The Florida legislature has adopted a new standard for the admission of expert witness testimony in Florida criminal and civil cases. In the past, Florida courts have used the Frye standard which allowed an expert to testify if the expert opinion was based on a scientific technique that is generally accepted as reliable in the...
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Florida expected to make juveniles and parents responsible for damages in commission of a crime
While a contentious issue, Florida is expected to make juveniles and their parents responsible for damages incurred during the commission of a crime. Florida is taking a tougher approach to juvenile crime by fostering a bill that would make it mandatory for children and their parents or guardians to pay out for damages caused by...
Read MoreArticle in the Ledger gives a thorough review of problems at Lakeland Police Department
The Lakeland Ledger did a very thorough investigation into the on-going problems at the Lakeland Police Department. These issues include my DUI case regarding how DUI reports are completed in criminal cases, bra-shaking searches conducted by patrol officers, FDLE's investigation of LPD, and other issues. You can read the full article here: http://www.theledger.com/article/20130620/NEWS/306215002/1358/news06?p=1&tc=pg If you...
Read MoreOpening statements in criminal cases and purpose for defending a citizen in court
George Zimmerman's trial began this week. Many people and "experts" on TV have endless opinions on this case. I use the term "expert" because many never try cases or are just on TV to create controversy or be critical just to be critical. Most people gave high marks to the prosecutor for the State's opening...
Read MoreLakeland DUI arrest gets massive news coverage after DUI trial.
This week I obtained a NOT GUILTY verdict after a jury trial in my client's Lakeland DUI arrest. Due to my investigation into the Lakeland Police Department's procedures in DUI cases, the news picked up on this story. My preparation for the case and cross-examination of the officer has led the LPD to conduct an...
Read MoreLakeland DUI Attorney Thomas C. Grajek in the news
After my Lakeland DUI trial on Tuesday, the Ledger and Channel 8 news started taking a closer look at the procedures used by Lakeland Police Department. Read the Ledger article here: http://www.theledger.com/article/20130620/NEWS/130629985?tc=cr&tc=ar Documents and police reports play a critical role in a DUI and criminal case. DUI reports are also the evidence used to uphold...
Read MoreLakeland lawyer Andrea Teves Smith appointed to Polk circuit bench
Congratulations to attorney Andrea Smith! Ms. Smith was appointed by Gov. Scott to the 10th judicial circuit to replace Judge Langford when he retires from the bench this month. The judges in the 10th judicial circuit through criminal and civil divisions. Welcome to the bench!
Read MoreTeacher Sexting Student Results In Arrest And Conviction
Technology in schools has introduced potentially new disturbing behavior, such as a teacher allegedly sexting students. This Florida case appear unseemly, but we need to remember that not everything may be the way it looks. And, according to the Constitution, everyone is considered to be innocent until proven guilty, not the other way around. In...
Read MoreAggressive Polk County DUI lawyer argues DUI motions to suppress in court
Yesterday, I was in court all day before arguing various motions to suppress in my client's DUI case. Many people arrested for DUI or a criminal offense do not know what a criminal defense attorney does for them in court. Many people charged with DUI also do not know what it means to mount an...
Read MoreGeorge Zimmerman trial starts tomorrow with jury selection the most important part of a criminal trial
George Zimmerman is charged with 2nd degree murder for allegedly killing Trayvon Martin last year. Get ready for a deluge of media coverage for another Florida “crime of the century” after the Casey Anthony trial. What exactly is jury selection or “voir dire”? “Voir dire” is the legal term for jury selection and is Latin...
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