Individuals accused of crimes may find themselves directly involved in a police lineup with no idea how the situation will play out. Even though someone might be innocent, a confused victim could identify the individual as a perpetrator. Unfortunately, police lineups...
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Criminal Defense
What to know about domestic violence and child custody
On Behalf of The Law Office of James M. Burns | Apr 8, 2021 | Criminal Defense, Family Law
Florida family law courts take domestic violence accusations in child custody cases extremely seriously. If the courts fail to take strong action, the parent accused of domestic violence could further harm the child, which is why courts are usually conservative when...
How long alcohol remains in your system
On Behalf of The Law Office of James M. Burns | Mar 10, 2021 | Criminal Defense, DUI
After people consume alcoholic beverages, it can take some time before the alcohol is metabolized and the person is no longer intoxicated. The general rule is that it takes about an hour to metabolize a standard drink of alcohol, and a standard drink is different for...
What happens after I violate my probation?
On Behalf of The Law Office of James M. Burns | Jan 20, 2021 | Criminal Defense
A probation violation happens in Florida when a defendant fails to comply with conditions attached to a probationary sentence. The proceedings involved with probation violations are a bit different than what the defendant experienced in criminal court. This fact is...
When smartphones cause harm: Traffic stops
On Behalf of The Law Office of James M. Burns | May 20, 2019 | Criminal Defense
Technological innovations have made our lives easier. Applications are available to help navigate to restaurants, keep in touch with work at all hours of the day and even monitor our children. These advances are part of our everyday lives. Most own a smartphone with...
Expungement might be an option for you
On Behalf of James M. Burns & Associates, Attorneys at Law | Mar 27, 2017 | Criminal Defense
A criminal conviction can affect finding a new job or getting an apartment. Even criminal charges without a conviction can haunt you as you try to move forward with your life. One way to put the past behind you is to take the necessary steps to have your record...
Does more punishment solve the drug problem?
On Behalf of The Law Office of James M. Burns | Mar 9, 2017 | Criminal Defense
A common talking point about the "War on Drugs" or drug crimes in general is the amount of legal punishment that should be applied to someone accused and/or convicted of drug crimes. People who are accused of such crimes face a mountain of penalties, from extensive...
After an arrest, don’t panic: Call an attorney
On Behalf of The Law Office of James M. Burns | Feb 24, 2017 | Criminal Defense
Imagine that you are accused of a crime by the police. Doesn't matter if they pulled you over in your car or if they stopped you on the street -- just imagine how anxious and scared you would feel. The force of the legal power the police have could ruin your career...
Push forward and never give up in the wake of criminal charges
On Behalf of The Law Office of James M. Burns | Feb 9, 2017 | Criminal Defense
Being charged with a crime is an incredibly stressful moment in anyone's life. It can inflict serious emotional damage on a person, making them feel alone and helpless. The prospect of sitting in a jail cell for months or years on end; the idea of sitting in a cold,...
What are the penalties for theft in Florida?
On Behalf of James M. Burns & Associates, Attorneys at Law | Sep 26, 2016 | Criminal Defense
From shoplifting at Walmart to taking tools or a generator from a worksite, the penalties for theft in Florida are much more than a slap on the wrist. The fines and fees are significant. Jail time is even possible.As background checks are required on everything from a...