Recent Blog Posts

Driver Arrested For DUI After Crashing Into Bar In Orlando, FL
According to a report from Fox 35 Orlando, a Central Florida man has been arrested and charged with drunk driving after allegedly crashing into a bar in Orlando. As a consequence of the crash, four people were transported to a local hospital. While none of the injuries were life-threatening, a woman reportedly sustained a… Read More »

Florida Man Arrested After Posting Video Of Himself Discharging Firearm From Motor Vehicle On Social Media
According to a report from ClickOrlando, a South Florida man—Nelson Alejandro Perez Valdivia—has been arrested and charged with several serious felony offenses after posting a video of him discharging a firearm from a motor vehicle. The incident in question reportedly happened in Southwest Miami-Dade County. Here, our Orlando criminal defense lawyers discuss the allegations… Read More »

What Is A Habitual Traffic Offender In Florida?
Any traffic ticket can ruin your day. For those with a prior history of driving offenses, all traffic tickets need to be taken seriously. Another violation could even put you at risk of being labeled as a habitual traffic offender (HTO). It is a status that causes the automatic revocation of your driver’s license… Read More »

Florida Supreme Court Hears Oral Arguments In Marsy’s Law Case
According to a report from the Tampa Bay Times, the Florida Supreme Court has heard oral arguments in an unusual case in which the City of Tallahassee is locked in a legal dispute with its own police department. The state’s highest court will decide the future of Marsy’s law—an amendment to the Florida Constitution… Read More »

The Police Never Read Me My Miranda Rights—What Happens Now?
If you watched any police procedural or detective show, you likely have a familiarity with Miranda rights. When a person is arrested, police officers are supposed to read them their rights. Unfortunately, this does not always happen in reality. You may be wondering: What are my options if the police failed to read my… Read More »

The Law On Marijuana Possession In Florida: A Guide For 2023
The marijuana (cannabis) laws in the United States have been in a state of flux over the last decade. If you are unsure of what you are—and are not—allowed to do, you are not alone. As reported by MJBizDaily, approximately half of states have legalized the recreational use of marijuana. Even more states have… Read More »

Pastor And Son In Florida Arrested In Connection With Alleged $8 Million Covid-19 Fraud
According to a report from NBC News, a Florida pastor and his son have been arrested and charged with serious criminal offenses in connection with an alleged $8 million COVID-19-related fraud scheme. Evan Edwards and Josh Edwards—both of Central Florida—allegedly defrauded the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). It is alleged to be one of the… Read More »

Central Florida Chiropractor Arrested, Charged With Sexual Assault
According to a report from NBC WESH 2, a chiropractor in Central Florida has been arrested and charged with a number of different sex crimes offenses. Agostinho Rodrigues, 62 years of age, has been booked into jail in Orange County. He is facing felony charges for sexual battery and other offenses. Here, our Orlando… Read More »

Study: Three Percent Of Police Officers In Florida Previously Fired By Another Department
As a society, we empower and trust the police to protect and severe. Unfortunately, police officers and law enforcement agencies do not always uphold that trust. Police brutality remains a serious problem. Police officers who violate the rights of citizens must be held accountable. A recent study published in the Yale Law Journal finds… Read More »

Man Accused Of More Than A Dozen Break-Ins Arrested In Central Florida
According to a report from ClickOrlando, a man named Corionn Rodman Jones-Bentley has been arrested in connection with more than a dozen break-ins in Osceola County. Law enforcement officials state that Mr. Jones-Bentley was targeting vacation rental properties. He is now facing five separate criminal charges. Here, our Orlando criminal defense attorney discusses the… Read More »

Criminal Defense Law: What Are Pre-Trial Motions?
Were you arrested and charged with a criminal offense in Florida? There are few things more stressful and intimidating. Of course, a charge is not a conviction—a charge is merely a formal allegation. You have the right to defend yourself in court. That being said, few criminal cases actually go to trial. The Innocence… Read More »

How Is White Collar Crime Defined In Florida?
Federal and state law enforcement agencies are cracking down on white collar criminal offenses. These are some of the most complex, technical criminal charges. This raises an important question: What is the definition of a white collar crime? In Florida, there is actually a specific statutory definition of the term. Within this article, our… Read More »

What Are The Next Things That Happen After An Arrest In Florida?
People are arrested every day in Florida. According to data published by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, 29,056 people were arrested in Orange County alone in 2020. What happens after an arrest depends on a number of different factors. At The Baez Law Firm, we are strong advocates for justice and the rights… Read More »

Police Officer In Apopka Arrested And Charged With DUI After Crash
According to a report from the Orlando Sentinel, an officer of the Apopka Police Department has been arrested and charged with a DUI and several other offenses in relation to a crash. Sara Muni, 31, is facing a number of criminal charges after a physical altercation with the other motorist involved in the collision…. Read More »

Planning On Pleading Guilty? Three Reasons Why You Need To Consult With A Criminal Defense Lawyer
Are you preparing to plead guilty to a criminal offense? It is certainly not an uncommon result to a criminal case. In fact, the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) reports that 90 to 95 percent of cases are resolved through a plea bargain. You may be ready to plead guilty so that you can… Read More »

Can You Be Arrested For Street Racing In Florida?
Street racing is considered to be extremely dangerous. In recent years, police and prosecutors in Florida are cracking down on street racing and other forms of reckless driving. You may be wondering: Can you be charged with a crime for street racing in Florida? The answer is a clear and resounding “yes”—our state classifies… Read More »

Your Guide To Expungement Of Criminal Records In Florida
Being arrested and charged with a crime is stressful for many different reasons. It could even cost you your clean criminal record. A criminal record can make it more difficult to get a job or even to rent an apartment. There is some good news: You may be able to seal certain criminal records… Read More »

Central Florida Man Arrested More Than One Year After Allegedly Fleeing Police And Causing A Deadly Crash
According to reporting from Click Orlando, Eddie King, 49, has been arrested and booked into the Orange County jail in relation to a deadly 2021 motor vehicle collision. Mr. King, a native of Gainesville, Florida, was allegedly involved in a fatal car crash while attempting to evade law enforcement officers. In this article, our… Read More »

Is Assault A Felony Criminal Offense In Florida?
In Florida, assault is broadly defined as the “intentional” and “unlawful” threat of violence against another person that creates a reasonable fear of imminent harm. The severity of an assault charge depends on the specific allegations. Simple assault is a misdemeanor offense in Florida. However, aggravated assault is a felony offense. Here, our Orlando… Read More »

An Overview Of Methamphetamine (Meth) Possession Charges In Florida
Methamphetamine (meth) is a powerful and addictive stimulant. It is considered to be a drug of abuse under federal law and state law. A person who is discovered in unlawful possession of meth in Florida could face a serious felony charge that is punishable by significant prison time. In this blog post, our Orlando… Read More »

Top Three Holiday Crimes And How To Avoid Them This Holiday Season
Unfortunately, the holidays are a prime time for crime, as there is an emphasis on buying and giving gifts that some people cannot afford; drinking and partying at family get togethers and on major holidays; and spending time with loved ones, which some people do not have. Each of these factors leads more people… Read More »

Orlando Man Sentenced To More Than Six Years In Prison For Money Laundering Conspiracy
On October 21st, 2022, the United States Attorneys’ Office for the Middle District of Florida announced that Jason Pagan-Reyes, a 40-year-old man from Orlando, has been sentenced to serve more than six years in prison for conspiracy to commit money laundering. The case involves alleged drug trafficking. It is a federal crime. Within this… Read More »

Orlando, FL Woman Arrested In Fatal Hit-And-Run Crash
According to a report from Florida Today, an Orlando woman has been arrested in relation to a fatal hit-and-run collision that occurred in June of 2022. The crash happened near the Hubert Humphrey Bridge in Merritt Island, Florida. Tragically, a 56-year-old bicyclist named Stephan Christian Morf was killed in the accident. 35-year-old Anabel Morales… Read More »

What Are The Possible Outcomes In A Criminal Appeal In Florida?
Few things in life are more frightening than facing a serious criminal charge. Every person has a right to have their day in court. You are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Unfortunately, courts do make errors. A conviction may not be justified. You have the right to appeal. This raises an… Read More »

Four Reasons Why You Not Speak To A Police Officer After An Arrest Without A Lawyer Present
Were you arrested in Central Florida? It is imperative that you take proactive measures to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future. You should not agree to speak to law enforcement officers after an arrest unless you have an attorney by your side. No matter how “friendly” an officer might seem, the simple… Read More »