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Expungement or Sealing Juvenile Record in Florida

Expungement or Sealing Juvenile Record in Florida

Family Law, Florida Family Court, Miami criminal defense attorney, Miami Juvenile Defense Attorney , , , ,

The idea that one event or mistake made in youth can have lasting negative consequences on one’s adult life is a frightening prospect. That is the situation minors face when they are arrested and charged for a criminal offense. An experienced Miami juvenile defense attorney can defend minors’ rights in court and ensure the best possible outcome.

Still, some will be left with a juvenile record that could be an obstacle to their educational and professional futures. Fortunately, in certain cases, a juvenile record in Florida can be sealed or expunged.

Eligibility for Expungement or Sealing

In Florida, a juvenile record is automatically eligible for expungement or sealing when the offender turns 24 years old or, for a serious or habitual offender, 26 years old. However, typical offenders can try to get their juvenile record sealed or expunged at an earlier age.

Minors that were arrested for nonviolent offenses and/or completed a court-ordered diversion program can petition for expungement or sealing of their juvenile record. This petition can only be done once to clear the record of only one arrest. Most juvenile records are eligible unless the offender fits the following characteristics.

      • found guilty or adjudicated delinquent for the offenses on the juvenile record they wish to seal
      • found guilty or adjudicated delinquent for serious criminal offenses, especially violent and sex crime offenses
      • previously had a criminal record sealed or expunged
      • concurrently filed another petition for expungement or sealing

Procedure

In order to seal or expunge a juvenile record in Florida, offenders must first apply for a Certificate of Eligibility for Sealing. Only once they receive this certificate can they petition the juvenile court that handled their case for expungement or sealing of their record. Trying to have a juvenile record cleared is often a complex process and, in such cases, the guidance of an experienced Miami juvenile defense attorney is incredibly valuable.

If you were arrested or charged with a criminal offense as a minor, the attorneys at Pimentel & Castillo can guide you every step of the way toward achieving a expungement or sealing of your juvenile record in Florida. Once your juvenile is record cleared, you will not have to reveal your juvenile offenses to most people and employers, eliminating significant obstacles to your future educational and professional endeavors.

Call us to request a free consultation with a seasoned Miami juvenile defense attorney today.

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Medical Marijuana in Florida is Legally Available

Medical Marijuana in Florida is Legally Available

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On Election Day, Floridians overwhelmingly voted in favor of Amendment 2 which legalized access to medical marijuana for people with certain conditions. The constitutional amendment was put into effect on January 2017. Now, certain people can obtain medical marijuana in Florida, but the requirements are strict and the process is not simple. People interested in legally purchasing marijuana should consult with a Miami criminal defense attorney knowledgable with Florida marijuana laws which are briefly explained below.

Qualifying for Medical Marijuana in Florida

Under Amendment 2, patients can legally possess and use medical marijuana to treat one of the following “debilitating medical conditions.”

      • cancer
      • epilepsy
      • glaucoma
      • positive status for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
      • acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)
      • post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
      • amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
      • Crohn’s disease
      • Parkinson’s disease
      • multiple sclerosis (MS)
      • other debilitating medical conditions similar to those above and that a qualified physician recommends being treated with medical marijuana

There are other requirements patients must fulfill to be eligible for treatment using medical marijuana in Florida, including the following.

      • Must be a Florida resident.
      • Diagnosed by their qualified ordering physician with a qualifying condition.
      • Treated by said physician for at least 3 months immediately prior to an order of medical marijuana being placed.
      • Registered with the Compassionate Use Registry by the ordering physician.
      • Must have valid Compassionate Use Registry identification card.
      • If under 18, must have an additional recommendation from a second physician.
      • Tried other treatments without success.
      • Risk of using marijuana was determined to be reasonable by the ordering physician.

It is the responsibility of a qualified physician authorized to order marijuana (either low-THC cannabis or medical cannabis) to follow Florida marijuana laws, diagnose patients properly, and decide whether to recommend medical marijuana as the most suitable treatment.

Ordering physicians can order up to a 45-day supply of medical marijuana and one cannabis delivery device for their qualifying patients. With a valid Compassionate Use Registry identification card (which needs to be renewed annually), a patient or their legal representative can then contact a licensed dispensing organization to have the order filled.

Once the patient has the medical marijuana, they must follow certain rules and restrictions concerning use, including where it can be used or administered.

If you are considering legally obtaining medical marijuana to treat your debilitating ailments, consult with a Miami criminal defense attorney to become more familiar with Florida marijuana laws. A legal professional can help you avoid to criminal liability and strongly defend your rights in the event that you are charged with a drug offense.

Call Pimentel & Castillo to request a free consultation with an experienced Miami criminal defense attorney today.

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What the Law Says About Boating & Drinking

What the Law Says About Boating & Drinking

BUI in Florida, criminal defense attorney, Miami criminal defense attorney , ,

South Florida is one of the best locations to take a boat out on the water, and because of that, it is all the more important that Floridians be knowledgeable about the state’s laws related to boating. Considering boats are often a venue in which people consume alcoholic beverages, being informed about the laws concerning boating while intoxicated is of the utmost importance.

What happens when a boater is pulled over?

First and foremost, it is important to understand that the police force that oversees the waters is different from the one that patrols the land. These officers abide by different rules, but should not be taken any less seriously. When an officer signals for a boater to stop, the boater is required to do so. They may ask that the engine simply be cut or an anchor be dropped. Once stopped, the officer will board the boat, at which point those on board will need to keep their hands visible, provide all necessary documentation, permit to a safety inspection, and obey the officer’s commands. The vessel will be searched if given probable cause to.

If there has been drinking, the officer may request that the captain take a breathalyzer test. While this request can be denied, doing so may result in a fine of $500 for the operator, or even a criminal misdemeanor if the boater has refused in the past. If the aforementioned fine is not paid, the vessel may later be taken by the Coast Guard. Assuming the boater does take the breathalyzer and is determined to be intoxicated (above 0.8% in Florida), legal actions will be taken.

BUI in Florida

A charge for boating while intoxicated (commonly referred to as a BUI) will require the help of a proven Miami criminal defense attorney. Otherwise, the boater is likely to face unfavorable judgments, ranging from a $1,000 fine and up to 6 months in jail for a first-time conviction and a third-degree felony for a fourth offense. While a first offense will not typically affect one’s driving privileges, it is possible that this information may be shared with the authorities responsible for suspending drivers licenses, who may elect to do just that. In order to protect one’s rights and secure the most favorable outcome in this situation, the guidance of an experienced criminal defense lawyer will be essential.

Are you facing a BUI charge? Contact a Miami criminal defense attorney experienced in handling cases concerning BUI in Florida. Our lawyers are always available to answer any questions you may have.

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