Clearwater Criminal Lawyer Blog

Court Discusses DUI Manslaughter Sentences

Published on: July 4, 2024 | by Hanlon Law, PA

Penalties for DUI crimes can range in severity; in cases involving death, DUI convictions can result in life imprisonment. Sentences imposed in DUI cases must reflect the evidence and the jury’s findings, though, and if they exceed the statutory maximums, they can be challenged. As discussed in a recent Florida case, if the State demonstrates a death was the direct result of a DUI offense, a sentence of life imprisonment will likely be upheld. If you are faced with DUI charges, it is advisable to talk to a Clearwater DUI defense lawyer about your possible defenses.

Factual and Procedural Background

It is reported that the defendant was charged with numerous counts of DUI manslaughter. At trial, the court instructed the jury that to convict the defendant of DUI manslaughter, it must find beyond a reasonable doubt that he drove while impaired, resulting in the deaths of the victims. The jury found him guilty, and he was subsequently sentenced to five consecutive terms of life imprisonment for multiple counts of DUI manslaughter.

It is alleged that the defendant appealed, contending that his sentence exceeded the statutory maximum based on factual determinations not made by a jury beyond a reasonable doubt. Specifically, he contested the enhancement of his sentence on the grounds that the jury did not find that his actions directly resulted in the deaths of five victims, arguing that this “direct result” finding required a higher level of causation than his convictions for DUI manslaughter and that the evidence presented at trial did not definitively establish this causal link.

Florida Court Discusses Inconsistent Verdicts in Criminal Cases

Published on: June 8, 2024 | by Hanlon Law, PA

Child abuse is a serious offense that carries substantial penalties. While many child abuse charges arise out of direct involvement with children, they can also arise out of other scenarios that unintentionally place a child in harm’s way. For example, in a recent Florida case a defendant was charged with aggravated assault and child abuse after reportedly shooting into a building. As demonstrated in that case, acquittal on assault charges filed along with child abuse charges does not necessarily necessitate a not guilty verdict for the child abuse offenses. If you are accused of engaging in acts that constitute child abuse, it is wise to confer with a Clearwater child abuse offense defense lawyer to evaluate your potential defenses and what measures you can take to protect your interests.

History of the Case

It is alleged that the state charged the defendant with numerous crimes, including aggravated assault with a firearm, as well as five counts of child abuse in violation of Florida law. The charges stemmed from an incident where the defendant was accused of shooting into a building and committing aggravated assault with a firearm against two adults. The jury found the defendant not guilty of shooting into the building and guilty of the lesser included offense of assault on the charge of aggravated assault with a firearm. The defendant challenged the convictions and sentences, arguing that the jury’s verdict was legally inconsistent because it acquitted him of the shooting charge while convicting him of child abuse and assault.

Determining if a Jury’s Verdict is Inconsistent

On appeal, the court reviewed the evidence offered during the case to determine if the jury’s verdict was legally inconsistent. In doing so, it referred to established legal principles, noting that a true inconsistent verdict requires an acquittal on one count to negate a necessary element for conviction on another count, rather than a logical or factual inconsistency.

Florida Court Discusses Child Victim Hearsay in Sex Crime Cases

Published on: May 7, 2024 | by Hanlon Law, PA

In criminal cases, the prosecution is prohibited from introducing certain evidence. This includes evidence, like hearsay, that violates a defendant’s right to confront their accuser. There are exceptions to the general rule against hearsay, though, that will allow the prosecution to admit out of court statements. For example, the child victim rule generally permits prosecutors to offer statements by minors who are victims of crimes, as long as such statements are reliable, as explained in a recent ruling issued in a Florida sex crime case. If you are charged with committing a sex offense, it is in your best interest to speak to a Clearwater sex crime lawyer to determine what measures you can take to protect your rights.

Factual and Procedural Setting

It is reported that the defendant was charged with sexual battery of the victim, who was a child under twelve, and lewd or lascivious molestation of the same victim. The state sought to introduce similar fact evidence of other crimes, specifically the sexual assault of a thirteen-year-old, and child hearsay evidence regarding text messages and interviews involving the other child.

Allegedly, the defendant objected to the admissibility of the statements, arguing they failed to meet legal criteria and were prejudicial. The trial court overruled the objections. Following a trial, a jury found the defendant guilty on both counts. He appealed, arguing that the child hearsay statements were inadmissible because the child was not the victim named in the charging document.

Florida Court Explains Factors Considered in Reviewing Sentences

Published on: April 5, 2024 | by Hanlon Law, PA

People accused of sex crimes will, at times, determine that it is best to enter a guilty plea in hopes of receiving a reduced sentence. In some cases, though, the courts will enter a greater sentence than the defendants anticipate. In such instances, the defendant may be able to appeal the sentence issued, but if they cannot demonstrate that the court committed an error, their appeal will likely be denied, as shown in a recent Florida case. If you are accused of a sex crime, it is prudent to consult a Clearwater sex crime lawyer regarding your rights.

Factual and Procedural Background

It is alleged that the defendant was charged with using a minor to produce child pornography, distributing child pornography, and possessing child pornography. The charges stemmed from an incident in October 2021, in which an online FBI employee received messages containing child pornography from an individual later identified as the defendant. Subsequent investigations revealed the defendant involvement in the production, distribution, and possession of child pornography, including images and videos of his daughter.

Reportedly, a search of the defendant’s residence uncovered evidence supporting the charges. The defendant pled guilty to all counts without objection and faced an advisory guidelines sentence of life imprisonment. At sentencing, the defendant did not contest the PSR’s recommendation. The district court considered various factors, including the defendant’s military service, and sentenced him to 840 months. He then appealed.

Florida Court Addresses the Dismissal of Prejudicial Charges

Published on: March 8, 2024 | by Hanlon Law, PA

Generally, if people commit multiple criminal acts, they will be charged and tried for said offenses in a single case. If the crimes do not rely on the same evidence or otherwise overlap, however, they may be tried separately. This is especially true in cases in which evidence of one crime may be prejudicial to a defendant in a hearing for a different offense. In a recent Florida opinion, the court discussed the grounds for severing charges in a theft case in which it ultimately denied the defendant’s motion to dismiss. If you are accused of a theft crime, it is smart to talk to a Clearwater theft crime lawyer attorney as soon as possible.

History of the Case

It is alleged that the defendant faced charges in a two-count superseding indictment, including theft of social security funds and forcibly assaulting a federal officer with a deadly weapon. The charges stemmed from allegations that the defendant’s deceased wife continued to receive Social Security benefits after her death, resulting in overpayments. Surveillance footage showed the defendant negotiating checks made payable to him with his deceased wife’s forged signature. When federal agents went to the defendant’s residence to investigate, he initially denied involvement but later admitted to the transactions.

Reportedly, however, when faced with arrest, the defendant refused to surrender, leading to a confrontation with federal agents where he threatened them with a deadly weapon. After the defendant was indicted, he filed a motion seeking to dismiss the assault charge, arguing it was unduly prejudicial and inflammatory. He also contended that the charges were not of the same or similar character, and the evidence did not overlap.

Florida Court Discusses Reviewing a Sentence for Reasonability

Published on: February 23, 2024 | by Hanlon Law, PA

While criminal defendants will often assert their innocence, in some instances, it makes sense for them to enter a guilty plea. For example, a defendant will often plead guilty with the expectation that they will receive a reduced sentence for their convictions. Guilty pleas do not automatically result in lesser sentences, however, as demonstrated in a recent Florida case in which a woman argued that her sentence for identify theft and other crimes was unreasonable. If you are accused of a theft offense, it is wise to confer with a Clearwater theft crime lawyer attorney about your options.

Factual and Procedural Background of the Case

It is alleged that in 2019, a federal grand jury issued a superseding indictment against the defendant, charging her with multiple counts, including conspiracy to commit access device fraud, aggravated identity theft, and possession of unauthorized access devices. The defendant pleaded guilty to two counts, and the government dropped the remaining charges. The presentence investigation report (PSI) detailed the defendant’s criminal activities dating back to December 2014, when she was observed engaging in suspicious behavior at a department store with another woman.

Reportedly, the defendant and the other woman made purchases using a department store credit card under the name of an individual identified as L.B., who denied any association with the defendant. Upon the defendant’s arrest, police found multiple pieces of mail and credit cards not belonging to her in her car, along with personal identifying information (of various individuals. The defendant had previously faced charges related to similar offenses at the state level, though the case was eventually dismissed. Following her federal indictment, the PSI calculated the defendant’s offense level and criminal history, which included prior convictions for theft and fraud. The defendant was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment, after which she appealed, asserting that her sentence was procedurally and substantively unreasonable.
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Florida Court Explains Legally Inconsistent Verdicts in Criminal Matters

Published on: January 10, 2024 | by Hanlon Law, PA

Under Florida law, the State can charge a defendant with felony murder if a person dies during the defendant’s commission of a felony offense. A conviction for a felony is an essential element of felony murder, and if the State cannot establish the defendant committed a felony crime, the defendant should not be found guilty of felony murder. As demonstrated in a recent Florida ruling, though, they may be found guilty of other murder offenses. If you are charged with murder or any other violent crime, it is smart to speak to a Clearwater violent crime defense attorney about your rights.

Facts of the Case

It is reported that the State indicted the defendant for first-degree murder with a firearm and robbery with a firearm or deadly weapon. The jury found the defendant guilty on the first-degree murder charge, with special findings related to firearm possession and discharge resulting in the victim’s death. On the robbery charge, the jury convicted the defendant of the lesser offense of petit theft.

Allegedly, the court sentenced him to life in prison for the murder charge and time served for the robbery charge. The defendant appealed his first-degree murder conviction, arguing that it was based on a legally inadequate legal theory.

Florida Court Discusses Sentences in White-Collar Crime Cases

Published on: December 7, 2023 | by Hanlon Law, PA

Although white-collar crimes do not typically cause bodily harm, the courts nonetheless punish people convicted of such offenses harshly. While the courts generally must comply with sentencing guidelines when issuing sentences, the guidelines allow for significant latitude, and as long as a sentence is not deemed unreasonable, it will likely be upheld, as demonstrated in a recent Florida case. If you are accused of committing a white-collar crime, it is wise to consult a Clearwater white-collar crime defense attorney to discuss your case.

Factual Background and Procedural History

It is alleged that in 2015, the defendant faced federal charges, including four counts of making false statements on a loan application and one count of aggravated identity theft. In 2016, he was convicted on all counts and sentenced to 30 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release with a restitution order. The defendant’s supervised release conditions included truthfully answering the probation officer’s inquiries and providing requested financial information. After violating these conditions, a petition for a warrant was filed in November 2021.

It is reported that the defendant subsequently defendant faced a new charge for making false statements on a monthly financial report. Despite an initial rejected guilty plea, a second plea colloquy ensued, resulting in an accepted guilty plea. The presentence investigation report calculated the defendant’s guideline range as zero to six months, and at sentencing, he argued for leniency, presenting testimony regarding his employment. Nevertheless, the court sentenced the defendant to 28 months, comprising 18 months for the new charge and 10 months for the supervised release violation, citing concerns about his history of dishonesty. The defendant appealed.

Florida Court Discusses Scoring Out-of-State Convictions During Sentencing

Published on: November 6, 2023 | by Hanlon Law, PA

In Florida, people convicted of sex crimes may be sentenced to lengthy terms in prison. Additionally, if they have a history of prior convictions, their sentence may be increased. As discussed in a recent Florida opinion, this is true regardless of whether the convictions were imposed by another state. If you are faced with sex crime charges, it is smart to talk to a Clearwater sex crime defense attorney promptly.

Procedural History of the Case

It is alleged that the defendant was found guilty by a jury of sexual battery, domestic battery, and harassing a witness. Following sentencing, the defendant filed a motion under Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.800(b)(2), alleging errors in scoring several Ohio convictions on the sentencing scoresheet. The trial court granted the motion in part and denied it in part, choosing not to resentence the appellant. The defendant then appealed.

Scoring Out-of-State Convictions During Sentencing

On appeal, the defendant raised concerns about the scoring of the Ohio convictions and the application of a sentencing multiplier for a sex crime committed in front of a child. The court affirmed the trial court’s ruling on the second issue without discussion. Regarding the first issue, the court considered the scoring of the Ohio aggravated robbery conviction. The defendant argued that only the elements of the out-of-state crime should be considered when determining its analogy to a Florida statute for scoring purposes. Continue Reading ›

Court Explains Evidence Establishing Guilt for Felony Theft Crimes in Florida

Published on: October 9, 2023 | by Hanlon Law, PA

Under Florida law, theft crimes are graded, in part, by the value of the object stolen. As such, in many instances, the State is required to prove the market cost of the diverted goods in order to demonstrate the defendant’s guilt. If the State is unable to meet this burden, the defendant should be acquitted. Recently, a Florida court discussed what evidence the State must produce to demonstrate the fair market value of a stolen object in a case in which it ultimately affirmed the defendant’s felony theft conviction. If you are accused of taking someone else’s property in violation of the law, it is wise to talk to a Clearwater theft crime defense attorney about your rights.

Case Background

It is reported that the defendant faced a second-degree felony charge of grand theft for the alleged theft of jewelry in July 2020 from his ex-girlfriend. The stolen items included a watch and a platinum wedding band with diamonds. During the trial, the ex-girlfriend testified that she purchased the watch in 2004 for approximately $20,000 and the wedding band in 2002 for approximately $2,900.

Allegedly, she further testified that the defendant sold the Rolex watch at a pawnshop, and she identified it by matching the serial number. The State asked the ex-girlfriend about the pawnshop’s asking price for the watch. Defense counsel objected to the question, but the court overruled their objection. During redirect, the ex-girlfriend mentioned that the defendant received $10,000 from the pawnshop for the watch. The defendant moved for acquittal, but the trial court reserved ruling. After the trial, he renewed his motion for acquittal, which the court denied. He was convicted of third-degree felony theft, and he appealed.