Know what you're facing
Plain-English notes on Florida charges, court procedure, and what to expect — written by the attorney who handles the cases.
FAQsIs it identity theft if I didn't actually spend any money?Yes. You can be charged with a crime simply for possessing the personal identification information of another person with the intent to use it fraudulently. You do not have to complete a transaction to face felony charges. In the 17th Judicial Circuit, prosecutors often use digital evidence and search history to prove "intent" even if […]Read article →FAQsCan I be charged with identity theft for using a deceased person's information?Yes. Florida Statute § 817.568(8) specifically addresses the use of a deceased person's personal identification information. This is classified as a third-degree felony. If the offense involves multiple deceased victims or high dollar amounts, the charges can be elevated to second or first-degree felonies with mandatory prison time. Protecting your rights under the law requires […]Read article →FAQsWhat is considered Aggravated Identity Theft in Florida?Under Florida law, identity theft becomes "aggravated" based on the number of victims or the financial amount involved. If the fraud involves $5,000 or more, or 10 or more victims, it carries a 3-year mandatory minimum prison sentence. Higher thresholds, such as 20 victims or $50,000 in benefit, increase mandatory minimums to 5 or 10 […]Read article →FAQsWhat are the penalties if the victim is 65 years or older?If the victim of an aggravated battery is 65 years of age or older, Florida Statute § 784.08 requires the offense to be reclassified from a second-degree felony to a first-degree felony. This increases the maximum prison sentence from 15 years to 30 years. Additionally, the law mandates a three-year mandatory minimum prison sentence and […]Read article →FAQsDoes the victim have to agree to drop the charges in Florida?In Florida, the decision to prosecute belongs to the State Attorney’s Office, not the alleged victim. Even if the alleged victim signs a waiver of prosecution or asks for the case to be dropped, prosecutors may continue if they believe there is enough evidence, such as 911 recordings, medical records, body-cam footage, or eyewitness testimony. […]Read article →FAQsWhat qualifies as a "deadly weapon" in an aggravated battery case?Under Florida law, a deadly weapon is any instrument used or threatened to be used in a way likely to produce death or great bodily harm. While firearms and knives are common examples, Fort Lauderdale courts have considered automobiles, heavy tools, and even footwear to be deadly weapons depending on how they were used during […]Read article →FAQsCan an aggravated battery charge be reduced in Broward County?Charges can be reduced through negotiations with the Broward State Attorney’s Office or through pretrial motions. A knowledgeable attorney might seek to reduce the charge to "simple battery" or "felony battery" if they can show that a deadly weapon was not used or that the injuries did not meet the "great bodily harm" threshold. This […]Read article →FAQsWhat is the difference between battery and aggravated battery in Florida?In Florida, simple battery is typically a first-degree misdemeanor involving intentional, non-consensual touching or striking. It becomes aggravated battery, a second-degree felony, if the defendant uses a deadly weapon, causes great bodily harm/permanent disfigurement, or strikes a victim they knew was pregnant. The primary difference lies in the severity of the injury or the tools […]Read article →FAQsDoes a theft conviction lead to a driver’s license suspension in Florida?Yes, under Florida law, a conviction for any theft offense can lead to a court-ordered suspension of your driving privileges. For a first offense, the suspension typically lasts six months. Subsequent convictions can lead to a one-year suspension. Because a valid license can affect work, transportation, and daily responsibilities in Fort Lauderdale, an attorney can […]Read article →