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Summary: A Florida Hague Convention case generally decides where an international custody dispute should be heard—not which parent should ultimately receive custody. These cases move quickly, and early evidence preservation can be decisive.

International child-abduction cases can move with extraordinary speed. When a child is brought to or kept in Florida after living in another country, the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction may require a court to determine whether the child must be returned.

These proceedings are not conventional Florida custody cases. A court ordinarily does not decide which parent should receive custody or where the child would have a “better” life. It decides where the child was habitually resident, whether the child was wrongfully removed or retained, and whether a recognized exception permits the court to deny return.

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The Marion County Sheriff’s Office recently announced the results of a major undercover child predator sting operation known as “Operation Bad Habits.” According to law enforcement officials, dozens of men were arrested after allegedly communicating online with individuals they believed were underage girls. In reality, the “children” were undercover law enforcement officers posing as minors on social media and messaging platforms.

Authorities allege that the suspects engaged in sexually explicit conversations and then traveled to predetermined locations intending to meet the purported minors for sexual activity. As a result, many of those arrested were charged with Traveling to Meet a Minor for Unlawful Sexual Activity, Use of a Computer to Seduce, Solicit, or Lure a Child, and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communication Device to Facilitate a Felony.

These arrests generated widespread media attention throughout Florida, including in Jacksonville, Duval County, Clay County, Nassau County, St. Johns County, and surrounding communities. For many defendants, the arrest itself can be life-changing long before a case ever reaches a courtroom.

However, it is important to remember that an arrest is merely an accusation. Every person accused of a crime remains presumed innocent unless and until the State proves guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Continue reading

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When someone is charged with a crime in Jacksonville, Florida, one of the most important factors shaping the case is whether it proceeds in juvenile court or adult criminal court. While both systems operate within Florida’s judicial framework, they differ dramatically in purpose, procedure, penalties, and long-term consequences.

For individuals and families in Duval County, understanding these differences can mean the difference between a second chance and a lifelong record. Continue reading

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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. 

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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