Learn more about how we can help you get the best possible outcome in your case.
Get My Free Case Strategy Session
Super Lawyers
10 Best
National Association Criminal Defense Lawyers
Florida Association Criminal Defense Lawyers
Expertise
The National Trial Lawyers
The National Trial Lawyers
Expertise

Published on: | by

In Florida, an injunction is a powerful legal tool designed to protect individuals from violence, harassment, stalking, or credible threats. Often referred to as a restraining order, an injunction is issued by a court and can impose strict limitations on another person’s behavior. These orders can prohibit contact, require someone to stay away from certain locations, and even restrict firearm possession.

If you are seeking protection from someone who has threatened or harmed you—or if you have been accused and served with an injunction—it is critical to understand how Florida’s injunction process works. Because injunctions can have significant legal and personal consequences, working with an experienced attorney can make a major difference in the outcome of your case.

Below is an overview of the primary types of injunctions available in Florida and how an experienced attorney can assist with each one. 

Continue reading

Published on: | by

Academic integrity allegations can be devastating for a college student. In a single email or meeting, a student’s academic standing, scholarship eligibility, immigration status, and future career prospects can be placed at risk. Many students and families assume campus disciplinary proceedings are “informal” or “educational” and therefore do not require legal representation. In reality, the consequences of academic misconduct findings can be severe and long-lasting.

An experienced academic misconduct attorney can play a critical role in protecting a student’s rights, academic record, and future. Continue reading

Published on: | by

A petit theft arrest in Florida may sound minor—but in Duval, Clay, and Nassau Counties, even a low-level theft charge can result in serious and lasting consequences. Employers, landlords, licensing boards, schools, and immigration authorities often treat theft allegations far more harshly than other misdemeanor offenses because theft is viewed as a crime of dishonesty.

The good news is most first-time petit theft cases are highly defensible and frequently resolvable without long-term damage—if handled correctly and early. This guide explains how petit theft cases are handled locally in Northeast Florida and outlines proven strategies for minimizing their impact. Continue reading

Published on: | by

Being charged with driving under the influence (DUI) in Florida is a serious matter that can affect your freedom, finances, and future. The legal process can seem intimidating and confusing, especially if this is your first encounter with the criminal justice system. Understanding the stages of a DUI case can help you prepare, protect your rights, and make informed decisions. This article discusses the major stages of a DUI case in Florida from the moment of your arrest to your case resolution.

  1. The Traffic Stop and Arrest

Most DUI cases begin with a traffic stop. A law enforcement officer may pull you over for a moving violation, such as speeding or swerving, or may stop you at a DUI checkpoint. During the stop, the officer will observe your behavior, speech, and physical appearance for signs of impairment.

If the officer suspects impairment, you may be asked to perform field sobriety exercises.  If the officer believes there is probable cause to believe you are impaired, you will be placed under arrest and transported to the county jail. Continue reading

by
Posted in: DUI
Published on:
Updated:

Published on: | by

Being arrested is one of the more frightening experiences anyone can face. In that moment, confusion, fear, and uncertainty can take over—but what you do next can have a powerful impact on the outcome of your case. Whether you were stopped for DUI, accused of a drug offense, or facing a serious felony, understanding the steps to take immediately after an arrest in Florida is essential to protecting your rights and your future.

This article explains the process and offers practical advice on what to do—and what not to do—if you or a loved one has been arrested in Florida. Continue reading

Published on: | by

Being involved in a traffic accident is stressful under any circumstances. But when you’re accused of leaving the scene—sometimes called a “hit-and-run”—the stakes rise dramatically. Florida law takes these charges very seriously, and the consequences can be life-changing. If you or someone you know is facing this situation, hiring an experienced criminal defense lawyer is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future.

Understanding Florida’s Law on Leaving the Scene

Under Florida Statutes § 316.061 and § 316.027, drivers have a legal duty to stop immediately after an accident that results in property damage, injury, or death. Failing to do so is a crime. The severity of the charge depends on the circumstances: Continue reading

Published on: | by

The “Protect Our Communities from DUIs Act” has passed the U.S. House of Representatives (June 26, 2025) and is now in the Senate. It is not law as of today (September 1, 2025). If enacted in its current form, it would make any DUI—even a misdemeanor—an explicit ground to deny admission to the U.S. and a separate ground to deport non-citizens after a conviction. That’s a major shift from current federal immigration law, where most simple DUIs do not automatically trigger deportation.

Where the bill stands and what it says

The House-passed bill (H.R. 875 in the 119th Congress) would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) in two key ways:

  • Inadmissibility (INA §212): A non-citizen would be inadmissible if they were convicted of, admit having committed, or admit committing the essential elements of a DUI/DWI (as defined by the state/tribal/federal jurisdiction), whether classified as a misdemeanor or felony.
  • Deportability (INA §237): A non-citizen would be deportable upon any DUI/DWI conviction, again regardless of misdemeanor/felony label under local law.

The text explicitly includes impairment by alcohol or drugs and defers to the law of the jurisdiction for the definition of the offense. Continue reading

by
Posted in: DUI
Published on:
Updated:

Published on: | by

In the State of Florida, sexual offenses are taken extremely seriously, especially those involving minors. One of the more severe charges that can arise in such cases is Lewd and Lascivious Battery, a felony offense that carries significant legal consequences. This article will explore what this charge entails, the statutory framework surrounding it, potential defenses, and the long-term implications if you’re accused or convicted of this crime.

What Is Lewd and Lascivious Battery?

Pursuant to Florida Statutes Section 800.04(4), Lewd and Lascivious Battery involves adults engaging in sexual activity with a minors aged 12 years or older but younger than 16, or encouraging, forcing, or enticing such a minor to engage in any lewd or lascivious act.

The law is designed to protect minors who, under Florida law, are deemed legally incapable of giving consent to sexual activity—even if they appear willing or initiate the contact. Therefore, a person over the age of 18 who engages in sexual activity with someone aged 12–15 can be charged, regardless of whether the act was consensual. Continue reading

Published on: | by

With the proliferation of the internet and other electronic communication media, the crime of traveling to meet a minor for sex is of growing concern in the United States. Often referred to as “traveling to meet a minor for the purpose of engaging in sexual acts,” the crime is considered very serious in both state and federal courts. However, the way the crime is investigated, prosecuted, and sentenced differs significantly depending on whether it is prosecuted at the state or federal level.

The Nature of the Crime

The crime of traveling to meet a minor for sex is defined by federal and state law to address the issue of adults attempting to engage in sexual activity with minors. In Florida, as in other states, individuals can be charged if they travel to meet a minor with the intent to engage in sexual acts or solicit the minor for such acts.

The federal law governing this offense is found in the Sexual Exploitation and Other Abuse of Children section of the U.S. Code at 18 U.S.C. § 2423, while in Florida, it is governed under Florida Statute Chapter 847, specifically Section 847.0135. Both state and federal law imposes serious penalties, but the approach to investigating and prosecuting these crimes varies significantly depending on whether the case proceeds in state or federal court. Continue reading

Published on: | by

The State of Florida has taken a firm stance against the exploitation of children, particularly when it comes to online predation and child sexual abuse. One of the more serious crimes of this type is traveling to meet a minor for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity. This offense is a violation of Florida law and carries severe penalties that reflect the state’s commitment to protecting children from exploitation. In this article, we will explore the crime of traveling to meet a minor for sex in Florida and the implications to you or a loved one either under investigation or arrested for this crime.

Legal Definition and Elements of the Crime

Florida Statutes § 847.0135 addresses the crime of traveling to meet a minor for sexual activity. Under this statute, it is illegal for an adult to travel to a location within the state for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity with a minor. The law applies regardless of whether the adult has already communicated with the minor directly or through an intermediary, such as a parent or guardian, provided their intent is clear and established.

To be convicted of this offense, the prosecution must prove the following elements: Continue reading

Contact Information
2788 Oak St
Jacksonville, FL 32205
Phone: (904) 354-0333
6015 Morrow St
Jacksonville, FL 32217

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Please do not include any confidential or sensitive information in a contact form, text message, or voicemail. The contact form sends information by non-encrypted email, which is not secure. Submitting a contact form, sending a text message, making a phone call, or leaving a voicemail does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Copyright © 2016 – 2026, Roelke Law, P.A.
JUSTIA Law Firm Blog Design