New Florida Criminal Laws Taking Effect October 1, 2026: What Sarasota Defendants Need to Know
Several new Florida criminal laws take effect October 1, 2026. Learn how changes to pretrial release, career-offender registration, gang membership, xylazine, rental fraud, and sex-related offenses may affect Sarasota defendants.
Florida HB 277: How a Second Domestic Violence Battery Can Become a Felony
Florida HB 277 creates enhanced penalties for certain repeat domestic violence offenses. Learn when a second domestic violence battery can become a third-degree felony.
Missy’s Law in Florida: What Defendants Need to Know
Missy’s Law in Florida: Florida’s new Missy’s Law changes what happens after a person pleads guilty or no contest to, or is found guilty…
Florida Breathalyzer Refusal Law: Is Refusing a DUI Test a Crime?
Florida's DUI laws changed significantly on October 1, 2025. For related information, see our Florida DUI defense resources. Under the law now in effect,…
Florida Violent Felony Offenders of Special Concern (VFOSC): What the Law Means
Learn what it means to be a Violent Felony Offender of Special Concern (VFOSC) in Florida, including probation violations, pretrial release restrictions, and sentencing consequences.
Florida Pretrial Detention: When Can a Defendant Be Held Without Bond?
Florida Pretrial Detention: When Can a Defendant Be Held Without Bond? Being arrested for a crime in Florida does not necessarily mean that a…
Florida’s New “Super Speeder” Law: What Sarasota Drivers Need to Know
Florida has a new law aimed at drivers accused of excessive speeding, and it can have consequences that go well beyond an ordinary speeding…
Florida Blood Alcohol Level Calculator
Florida BAC Calculator: Use the interactive estimator below to calculate an estimated blood alcohol concentration (BAC) based on body weight, sex, drinks, and time…
What is the DMV Expedited Elibility Review Hearing?
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) has initiated a new procedure called the Expedited Review Hearing. This is a new…
What is the DETER Program For DUI Arrest Cases?
The State Attorney's Office for the Twelfth Judicial Circuit, which prosecutes DUI arrest cases in Sarasota, Manatee and Desoto counties, has initiated a program…
What Is The Florida DMV Eligibility Review Hearing?
The Florida DMV Eligibility Review Hearing is an administrative hearing for a person charged with a first offense DUI. By exercising the right to…
New Court Ruling Ends Nebbia Holds In Florida
The Second District Court of Appeals on February 14, 2018 issued an opinion in Casiano v. State, which effectively ends the use of Nebbia holds…