Category Archives: Criminal
What Are Your Miranda Rights?
Miranda Rights are a critical component of the criminal justice system in the United States, designed to protect the constitutional rights of individuals during police interrogations. These rights stem from the landmark Supreme Court case Miranda v. Arizona (1966), which established that suspects must be informed of their rights before being questioned by law… Read More »
Sixth Suspect Arrested In Florida Sex Trafficking Ring: Key Developments And Legal Implications
Investigators have arrested Sandra Garavito, the sixth suspect implicated in a sex trafficking ring operating out of massage parlors and barbershops in Hillsborough and Manatee counties, Florida. Garavito, who turned herself in last Friday, faces charges of prostitution and violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. Her arrest follows a comprehensive… Read More »
Doctor Convicted For Unlawfully Distributing Opioids
A federal judge recently convicted Dr. Michael Fletcher, a former member of the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure (KBML), for illegally distributing opioids. The Baez Law Firm is not involved in this matter but uses it as an example to highlight serious breaches in medical ethics and regulatory responsibilities, especially given Fletcher’s role in… Read More »
The Fruit Of The Poisonous Tree Doctrine: Ensuring Justice Through Exclusion
The “Fruit of the Poisonous Tree” doctrine is a critical legal principle in United States constitutional law. It ensures that evidence obtained through illegal or unconstitutional means is excluded from use in court. This doctrine is rooted in the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. Understanding this doctrine is essential for… Read More »
Sean Kingston And Mother Charged With Wire Fraud
Sean Kingston, the well-known rapper and singer, along with his mother, Janice Turner, have been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and multiple counts of wire fraud by a federal grand jury in Miami. This high-profile case has garnered significant attention, highlighting the serious nature of wire fraud charges. The Baez Law Firm… Read More »
Fort Lauderdale Man Detained Amidst Investigation Of Wife’s Disappearance In Spain
David Knezevich, a Fort Lauderdale man, remains in detention as his attorneys seek his release, arguing the FBI’s kidnapping charge is a pretext to keep him while investigating his wife’s disappearance as a potential murder. Arrested at Miami International Airport in May, Knezevich is accused of being involved in the suspicious disappearance of his… Read More »
The Fourth Amendment: Safeguarding Privacy And Liberty
The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution is a crucial component of the Bill of Rights, protecting citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government. This amendment plays a fundamental role in maintaining the balance between individual rights and the needs of law enforcement. What is the Fourth Amendment in Simple Terms?… Read More »
The Role Of The Jury In Criminal Sentencing
The Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees every person charged with a crime the right to a jury trial. The U.S. Supreme Court has further clarified that this right extends to the determination of “[a]ny fact that, by law, increases the penalty for a crime.” In other words, if prosecutors need to… Read More »
Miami Judge Tosses Gun Found During Illegal Search Of Suspect
You might think that courts will always believe the testimony of the police over that of a criminal defendant. But that is not true. Take this recent case from Miami, United States v. Howard. The defendant in this case was talking with some friends on the sidewalk outside of a building. Miami police detectives… Read More »
When Can the State Civilly Commit a “Sexually Violent Predator”?
Florida law makes it possible for prosecutors to seek civil commitment of a person believed to be a “sexually violent predator.” Even if such a person has already served any applicable criminal sentence, they can still be committed if prosecutors can show they have some personality disorder or mental health issue that makes them… Read More »