Category Archives: Criminal Defense
Jason Blank Comments on the Florida Supreme Court Reworking the Speedy Trial and Formal Charges Timelines
March 14, 2025 By Mark D. Killian www.floridabar.org The Florida Supreme Court has revised the state’s criminal procedure rules, amending the speedy trial procedures and timeline for filing formal charges. The new rules, which take effect July 1, extend the recapture period, set a new starting point for speedy trial deadlines — beginning when… Read More »
FACDL President Jason Blank Highlights Annual Sips & Suit Event
Floridabar.org Mar 05, 2025 The Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (FACDL) recently hosted “Sips & Suits” events across the state, bringing together criminal defense lawyers for some networking while giving back to their communities. These events aimed to replenish Public Defenders’ trial clothes closets by collecting professional attire for their clients in need… Read More »
“To speak, or not to speak? That is the question!” What You Need To Know Before Taking the Stand in Your Criminal Case
If you are facing criminal charges in Florida, and your case is headed to trial, you may consider testifying in your defense. The thought of wanting to clear your name and tell your side of the story can be tempting. But before you decide to take the witness stand, you must understand the potential… Read More »
6 Reasons Why You Need Legal Counsel When Facing a Criminal Investigation in Florida
Being under criminal investigation can be overwhelming, especially if you believe you’ve done nothing wrong. Many people assume that hiring a lawyer at this stage is unnecessary, but that is far from the truth. You need to hire a criminal defense lawyer immediately after you learn that you are under a criminal investigation to… Read More »
Did You Know That the Law Protects You From Having Past Wrongdoings Used Against You in a Criminal Case?
Facing criminal charges in Florida can be stressful, given the state’s strict laws against crimes. And if this is not your first arrest, you may be worried that the state might attempt to bring up evidence of your past crimes or similar acts to prove your guilt. Florida law has strict rules that limit… Read More »
Partner Jason Blank Comments on the Broward Sheriff’s Office Actions in Rapper YNW Melly’s Retrial
Partner Jason Blank comments on the Broward Sheriff’s Office Actions in a recent Sun Sentinel article entitled Can Defense Lawyers Go Too Far? Prosecutors Face Dilemma When Targeting Courtroom Opponents. Threatening to charge opposing counsel with a crime could be seen as an intimidation tactic that could backfire and create issues the defense can… Read More »
Can You Receive “Multiple Punishments” for the Same Crime in Florida?
You have likely heard the term “double jeopardy” used in connection with criminal law, although you may be unsure what it really means. The Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution–as well as Article 1 of the Florida Constitution–state that a person cannot be placed in legal jeopardy twice for the same criminal offense…. Read More »
When Can a “Welfare Check” Lead to a Criminal Arrest in Florida?
When a police officer sees you commit an apparent traffic violation, it is lawful for that officer to pull you over and initiate a traffic stop. The officer may then try to extend that stop if they observe evidence of some other possible crime, such as DUI or drug possession. Of course, the officer… Read More »
How Many Juror “Challenges” Can I Make in a Fort Lauderdale Criminal Case?
The right to trial by jury is one of the most important constitutional protections given to persons accused of committing a crime. In Florida, you have the right to trial by jury in all criminal cases. In capital cases–i.e., offenses that carry the possibility of the death penalty–a jury must be composed of 12… Read More »
Can Florida Prosecutors Add Criminal Charges at the Last Minute?
When a person is accused of domestic violence, there is often a temptation to contact the accuser in an attempt to “work things out.” However, once the law is involved and there has been an arrest or indictment, engaging in such contact can only lead to more legal problems. Indeed, Florida prosecutors can charge… Read More »