaimer: This article is in response to questions frequently asked of Mr. Cobb and is an unedited dictation transcript. Just like talk to text on your smartphone, there may be misspelled words or sentence fragments. The cost to hire a DUI or a criminal defense lawyer is going to vary based on ...
Fee Concern
Legal fees for Violation of Community Control, House Arrest or Probation must be paid up front and in full. If you are looking for a lower legal fee without regard to quality, we are probably not the right legal group for you. Most misdemeanors are $3,500.00 and up while most felonies start at $5...
Are You Facing Separation Or Even A Court Martial?
Being a member of any branch of the US military, your conduct is held to high standards and cannot be compared with an average citizen. Your military service record can be severely damaged by a criminal conviction and not only that, a criminal conviction can result in serious penalties. Most of t...
The Pandemic’s Impact On Your Criminal Defense Case: Part 1 (December 2020)
Florida's local bar associations are a key information source during the pandemic. As we end 2020 and head into 2021, here is an example of how the court system is keeping prosecutors and defense lawyers informed about ever-changing courtroom protocols: “A Message from the Honorable William F. St...
Payment Plans In Criminal Defense Cases Vs Limited Representation
DUI: the pretrial fee is lowered and in return, there will be no in-person court or motions to suppress blood, breath, or urine tests to be filed unless there is additional payment. Limited consultations may also be part of the formula. Domestic Violence: the client wants a bond motion filed to g...
The Pandemic’s Impact On Your Criminal Defense Case: Part 2
“When can I meet you in person?” Every criminal defense lawyer struggles with this question for many reasons. First, we have always done in-person consultations. Personally, I never did a telephone consultation until after Hurricane Ivan in 2004. Second, people want attention and empathy when dis...
What To Do If You Have A Florida Violation Of Probation, House Arrest Or Community Control Arrest Warrant Or Notice To Appear During The COVID 19 Pandemic In 2020 – Step 5
Step 5: Expect More Uncertainty Chaos unleashed by the pandemic will continue for at least two or three years. Everyone still wants to hear that a miraculous cure is a month away and vaccination is right around the corner. Reality will intervene harshly. The Criminal Justice System (CJS) is never...