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

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.

Surprisingly, robbery has one of the lowest index of crimes that occur in South Florida in comparison to violent crimes like aggravated assault, and property crimes like theft and burglary. It may be a sign of the times however because the rate of robbery in South Florida is increasing since the year 2010. Robbery is a crime that unfortunately happens every day no matter what county you are in. Just today in WPTV News, there were two separate stories on robbery. One occurred at a Papa John's, the other at a Burger King.

Bank robberies may seem like they only happen in movies but in truth, it is a crime that is unfortunately common in the South Florida area. In fact, the FBI has been recently trying to track down a man who may have committed seven robberies since this past Christmas Eve. If caught, the robber is facing a seriously long time in prison in addition to heavy fines and a drawn out court case. He will need an extremely experienced criminal defense lawyer to help him through this process because his crimes have been subject to a lot of media attention.

Many people have been following the case of the death of beloved grocery store owner Jimmy McMillan in Belle Glade. The 19-year-old accused of robbing, shooting, and killing McMillan confessed to his crimes Saturday. After appearing before the Judge briefly he is being held without bond and could possibly be facing the death penalty for aggravated assault with a firearm, armed robbery with a firearm, and first-degree murder with a firearm.

Carjacking is a serious crime in the state of Florida. Recent carjacking numbers have increased along with the new "bump and rob" type of robbery. Carjacking is a first degree felony and is defined as the forcible or violent taking of a motor vehicle from the owner with the intent of either permanently or temporarily depriving the owner of the said motor vehicle. While it is serious, it is unfortunately very common in South Florida.

In 2009, there were 30,911 reported robberies. That number continues to increase. Out of every state in the country, Florida ranks the 5th highest for the robbery rate as of 2009, according to The Disaster Center. There is generally a new robbery every day locally in West Palm Beach covered in the news. 

Happy 4th of July! Some people have not had such a good weekend so far. According to the Palm Beach Post, two men were carjacked and one was stuffed into the trunk late last night. Police are trying to figure out if this incident is part of the “bump and rob” trend that’s starting to become more commonplace in the West Palm Beach area lately.

Criminal charges can’t be separated by categories because one criminal charge often results in residual charges. A great common example would be when a residence is busted for being a marijuana grow house and then the owner is also charged with weapons possession after weapons are found in the residence. Multiplecriminal charges can often result in a very complicated sentence.