Thursday is Pre-Trial Conference in Polk County misdemeanor and criminal traffic court. What happens at a Polk County Pre-Trial Conference (PTC) court date? These are usually scheduling court dates. Some cases are set for jury trial. Other cases have Motions that must be filed before the case is ready for trial. A Motion...
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Judge Sheehan of Hillsborough County Reprimanded by Florida Supreme Court for DUI arrest.
The Tampa Tribune was reporting today that Judge Sheehan of Hillsborough County will be reprimanded for her DUI arrest last year. This will probably be in the form of a written public reprimand. I had blogged about the arrest when it first happened. The judge did not fight the charge and pled guilty to DUI...
Read MoreFormer Dallas Cowboy Josh Brent sentenced for DUI Manslaughter conviction
Former Dallas Cowboy Josh Brent was found guilty of DUI Manslaughter and was quickly sentenced. That is because in Texas, the jury determines the sentence. He was facing up to 20 years in prison. The jury sentenced him to 10 years in probation, but there is a 180 day minimum jail sentence on DUI Manslaughter...
Read MoreDistinguishing a Florida Misdemeanor from a Felony: A Basic Guide
People are often confused by the distinction between felonies and misdemeanors. Simply put, the difference lies in the severity of the penalties applicable. Criminal law in the State of Florida is usually divided into two categories: felonies and misdemeanors. There is another classification, called “common law crimes”, but those designations usually have attributes of the...
Read MoreFlorida Southern college student and arrested affect enrollment
If you attend college and are arrested, it can affect your enrollment in school. This is especially true if your arrest occurred on campus. Florida Southern has an especially tough disciplinary policy. If arrested on Florida Southern’s school grounds or campus, it could be cause for expulsion. If the arrest did not occur on school...
Read MoreFlorida Supreme Court to decide when Polk County probation can terminate early
Debra Lafave the teacher that made headlines for having sex with a student was back in the news recently. She had asked the criminal court to terminate her probation early. Originally, she was sentenced to 10 years probation and had completed six years of that probation. Florida Statute 948.05 provides that: A criminal court may...
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