Month: October 2020

Thanks to the advancements of connectivity in technology, our phones have become personal vaults of information. From our bank account information to a constant GPS tracking system of our whereabouts, the online records in these smart devices can reveal a significant amount of private information we hold dear. If this information should be seized or …

Continue reading “Can Police Force You To Turn Over Your Phone and Online Records?”

The COVID-19 pandemic has forever changed the court practices we once knew. Before there were no masks, lockdowns, and layoffs, thousands of court proceedings took place in-person daily. As cases spiked across the United States, courts were left empty—a reality we’ve never imagined. We’ve seen trials postponed, virtual hearings for civil cases, outbreaks in prisons, …

Continue reading “Attorney Rachel Mattie Weighs in on Court Changes After COVID-19”

Authorities from Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, the United States Marshals Service, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement worked collaboratively in what they call “Operation 2020 Vision”—an assignment directed toward locating newly discovered unlisted sex offenders, unregistered vehicles, phones, and incompliant transient offenders.  In an effort to check on the adherence of current sex offenders, …

Continue reading “What Sex Offenders Need to Know as Police Busts Increase in Central Florida”

The holiday season, while filled with love, laughter, and joy, isn’t always relaxing. For most people, running around doing last-minute shopping and spending money is chaotic and stressful. What’s deemed as “the most wonderful time of the year” is often not the case for those who can’t afford gift-giving or have no family to spend …

Continue reading “Do Certain Crimes Really Spike During the Holidays?”

With Halloween just a few weeks away, children all over are preparing their costumes and making plans for trick or treating. Sex offenders, on the other hand, are required by law to keep their homes off-limits to Halloween celebrators. States across the United States, including Florida, have passed “No Candy” and “Operation Boo” laws, placing …

Continue reading “FL Requirements for Sex Offenders on Halloween”

In Florida, statutory rape is defined as unlawful sexual activity with a minor. Often, people are surprised when they are charged with statutory rape. When charged, defendants will usually claim they were unaware of their sexual partner’s age, or that their partner provided consent before any sexual contact occurred. However, Florida law clearly defines the …

Continue reading “Can I Be Charged with Statutory Rape If I Was Unaware of My Partner’s Age?”

At some point in their lives, most people find themselves facing unexpected financial stress. Whether you have to pay for an unforeseen car repair or medical procedure, it can be hard to pay unanticipated bills. Some people turn to online platforms, such as Go Fund Me, to raise money to pay their bills. This usually …

Continue reading “Can I Be Charged with Fraud for Starting a Fake Go Fund Me?”