Andrew D. Stine, P.A. - Florida Criminal Defence Attorney

Experts have been reporting a strong decline in the number of car thefts over the past decade. This decline may be a result of new and improved security technology, better response rates on the side of law enforcement, or a variety of other reasons. However, the Palm Beach Post has recently published an article attesting that fun fact, after a near decade of declining car thefts, grand theft auto seems to be a crime on the rise yet again. More often than not, cars are stolen and used to commit other crimes, or are stripped and sold for parts.

Immigration is a tricky subject. If you are an immigrant, legal or illegal, and you are accused of a serious crime, you could be facing potential deportation. Regardless of your legal status you need to contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer immediately. This is the only chance you have at staying in this country. The law does not take immigration lightly and while there is momentum in changing immigration legislation, for now, being an illegal or even legal immigrant can be a precarious thing.

The Florida Department of Children and Families is the state agency charged with the responsibility of protecting abused and neglected children, elderly, and the disabled. We often hear stories about DCF investigations involving child abuse or neglect, and how these children are taken away from their homes for fear of their safety or even their lives. As a community, we put our trust and faith into this organization to protect children from perilous situations. Unfortunately, the Florida DCF is receiving some heat as a case worker has been accused of falsifying documents and not fulfilling her duties.

Despite recent good news about the gradual decline in the rate of robberies and home invasions, the rate for the first quarter of this year has law enforcement on edge. Law enforcement has recently been boasting about an improved response rate to robberies, better technology and resources, and an all around better crime rate. However, it seems that things are actually getting worse, despite all of the new and improved efforts of law enforcement.

Fraud is a very serious crime in the state of Florida. The charges only increase in severity with the amount of money stolen by fraudulent actions. Unfortunately, fraud is one of the most common types of theft that happens on a daily basis. As technology develops, fraudulent schemes become more and more advanced. With advancing schemes, law enforcement are having a more difficult time tracking down criminals and the systems they are using. These days, credit card fraud and online identity theft is one of the biggest problems that the Economic Crimes Division has to deal with.

Two Sarasota grandparents have been arrested charged with child endangerment, the charges also involve alcohol. Many times, child abuse, child neglect, and child endangerment often involves alcohol or drug abuse. When authorities are called to confront a set of parents or guardians, it's usually because a relative, teacher, or some sort of witness has personally seen the child's parents abuse or neglect the child. Often times the abuse or neglect only happens with alcohol. This can be a very tricky situation because the parents or guardians feel they have not done anything wrong.

John Goodman, founder of the International Polo Club Palm Beach, was found guilty of DUI Manslaughter and Vehicular Homicide in March of this year. While his case seemed to be resolved, his criminal defense attorneys were continuing to attempt to change the fate of Goodman's case by accusing several of the jury members of misconduct. This case continues to complicate, while Goodman still sits in a cell, convicted of drunkenly hitting another person's vehicle, sending that car careening into a canal where the victim drowned.

Petty theft and grand theft are considered to be different solely on the value of the property or money stolen. You will be charged with petty theft if you have stolen property or money valuing less than $300. Greater than $300 is grand theft and is a felony. A felony conviction can cost you your rights as an average citizen. A man in Naples is in need of an experienced criminal defense lawyer because he has so many petty theft convictions on his record that his most recent theft escapade of $1 actually cost him a felony.

Marijuana grow houses are becoming extremely popular in the state of Florida. Marijuana grow houses can be anything from garages, to abandoned trailers, to old houses and sheds. These structures are fortified to facilitate the growth of Marijuana and preparation for sale and distribution. If you have been charged with growing Marijuana, you may face a mandatory minimum prison sentence of three years and a felony criminal record.

For the first time since the rise of the popular "alternative" to marijuana - synthetic pot, an arrest has been made of a man accused of distributing the substance. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has dramatically shifted the movement against synthetic marijuana that has been freely available at gas stations and head shops throughout Florida. Florida legislators have been itching to act against the widely available psychoactive substance and now, this arrest in Palm Beach County marks the first ever federal charge for distributing a now controlled substance.