As election season comes to a close, crimes involving ballots and voting tend to come to light. Though it doesn't happen often, it does happen on occasion. According to Vox, "Voter fraud is extremely rare. As Vox's German Lopez has written, a study by Loyola Law School professor Justin Levitt found just 35 credible allegations of fraud from 2000 and 2014 - out of more than 800 million ballots cast."
What Happens When You Commit Voting Fraud
State of Florida Passes Amendment 4 Restoring Voting Rights of Convicted Felons
The midterm elections came and went, and for 1.5 million convicted felons in the state of Florida, there was a big win. Amendment 4 passed on Tuesday with more than 60% of the vote, allowing for the voting rights of convicted felons to automatically be restored.
What This New Amendment Means
With the newly passed amendment, felons who have finished their full sentences will now be allowed to vote in the state of Florida. Full sentences include time, fines, probation, and parole. However, felons who have been convicted of murder or sex offenses are not eligible.
Criminal Trial by Jury in Florida
When someone is arrested and charged with a crime, the next step is a plea and potential trial. Not all criminal cases go to trial. In fact, many of them do not. If a defendant pleas guilty or no contest, or if both sides reach a plea bargain or there is a dismissal of charges, the case will not go to trial. However, if the defendant wishes to plea not guilty and face a jury of his or her peers, here is what one can expect from a criminal jury trial process.
The Difference Between a Direct Appeal and Post-Conviction Relief in Florida
In the event that someone is found guilty of a crime during a criminal trial, there can be an element of shock and disbelief, especially if the defendant feels as though the trial was unfair, or additional evidence that challenges their guilt was not available at the time of trial. The initial trial conviction isn't always final, and there are a couple ways that the case can be examined again.
Between a direct appeal and post-conviction relief motion, a criminal conviction can be challenged following the initial trial. However, it's important to note that these two types of situations mean different things and fall under different contexts in the realm of criminal justice.
Medical Marijuana Laws in the State of Florida
Many states around the country have recently passed laws legalizing both medical and recreational marijuana use, creating a confusing situation around the country as the laws regarding marijuana can widely differ from state to state. Despite the fact that Amendment Two, which supported the legalization of medical marijuana in Florida, passed with an overwhelming amount of votes in the election of 2016, the state of Florida is still grappling with largely misunderstood laws when it comes to the legal use of medical marijuana.
Drug Laws and the State of Florida
A recent case surfaced in Miami Beach where a popular barber was arrested after a comprehensive undercover sting. The barber was charged with several drug charges including 10 counts of marijuana possession and selling; seven counts of cocaine possession and selling; five counts of ecstasy possession and selling; and two counts of using communications devices in an unlawful act. He is currently being held on a $120,000 bond.
Drug charges can vary from a misdemeanor to first-degree felony charges depending on the type of controlled substance and the amount involved in the crime. Different types of drug charges can come from simple possession for personal use, or if the intent of the controlled substance is for sale. Here is some information on the drug laws in the state of Florida.
Hate Crimes in Florida Are on The Rise
A recent attack on a gay couple on Miami Beach brought to light a very serious issue still occurring here in South Florida. Hate crimes are very much a part of the criminal justice system and have been on the rise since 2015.
April is Alcohol Responsibility Month
Alcohol Responsibility Month is in April, but it should be every month when you consider the harm that can be done when someone over indulges. Not only do you put yourself at risk when you abuse alcohol, but you can also put friends, family, and strangers in harm's way. Because of the need to drink and enjoy alcohol in a responsible manner, Responsibility.org has made a campaign out of alcohol responsibility, as opposed to awareness, for the month of April.
What You Need to Know About Probation Violations in Florida
When someone is convicted of a crime, there are several different ways that they can be punished. Often we see incarceration offered as a type of punishment, but probation is also an option depending on the type of crime and the judge's choice in sentencing.
It's important to note that probation is a criminal sentence that is an alternative to incarceration and can be used in county or circuit court for misdemeanors or felonies. It is still very serious because if the defendant violates his or her probation, it can mean serious jail time or even prison.
The Controversy of Facial Recognition Technology in Criminal Cases
A Florida state appellate court will soon decide whether to appeal a guilty conviction of a man who was identified by police using a controversial police surveillance program. The controversial facial recognition program was used by the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office to find a man who was accused of selling drugs. Now, the First District Court of Appeals is set to break new legal ground in deciding if police are allowed to use facial software to identify suspects in crimes without notifying the defense first.
