If you or someone you care about is accused of a sex crime in Florida, the legal terms can be confusing — especially when it comes to “sexual battery” and “lewd or lascivious” offenses. These two categories both involve sexual conduct, but they’re treated very differently under Florida law. Understanding the difference is critical, because… Read More
Traffic Stop Advice by Attorney Mark Zimmerman
What to Do if You’re Pulled Over by Police in Florida: How to Stay Safe and Protect Yourself Getting pulled over by law enforcement can make anyone nervous — even if you haven’t done anything wrong. Knowing what to do (and what not to do) during a traffic stop can make the situation safer, calmer,… Read More
Sexting Laws in Florida by Attorney Mark Zimmerman
Understanding Sexting Laws in Florida: What Parents Need to Know It’s no secret that technology has changed the way teenagers communicate. Unfortunately, it has also created new legal problems that many families never expect to face. One of the most common — and confusing — of these problems is “sexting.” If your child has been… Read More
Depositions of minor victims
New Florida Law Limits Depositions of Minor Victims — But There Are Still Legal Options Florida recently passed a law that makes it harder to take depositions (sworn interviews) of minor victims in sex offense cases. Under this new rule, if the victim is under 16, the defense can’t automatically take a deposition. The judge… Read More
The Legal Implications of Threatening a School Shooting: Lessons from Counterman v. Colorado
In recent years, threats of school shootings have drawn significant attention from law enforcement, educators, and lawmakers. These threats, even when not carried out, can lead to severe legal consequences due to their potential to create widespread fear and disrupt public safety. Understanding the legal framework for addressing such threats is crucial, particularly in light… Read More
A few words about client contact
I like to read articles in legal journals about trends in law firm practice. A fashionable topic is the way in which lawyers have contact with clients. Typically this issue is cast in the light of new forms of technology. You hear about how certain clients (typically younger ones) are not interested in the old… Read More
Selling Alcohol to Minors in Sarasota
Fifteen convenience store clerks were cited for selling alcohol to minors in a crackdown by the Sarasota Sheriff’s Office. All of the citations took place from June 30 to July 1, 2014. The charges all stemmed from undercover activities targeting gas stations in Sarasota, Nokomis and Osprey. These are criminal citations punishable by jail… Read More
Warning to Parents: Be Aware Of Yik Yak
Parents, have you heard of Yik Yak? If not, you’d better get educated, and fast. Yik Yak is a new a very popular social media app. Think of Twitter with anonymity and you’ve got the basic idea. The other major catch is that Yik Yak is limited to a specific radius, as little as 1.5… Read More
Four Manatee County School Administrators Charged with Felonies in Rod Frazier Case
Four Manatee County school administrators are charged with felonies for not reporting child abuse. The charges are related to Manatee High football coach Rod Frazier, who was arrested last week on 7 counts of misdemeanor battery and 3 counts of interference with the attendance of a student. Frazier was accused of inappropriately touching female students. He has since resigned… Read More
2 Arrested in Sarasota Pot Bust Called Operation Hammerhead
Sarasota Police arrest 2 men in a pot bust called “Operation Hammerhead.” Police charged 66 year old Anthony Snead and 38 year old Andy Charlton with possession of cannabis with intent to sell. Police Chief Bernadette DiPino says the bust came from an anonymous tip that led to a 6 month surveillance operation, including wiretapping phones. On… Read More
