Jury duty is not a big deal, and you can probably find a way to deal with it, but don’t just ignore a summons. You could create a big problem for yourself that could easily have been avoided.

Section 40.23 of the Florida Statutes states that “failure to attend as a juror upon being duly summoned may result in a fine not to exceed $100.” In addition to the fine, you may also face contempt proceedings which could result in the imposition of community service or other sanctions, including jail time.

Is jury duty mandatory in Florida?

Jury service is a necessary civic duty and is required by law. The goal of Florida law is that a jury be composed of a fair cross section of the community, working individuals, retirees, members of different sexes, as well as social backgrounds, to constitute a legal jury for the civil and criminal courts.

Can you delay jury duty in Florida?

As a matter of convenience, the Court will allow for a one-time postponement. You can defer your service up to six months out by visiting the court’s jury webpage and selecting a deferral date.

What are the best excuses for be excused from jury duty?

I have a friend who is a snow bird. Like a lot on people, he goes up north for the summer. Before he left last year, he was arrested for DUI. When his time came to leave, he did so without thinking about his parole status. When he came back, he was surprised to find that the police were looking for him in reference to his parole violation.

What is involved with parole violations?

Until a probationary period is completed successfully, anyone serving probation is subject to the severest penalty provided for the offense for which they are on probation. A person serving probation for a first-degree misdemeanor who violates probation can be sentenced to jail for up to 1 year and fined $1,000.

Technical Probation Violations — A technical violation is one in which someone failed to comply with one of the required terms of their probation. This could be missing a scheduled meeting with the PO or failing to regularly attend counseling, or providing “dirty urine.” While still entitled to seek an arrest warrant, probation officers typically issue a notice to appear so the probationer can attend a court hearing on the issue. If a probationer continues to collect technical violations, a judge is authorized to impose any reasonable sanction or none, as they see fit. 

Thinking that serious punishment has been escaped because a court “only” sentenced a person to probation is a serious miscalculation. Until a probationary period is completed successfully, anyone serving probation is subject to the severest penalty provided for the offense for which they are on probation. 

If a person is on probation for a second-degree felony, a violation of that probation can result in a judge imposing a 15-year prison term.

If you think you may have an issue with parole violations, call Alex Truluck. 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.

What is the Florida Ignition Interlock Program? The Florida ignition interlock program is a mandate under Section 316.193, Florida Statutes, for an ignition interlock device (IID) to be installed on the vehicle of “certain persons” that are convicted of Driving Under the Influence (DUI).

Here are the parameters of the IID requirements under the Florida Statutes according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV):

• First Conviction — only if court-ordered
• First Conviction if BAL is 0.15 or above, or minor in the car — at least 6 months
• Second Conviction — at least 1 year
• Second Conviction if BAL is 0.15 or above, or minor in the car — at least 2 years
• Third Conviction — at least 2 years
• Four or more Convictions (Condition of Hardship License) — at least 5 years

In simplest terms, an interlock device is an in-car breathalyzer that prevents a person from starting a car until a breath alcohol test is taken. An ignition interlock device is a proper term for devices sometimes referred to as “in-car breathalyzer” or “car interlock” or “blow and go”.

After you have successfully blown into the device and are driving down the road, it may ask you to pull over and blow into the device to confirm that the driver is still sober. This can be extremely  inconvenient.

Can Someone Else Drive Your Car With an Interlock Device On It?

Yes. You can allow other licensed drivers to operate your vehicle with an IID installed. They would have to use the breathalyzer to start the car or truck just like you would.

Ignition interlock device costs will vary by state but on average, the installation cost is between $70 and $150 and an average monthly lease price is $60-$90. Your installation fee is paid directly to a state-certified installer.

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.

A felony and a misdemeanor in Florida are two classifications of crime and they are divided up on what the sentencing could be. Typically, a misdemeanor is a lesser offense than a felony and is punishable up to one year in jail. A felony on the other hand is a crime that is punishable over one year.

Misdemeanors are less serious than felonies and carry lighter penalties. Typically, such penalties may include less than a year in jail, community service, fines, rehabilitation and/or probation. Felonies, on the other hand, come with at least a year (and sometimes decades or even a lifetime) in prison.

What is the most common felony?
The 4 Most Common Types of Felony Offenses
#1: Drug Crimes. Although there have been recent changes in state laws that now make some drug crimes misdemeanors, many drug crimes can lead to felony charges.
#2: Violent Crimes.
#3: Theft.
#4: Sex Crimes.

A first-degree misdemeanor charge is the most serious form of a misdemeanor. A conviction for one can cost you up to six months in jail and $2,500 in fines for a first offense. First-degree misdemeanor crimes include: DUIs.

Have you been arrested? You should talk to Alex Truluck. 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.

Suppose you witnessed a domestic violence situation. Maybe you didn’t want someone to get in trouble, and you do not tell the police what you saw. Can you get in trouble for that? Yes. However, they would have to have concrete evidence and prove in court that you lied.

More common than not telling what you did see is making up things that you didn’t see. First of all, that is despicable thing to do. Domestic violence is one of the most serious criminal offenses. In fact, if the alleged victim wants to drop the charges in the future, they can’t. Only the prosecution can decide whether or not to drop the charges. People know how seriously domestic violence accusations are taken and may make false accusations due to ulterior motives. Accusations of domestic violence can ruin someone’s life.

Why would someone do that? There are lots of reasons. Perhaps you want to improve your position in a child custody dispute. The most common reason is revenge. Perhaps someone wants to save their reputation by making it appear that the other party was at fault,

The effects of the accusation on the partner, however, could include:

• Loss of family and/or friend relationships
• Loss of a job
• Jail time, fines, and other criminal penalties
• A criminal conviction on record

Don’t do it. Don’t lie.

Under certain circumstances, lying about domestic violence is a crime. Perjury is when an individual lies under oath during an official investigation, either in a written or verbal statement. While individuals who lie about domestic violence may be charged with perjury, it is unlike to happen. Additionally, the accuser could be charged with filing a false police report, a misdemeanor offense.

The individual who was falsely accused may file a civil lawsuit against the accuser to receive compensation for any damages caused by the allegation.

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.

A search warrant allows law enforcement officers to enter the address indicated in the order, but officers can only search the area for the items that are mentioned in the order. An arrest warrant allows officers to enter the house of the person indicated in the order, if they believe the person is inside.

If they don’t have a warrant, without thinking, some people give police permission to enter.

Sometimes police officers phrase questions so that your response essentially gives them permission to enter even if you didn’t intend to. For example, they may say, “I hope you don’t mind if we take a quick look inside?” If you say no, then you are actually saying yes to their entering.

Simply put, knowing the best way to deal with police can be confusing. If you are unsure, remember that you have a right to legal counsel and representation. In the absence of a warrant, you can politely decline to have the police enter your home or vehicle. If there is a warrant, you can say that you would like your attorney present before you say anything else to police.

What about your car?

Police must have reasonable suspicion, probable cause or a warrant to search your home or vehicle. If they say they have reasonable suspicion, and they start to search your car, don’t resist or physically try to stop them, as you may cause yourself more legal problems.

Can you record police in Florida?

So, when can you record the police? Anytime you are in an open public space (for example, most public roads, public parks, and public beaches) where other individuals can witness what is happening, you can record the police as long as you are not interfering with police activity.

Knowing your rights is crucial to protecting yourself from the unjust searching of your property and person. If you suspect that law enforcement has illegally entered your private property, it’s advisable to consult with an attorney who understands the complex nature of warrant laws.

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.

According to the Department of Justice website, Jaimee Ashley Koryn was sentenced in federal court today to 130 months in prison for selling the fentanyl pills that resulted in the fatal overdose of 23-year-old Sherie Gil on September 30, 2021. Koryn pleaded guilty in October 2022, admitting that she sold Gil the fentanyl pills that caused her death.

According to the government’s sentencing memo, on the morning of September 30, 2021, law enforcement officials and paramedics responded to a 911 call from a commercial office building in San Diego, California. Law enforcement found Gil deceased in a bathroom along with drug paraphernalia, Gil’s cell phone, and “blues,” or counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl.  The Medical Examiner’s Office later determined that Gil had died as the result of the “toxic effects of fentanyl, cocaine, and alprazolam.”

What is the death law for fentanyl?

The federal charge of distributing fentanyl causing death carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years and a maximum sentence of life in federal prison.

Is selling fentanyl a manslaughter charge?

People who sell Fentanyl or heroin not only face drug trafficking and distribution charges, they may be charged with involuntary manslaughter. However, most defendants in these cases have resorted to dealing drugs while struggling with addiction themselves.

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 are some real advantages in having a DUI attorney represent you. Your attorney may be able to get your sentence reduced or dismissed. You attorney may be able to question the legitimacy of the evidence against you, such as your blood alcohol test.  Experience in negotiating may allow your attorney to get the charges reduced.

Here are some of the consequences you may face if convicted:

• Fines. Offenders face a minimum fine of $500 and up to $2,000 depending on whether there were aggravating factors. If drivers are unable to pay the fines, the court may grant $10 credit per hour for performing community service.
• Inability to use your vehicle. The court must impose a mandatory immobilization period of ten days on your car that cannot coincide with a jail term. The court might grant an exception if a family member needs the vehicle for work and has no other means of transportation.
• DUI school. The judge is required to impose completion of either Level I or Level II DUI School, depending on the severity of the offense.
• Lost driving privileges. Your Florida driver’s license will be suspended for a minimum of six months and a maximum of one year. However, a driver may apply for a hardship reinstatement (restricting travel to work or business) once DUI school is complete.
• Probation. A judge may order up to 12 months of probation or a combination of jail time and probation that adds up to 12 months.
• Community service. A first-time DUI requires a mandatory minimum of 50 hours of community service.
• Ignition interlock device. Ignition interlock devices must be installed and used for a minimum of six months in cases with aggravating circumstances, such as a blood alcohol content (BAC) reading of .15 or higher.
• Increased car insurance. A DUI conviction can raise car insurance rates by 50% or more for the next several years.

If you have been arrested for DUI, you should have a consultation with Alex Truluck as soon as possible. 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.

Let’s say your had a court hearing for a traffic matter, and you somehow failed to show up. Do you think there is a warrant for your arrest? Bet you want to know, don’t you?

The best way to find out if you have a warrant out for your arrest in Florida is to search the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Wanted Persons database. The online search is free and will list the offense for which the warrant is issued as well as the reporting agency or county.

How long does an arrest warrant last in Florida?

A Florida warrant never goes away. It’s important to know your options if you have an outstanding warrant in Florida.

What should You Do If You Have a Warrant

This first thing you should do is contact an attorney. At some point, you will have to deal with the situation. But if you just turn yourself in, you are probably going to be arrested. Your attorney may be able to arrange for a more convenient situation, and arrange for bail, it that is necessary. At the very least, he will tell you where to turn yourself in. If you go to the wrong location, you will have to deal with extradition, which could lengthen your jail time.

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.