Recently, I became a proud member of the National College of DUI Defense (NCDD). This organization is dedicated to educating our members about the latest issues in DUI cases. This insures you get the best defense of your DUI case. Who do you want defending you of your DUI or DUI Manslaughter case? I want...
Read MoreBlog
DUI with 0.19 blow goes to jury trial in Winter Haven
I recently tried a DUI case where my client was alleged to have a breath alcohol level of 0.192 and 0.192. The legal limit in Florida is only 0.08 so that is almost 2 1/2 times the legal limit. To learn the jury's verdict click here: https://getgrajek.com/case-results/ If you have been arrested for DUI, call...
Read MorePolk Sheriff arrests men in Saddle Creek for lewd solicitation
The Polk County Sheriff's Officer arrested five (5) men for solicitation for a lewd act at Saddle Creek Park yesterday. This was another lewd/prostitution sting. These men will likely be charged with solicitation for prostitution which carries a $5,000.00 "civil penalty" if the person charged pleads to the lewd act or is found guilty. I...
Read MoreLakeland Police Officer arrested for serious armed sexual battery charges, faces life in prison.
Lakeland Police Officer Julio Pagan was arrested Thursday and charged with armed sexual battery by a law enforcement officer and armed aggravated stalking. Officer Pagan was formerly with the Bartow Police Department. Officer Pagan was booked into the Polk County Jail today. These charges carry a sentence of up to life in prison. Pagan was...
Read MoreLakeland dance teacher arrested for lewd exhibition and indecent exposure
Today, the Polk County Sheriff's Office arrested a high school color guard choreographer and dance instructor charges of felony Lewd or lascivious exhibition and misdemeanor indecent exposure charges. The Plant City school teacher allegedly committed these acts with three separate people who reported seeing a man masturbating in his vehicle. Because of the ages of...
Read MoreLakeland DUI cases to be dismissed in Polk County
As a follow up to yesterday's News Channel 8's story on LPD, The Ledger is reporting that "The letter also said Hill will no longer accept testimony from Sgt. Raymond Lloyd and Officer David Edds. In addition, nearly 40 pending DUI cases will be dismissed." The full article can be viewed at: http://www.theledger.com/article/20130716/NEWS/130719456?p=1&tc=pg The article...
Read MoreRules of sequestration, does it apply to alleged victim's family?
The George Zimmerman case may be over soon. The prosecution has rested their case, so now the defense may present evidence if they wish. Normally in a criminal trial, the attorneys will invoke the "Rule of Sequestration" that prevents witnesses from being present in the court room when another witness is testifying. It also prevents...
Read MoreFlorida rules on expert witness testimony change July 1. Polk County will now use "Daubert" test for expert witnesses.
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...
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 More