Refer USA Today 3-21-2020. In the name of social distancing, officials in at least two Oklahoma counties have agreed to suspend warrants for suspects in non-violent crimes, including vehicle thefts.

Authorities in Maine have permanently dropped warrants in more than 12,000 cases involving unpaid fines, restitution and other sanctions. Similarly in Minnesota, officials have halted the suspension of drivers licenses for those who fail to make scheduled court appearances.

In each case, officials said, the decisions were driven by a collective desire to reduce social contact and the risk of spreading the highly contagious coronavirus.

The moves also underscore how the pandemic has seeped into the trenches of the every-day American criminal justice system, where judges, prosecutors, defense lawyers and law enforcement officers are taking increasingly uncommon actions to guard against an unfamiliar adversary.

Locking out the virus:Prisons restrict movements as they try to keep coronavirus out
Nina Ginsberg, president of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, has urged government authorities to use discretion in making law enforcement decisions, especially when weighing possible detention of suspects in densely populated local jails, where outbreaks of disease can spread quickly.

“There are clearly steps to be taken across the board,” Ginsberg said Thursday. “This is spiraling so quickly, we really need to see a broader response.”
Ginsberg said lawyers and bar associations should request that judges require local detention officials disclose the steps that they are taking to protect the populations in their custody.

“We should push the government to be more flexible on everything from whether a summons would suffice in lieu of a (arrest) warrant, where the defendant does not pose a clear danger, to whether a voluntary surrender date can be delayed,” she said. “Anybody who doesn’t need to be detained, shouldn’t be. Once the virus gets into one of these jails, I’m afraid there is no way to stop it from spreading.”

Alexander Truluck focuses his practice as a criminal defense attorney in Clearwater, Palm Harbor, Largo, Dunedin and the Tampa Bay area.

For more information, visit our website at http://www.criminallawyerclearwaterflorida.com
or call (727) 799-3550.

There is a new bill being proposed to address drug sentencing. Florida Senate made moves toward passing a bill that would lessen sentences for first time drug offenders and would also allow for judges to have a little more say in drug-related conviction sentencing on a case-by-case basis.

The proposed bill states that its purpose is “prohibiting the imprisonment for longer than a certain time for persons who possess, purchase, or possess with the intent to purchase less than specified amounts of certain substances; authorizing a court to impose a sentence other than the mandatory minimum term of imprisonment and mandatory fine for a person convicted of trafficking if the court makes certain findings on the record; deleting eligibility requirements relating to a person’s conduct before the person’s wrongful conviction or incarceration, etc.”

The measure is excepted to reduce the state’s 96,000 prison population by 4,800 for a potential savings of $50 million.

The bill would also for those who have been wrongfully behind bars since 2008 “who had a violent felony or more than one nonviolent felony before their wrongful conviction and incarceration” to be considered for compensation based on wrongful incarceration, that would be paid at a rate of $50,000 per year of wrongful incarceration up to a limit of $2 million. Those with violent felonies or multiple nonviolent felonies would not be eligible for this change.

In the past, bills of this nature have note been of interest to the House, however it appears that times are changing. The bill will soon make its way to the House and we will watching it.

Alexander Truluck focuses his practice as a criminal defense attorney in Clearwater, Palm Harbor, Largo, Dunedin and the Tampa Bay area.

For more information, visit our website at http://www.criminallawyerclearwaterflorida.com
or call (727) 799-3550.

We are all aware of the current opioid crisis. Did you ever wonder about the effect that it is having on people while they are driving their cars?

Opioid use may result in dizziness, drowsiness, and sedation, which may impair the requisite psychomotor and cognitive skills necessary for safe driving. In addition, opioid use may also impair concentration and attention, decrease alertness, and increase reaction time.

The negative effects can be exacerbated in persons who are taking other prescription medications or illegal substances. Opioid-abusing drivers clearly represent an unnecessary danger to the public; although the vast majority of patients taking prescription opioids for pain safely drive to work and other activities, a subset may be impaired, but not be aware of or recognize the problem. The majority of pain patients would likely be surprised to learn that the legal systems in most parts of the world, including most states in the United States, do not differentiate between a pain patient taking a prescribed opioid at the right dose and frequency, and an abuser taking an illegal drug. For example, in some parts of the United States, a driver may be initially stopped for a relatively minor offense and, if the officer notices that the driver is wearing a fentanyl patch, charged with driving under the influence of drugs (DUID). The present narrative review attempts to highlight the existing problem, the different legal thresholds for arrest and prosecution for DUID, and the challenge of trying to have zero-tolerance for driving under the influence of a drug used illegally, while at the same time not arresting legitimate patients who are taking pain medication as prescribed. There is a clear and present need for an integrated assessment and addressing of the current confounding situation.

Can you drive while on pain meds?

As a general rule, you can safely drive if you are taking over-the-counter NSAID pain medications (ibuprofen, aspirin, Tylenol, etc.). However, if you are taking these NSAIDs in conjunction with other meds or substances (alcohol or drugs), they may be unsafe.

Alexander Truluck focuses his practice as a criminal defense attorney in Clearwater, Palm Harbor, Largo, Dunedin and the Tampa Bay area.

For more information, visit our website at http://www.criminallawyerclearwaterflorida.com
or call (727) 799-3550.

In Florida, there is a difference between assault and battery – they are two separate and distinct crimes and you can be charged with either or both. An assault is where you threaten to do violence to someone and that threat puts that person in fear. … You do not have to actually hurt someone to be convicted of battery.

The main difference between a battery charge and an assault charge is the actual presence of harm and the threat of harm. Someone can only be charged with battery if they have caused real physical harm to someone, while a person can be charged with assault if the mere threat of harm is present.

Is it pushing someone assault or battery?

It involves minor injury or a limited threat of violence. In states where assault is a physical attack, pushing someone or slapping someone in an argument are instances of simple assault.

1) Simple Assault occurs when an individual applies intentional force to another person without the other person’s consent
Attempting or threatening, by an act or gesture to apply force
Approaching or blocking the way of another person while openly wearing or carrying a weapon or an imitation of a weapon.

2)  When committing an assault, if the individual carries, uses, or threatens to use a weapon, or causes bodily harm the individual is guilty of assault causing bodily harm.

3) Aggravated assault is committed when a person wounds, maims, disfigures, or endangers the life of the victim.  Here there is intent to commit bodily harm.

SEXUAL ASSAULT

There are three levels of sexual assault.

1) Simple Sexual Assault involves forcing an individual to take part in any form of sexual activity without explicit consent.

2) Sexual Assault with a Weapon includes the use or threat of the use of a weapon or injury to a third party.

3) Aggravated Sexual Assault has occurred when the victim is seriously wounded, maimed, brutally beaten, or in danger of dying as a result of a sexual assault.

If the victim does not consent it is sexual assault; therefore, no intent has to be proven.
Notice there is no intent needed if the victim does not consent it is sexual assault.
Self-induced intoxication is not an excuse nor a defense.
Being married is not an excuse either.
The victim’s sexual history is irrelevant.
Children under the age of 14 cannot consent

Alexander Truluck focuses his practice as a criminal defense attorney in Clearwater, Palm Harbor, Largo, Dunedin and the Tampa Bay area.

For more information, visit our website at http://www.criminallawyerclearwaterflorida.com
or call (727) 799-3550.

Under Florida law, Grand Theft is any intentional and unlawful taking of property valued at $300.00 or more. Grand theft is a felony offense, with penalties that may include prison, probation, fines, restitution, and a permanent criminal record.

If the value of the property stolen is more than $300 but less than $20,000.00, then the offense will be classified as a Grand Theft in the Third Degree. Under Florida law, Third Degree Felony grand theft is punishable by a maximum sentence of 5 years in Florida State Prison and a $5,000.00 fine.

Petty theft involves stealing small amounts of cash or goods, and is usually charged as a misdemeanor. Shoplifting is an example of petty theft. Automobile Theft: When someone takes another person’s vehicle it is known as automobile theft. Examples include carjacking and grand theft auto.

Grand theft is generally classified as a felony crime. Grand theft is also considered to be a “wobbler” meaning depending on the situation, the charge can be a misdemeanor or a felony.

Grand theft charges may be dropped if the defense proves several defenses. … In such cases, the charges may be reduced to less serious misdemeanor charges rather than felony grand theft. This can happen for instance if there are wrong calculations or market values involved when analyzing the property stolen.

Alexander Truluck focuses his practice as a criminal defense attorney in Clearwater, Palm Harbor, Largo, Dunedin and the Tampa Bay area.

For more information, visit our website at http://www.criminallawyerclearwaterflorida.com
or call (727) 799-3550.

One of the most popular subjects at cocktail parties is blood alcohol level, and most people are misinformed on the subject.

Florida prohibits driving or being in actual physical control of a vehicle while: having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of . 08% or more, or. under the influence of alcohol, harmful chemical substances, or illegal controlled substances.

Your consequences are determined by your BAC.

1st Offense below .15 – probation up to 12 months, License revoked 6 months to one year, car impounded 10 days.

1st Offense above .15 – probation up to 12 months, License revoked 6 months to one year, car impounded 10 days, ignition interlock 6 months.

2nd Offense below .15 – probation up to 12 months, License revoked 5 years, mandatory 10 days in jail, car impounded 30 days, ignition interlock 1 year.

2nd Offense above .15 – probation up to 12 months, License revoked 5 years, mandatory 10 days in jail, car impounded 30 days, ignition interlock 12years.

Alexander Truluck focuses his practice as a criminal defense attorney in Clearwater, Palm Harbor, Largo, Dunedin and the Tampa Bay area.

For more information, visit our website at http://www.criminallawyerclearwaterflorida.com
or call (727) 799-3550.

There has been a lot of publicity about people representing themselves in court. That is generally considered not to be a good idea. If you don’t have a lot of money, and might seem tempting. However, there are reasons why this might not be a good idea.

It’s a new world out there. It may be easier to purchase personal information on the dark web and do a little credit card theft than robbing a 7 Eleven. A day doesn’t go by that you don’t heard about a breach of some website or some new internet scam. It’s the new frontier.

Fraud is committed online in large numbers. Many innocent internet users use the internet to make purchases, or even apply for credit cards or jobs. Because of this, the internet has a large storage of credit card and banking information, social security numbers, and names and addresses. With this information, and just the right amount of knowledge with computers, some people are able to hack systems and access this information you may think is protected.

Outside of stealing information, online prostitution is just as popular. This allows men and women to stay in the comfort of their homes and again, remain just anonymous enough to get away with their criminal activities. There are websites created that allow individuals to solicit themselves in exchange for money, goods, or a service. People will code their work as a “massage” or even just as simple as a date, to stay below the radar as possible.

Online harassment, also known as cyber-bullying is very common. Because of its capabilities to make someone completely anonymous, people find the courage to say mean and threatening things to almost anyone, just because they can. Harassment online comes in the same form as it does in person, sexual included. These offenses are taken just as seriously and are punishable offenses.

Simply put, if it is illegal in person, chances are it is illegal online unless specifically created for online purposes. There are so many ways to rack up criminal charges through the internet, and even then there are criminal defenses that may be available to you should you be accused of such crimes. If you or someone you know has been accused of an internet offense, contact a criminal defense attorney.

Alexander Truluck focuses his practice as a criminal defense attorney in Clearwater, Palm Harbor, Largo, Dunedin and the Tampa Bay area.

For more information, visit our website at http://www.criminallawyerclearwaterflorida.com
or call (727) 799-3550.

Although restraining order is the more commonly used term, that is not the correct term. The correct term is “Injunction for Protection”. Refer Pinellas County website.

What is an Injunction for Protection?

An Injunction for Protection is a Civil Court Order (often referred to as a “restraining order” and herein referred to as “Injunction”) that places restrictions on an individual (referred to as the Respondent) who has allegedly committed acts or (in some cases) made threats of violence against another individual (referred to as the Petitioner). An Injunction is requested by the Petitioner who files a “Petition” with the Court asking for protection from the Respondent.

An Injunction may include provisions that: restrain the Respondent from further acts of violence; order the Respondent to leave a shared dwelling; prevent the Respondent from coming to your home, school or place of employment; and/or award temporary custody of minor children.

An Injunction should not be used as a tool to manipulate the Respondent or the Judicial System, gain access to property, or to settle issues of child custody or spousal support, but rather to protect you against a genuine and well-founded fear of continued violence or abuse.

Violence is defined by Florida Statute 784.046(1)(a) as “any assault, aggravated assault, battery, aggravated battery, sexual assault, sexual battery, stalking, aggravated stalking, kidnapping, false imprisonment, or any criminal offense resulting in physical injury or death, by a person against another person.”

Violence does not include all offensive behavior. Trespassing, criminal mischief, threats, tampering with a witness and harassing phone calls are all criminal offenses which should be reported to law enforcement, but may not necessarily, alone, qualify for the issuance of an Injunction.

Alexander Truluck focuses his practice as a criminal defense attorney in Clearwater, Palm Harbor, Largo, Dunedin and the Tampa Bay area.

For more information, visit our website at http://www.criminallawyerclearwaterflorida.com
or call (727) 799-3550.

Do you associate with people that you suspect sometimes use drugs. Do you sometimes wonder if they are carrying drugs on their person when they ride in your car? Do you wonder what would happen if you are stopped for a routine traffic stop? Can you be charged for possession of drugs, even if you didn’t even know about them? The answer is yes.

But, more routinely it happens this way. The police stop a car, you are the passenger and drugs are found in the car and they are within your reach if you knew that they were there, so they might be in a center console or in a side pocket. They can charge you with joint possession because in Florida, you can possess something by having actual control or possession of it on your person or you can have constructive possession, which says that if you are in a place that has easy access to the contraband, you constructively possess it even though it is not actual possession.

Either possession counts the same under the law if you are convicted. But the police or the prosecutor has to prove that you knew that the drugs were there and that you knew that they were illegal. If it is not your car and even though you might be in a position to find it or grab it, it does not absolutely mean that you knew it was where it was, so that you would not necessarily be convicted of that joint constructive possession. I had a case one time where there was a car stopped with four people in it and the drugs were under the driver’s seat and my client was the passenger behind the driver, so they charged him with constructive possession and we argued to the jury that he was just getting a ride, it was not his car, he had no knowledge of it and there was no proof to suggest that he, in any way, had anything to do with the placing of the drugs there.

Being charged and being convicted are two separate things. So you can always get charged because that is the discretion or the whim of the police or the prosecutor but being convicted and being proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt gives you a chance.

How Are Home Searches Handled In Court?

Our constitution holds our right to privacy dearly. We should be secure in our homes, the police have to get over a much higher hurdle when trying to conduct a home search. Most times they need a warrant that is signed by a judge and is based upon probable cause that shows verification of the claims that are made in the police officer’s affidavit. The exceptions to the warrant requirement for a home basically fall into two categories. There are more but these are the ones that are common. If the police are in hot pursuit of an individual they believe committed a crime and that person is able to elude them and run into a home, the police see that, the police are not required to just stop at the doorway when they are in hot pursuit.

It is one example of an exception. Another typical one is if they are in the vicinity of someone’s home and they observe a crime being committed in their presence that can also give rise to an exception to the warrant requirement. If they are walking by someone’s house and the windows are open and they see them smoking crack or see someone strike someone like the domestic violence thing, they are not required to turn their heads away and ignore it and run to a judge and ask for a warrant, they can act on that immediately. That is another typical exception to the warrant requirement of going into the home.

Can A Visitor Be Charged If Drugs Are Found In Someone Else’s House?

Yes, but the visitor in the home like the passenger car has no standing to complain about the search. It is the homeowner, car owner or whoever is in charge of the car right to complain about the search. So, the passenger or the visitor can rely upon the homeowner’s right to challenge it but they do not have an independent right to challenge it because it is not their home. Let us assume the officer goes into someone’s home on a valid warrant and they find drugs in the bathroom. Well, potentially everybody in the house could be charged with joint constructive possession because they all have access and if it is open and obvious sitting out that inference can be made as opposed to finding drugs in someone’s personal bedroom that they only use in their closet or in their drawer that would not lend itself to a joint possession.

Alexander Truluck focuses his practice as a criminal defense attorney in Clearwater, Palm Harbor, Largo, Dunedin and the Tampa Bay area.

For more information, visit our website at http://www.criminallawyerclearwaterflorida.com
or call (727) 799-3550.