<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<feed xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom">
    <title>Florida Criminal Attorney Blog</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com/" />
    <link rel="self" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com/atom.xml" />
   <id>tag:www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com,2008://269</id>
    <link rel="service.post" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com/cgi-bin/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=269" title="Florida Criminal Attorney Blog" />
    <updated>2008-11-25T14:13:04Z</updated>
    <subtitle>Published by Law Offices of Jason M. Melton, P.A.</subtitle>
    <generator uri="http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/">Movable Type 3.33</generator>
 
<entry>
    <title>DUI Charged After Wrong-Way Crash Injures 4 In Tampa</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com/2008/11/dui_charged_after_wrongway_cra.html" />
    <link rel="service.edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com/cgi-bin/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=269/entry_id=30327" title="DUI Charged After Wrong-Way Crash Injures 4 In Tampa" />
    <id>tag:www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com,2008://269.30327</id>
    
    <published>2008-11-25T14:09:43Z</published>
    <updated>2008-11-25T14:13:04Z</updated>
    
    <summary>Police have arrested a Tampa driver who they say crashed head-on into another vehicle and injured four people on Tampa Bay Boulevard on Sunday. The driver, James Darron Snead, was charged with four counts of driving under the influence with...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Jason M. Melton</name>
        <uri>http://www.flcounsel.com/</uri>
    </author>
            <category term="DUI" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com/">
        <![CDATA[<p>Police have arrested a Tampa driver who they say crashed head-on into another vehicle and injured four people on Tampa Bay Boulevard on Sunday.  The driver, James Darron Snead, was charged with four counts of driving under the influence with serious bodily injury, the <a href="http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/nov/24/man-faces-dui-charges-after-wrong-way-crash-injure/" target=blank">Tampa Tribune</a> reports.</p>

<p>Apparently, Snead was behind the wheel of a 2000 Ford, heading east in the westbound lanes of Tampa Bay Boulevard at about 11 p.m. Sunday when his car struck another vehicle near Lois Avenue. Police said they could smell alcohol on Snead’s breath and noticed Snead’s glassy, bloodshot eyes and slurred speech—telltale signs of a person who is <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1322832.html">driving under the influence</a>. Snead was arrested and was subjected to breathtests which registered near .20 BAC, which is more than double the legal limit  of 08. </p>

<p>Each count of Snead’s <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1281338.html">DUI with serious bodily injury</a> charge could subject him to five years state prison. </p>]]>
        <![CDATA[<p>Have you or a loved one been arrested for DUI? Let us put our experience to work for you. Call Tampa DUI Attorney Jason M. Melton at 866-606-5LAW for a consultation. </p>]]>
    </content>
</entry>
<entry>
    <title>Port Richey Doctor sentenced to 33 Years In Prison For Child Porn</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com/2008/11/port_richey_doctor_sentenced_t_1.html" />
    <link rel="service.edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com/cgi-bin/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=269/entry_id=30326" title="Port Richey Doctor sentenced to 33 Years In Prison For Child Porn" />
    <id>tag:www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com,2008://269.30326</id>
    
    <published>2008-11-25T01:59:20Z</published>
    <updated>2008-11-25T02:08:47Z</updated>
    
    <summary>The Tampa Tribune is reporting that the Port Richey doctor convicted of possessing and receiving child pornography was sentenced this afternoon to 33 years and 9 months in federal prison. The Doctor’s wife at the time was the person who...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Jason M. Melton</name>
        <uri>http://www.flcounsel.com/</uri>
    </author>
            <category term="Criminal" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com/">
        <![CDATA[<p>The <a href="http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/nov/24/241817/doctor-gets-33-years-prison-child-porn/news-breaking/" target=blank">Tampa Tribune</a> is reporting that the Port Richey doctor convicted of possessing and receiving child pornography was sentenced this afternoon to 33 years and 9 months in federal prison.</p>

<p>The Doctor’s wife at the time was the person who alerted law enforcement to his criminal activity. She later testified against him at trial.  Investigators say they found images of children as young as six on the Doctor’s office and home computers. At sentencing, family members of the Doctor testified to the Judge that they had been <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1317862.html ">molested by the Doctor </a>when they were children and that they have never been able to move on from the trauma that caused in their life. </p>

<p>The doctor’s medical license has been suspended indefinitely by the <a href="http://www.doh.state.fl.us/RW_webmaster/professionals/" target=blank>Florida Department of Health.</a></p>]]>
        <![CDATA[<p>Comments about this post can be directed to <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1281363.html">Pasco County</a> Criminal Defense Attorney Jason M. Melton at 727-847-2299.</p>]]>
    </content>
</entry>
<entry>
    <title>New Port Richey paramedic arrested for battery</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com/2008/11/new_port_richey_paramedic_arre.html" />
    <link rel="service.edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com/cgi-bin/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=269/entry_id=29848" title="New Port Richey paramedic arrested for battery" />
    <id>tag:www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com,2008://269.29848</id>
    
    <published>2008-11-18T19:00:02Z</published>
    <updated>2008-11-18T19:04:09Z</updated>
    
    <summary>According to a Sheriff&apos;s Office report, New Port Richey Paramedic James McCormick was arrested for battery in relation to an altercation with his girlfriend. Allegedly, he and his girlfriend were arguing when McCormick grabbed her by the throat and started...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Jason M. Melton</name>
        <uri>http://www.flcounsel.com/</uri>
    </author>
            <category term="Criminal" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com/">
        <![CDATA[<p>According to a Sheriff's Office report, New Port Richey Paramedic James McCormick was arrested for <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1312421.html ">battery</a> in relation to an altercation with his girlfriend.  Allegedly, he and his girlfriend were arguing when McCormick grabbed her by the throat and started to choke her. </p>

<p><a href="http://www.abcactionnews.com/mostpopular/story.aspx?content_id=7a786c1b-8a04-419e-b92c-bd8cb7dc7fe6" target=blank">ABC Acton News</a> reports that McCormick's girlfriend scratched him with her fingernails trying to fight back, and thought she was going to die. McCormick told deputies a different side of the story, saying his girlfriend attacked him and he was just defending himself. The Sheriff's Office is now trying to determine if alcohol played a role inthis incident.</p>

<p>McCormick has been arrested and is in jail on the battery charge.  Depending on the severity of the woman’s injuries, under Floirda law, McCormick may be charged with a misdemeanor or felony battery--which could potentially hold a penalty of anything from probation to ten years in prison. </p>]]>
        <![CDATA[<p>Questions about this post can be directed to <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1281363.html">New Port Richey Criminal Defense Attorney</a> Jason M. Melton at 727-847-2299.</p>]]>
    </content>
</entry>
<entry>
    <title>Orlando report shows teachers accused of sex crimes in on the rise</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com/2008/11/orlando_report_shows_teachers.html" />
    <link rel="service.edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com/cgi-bin/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=269/entry_id=29847" title="Orlando report shows teachers accused of sex crimes in on the rise" />
    <id>tag:www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com,2008://269.29847</id>
    
    <published>2008-11-17T18:56:28Z</published>
    <updated>2008-11-18T18:59:48Z</updated>
    
    <summary>The Orlando Sun Sentinel is reporting that at least 150 Florida teachers have been disciplined in the past three years for accusations arising from sexual misconduct with students. One concerning trend the report showed is sexual misdeeds is rising in...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Jason M. Melton</name>
        <uri>http://www.flcounsel.com/</uri>
    </author>
            <category term="Criminal" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com/">
        <![CDATA[<p>The <a href="http://www.sun-sentinel.com/orl-teachsex1608nov16,0,420628.story" target=blank">Orlando Sun Sentinel</a> is reporting that at least 150 Florida teachers have been disciplined in the past three years for accusations arising from sexual misconduct with students. One concerning trend the report showed is sexual misdeeds is rising in Florida – especially among female educators.</p>

<p>Some of the most severe cases resulted in arrests and criminal convictions for <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1317868.html ">sex offenses</a> but the Sentinel's review of teacher-discipline records from the Florida Department of Education found that many of the alleged misconducts did not rise to a criminal level.</p>

<p>Regardless of whether the teachers were criminally charged, the facts of some of these incidents are alarming. Among the “not charged” cases are allegations that a Port Orange teacher sent text messages to a boy, calling him "cutie" and "sexie"; a ninth-grade teacher in Tampa who asked a student about the color of her nipples; and an Orlando coach who used e-mail and instant messages to tell a 13-year-old girl he loved her and wanted their relationship to grow beyond friendship.</p>

<p>Those 150 disciplinary cases don't include the dozens of educators who have been suspended or lost their teaching certificates since 2006 for molesting nonstudents, downloading porn at school, having sex in public and trying to pick up prostitutes. Many of the cases occurred in the South Florida and Tampa Bay areas. In Central Florida, 34 teachers were disciplined in the three-year period, including 12 from Orange County, 11 from Volusia, four from Polk, three from Seminole, three from Brevard and one in Lake.</p>]]>
        <![CDATA[<p>Questions about this post or sexual battery crimes can be directed to Florida Criminal Defense Attorney <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1281301.html">Jason M. Melton</a> at 866-608-5LAW (5529).</p>]]>
    </content>
</entry>
<entry>
    <title>New Port Richey cop resigns after allegedly driving drunk</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com/2008/11/new_port_richey_cop_resigns_af_1.html" />
    <link rel="service.edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com/cgi-bin/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=269/entry_id=29115" title="New Port Richey cop resigns after allegedly driving drunk" />
    <id>tag:www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com,2008://269.29115</id>
    
    <published>2008-11-08T19:26:51Z</published>
    <updated>2008-11-08T19:32:01Z</updated>
    
    <summary>The St. Petersburg Times is reporting that Officer Christopher Sutherlin, accused last week of fleeing an accident in which he was driving drunk, resigned from the police force this week. According to Florida Highway Patrol reports, last week Sutherlin rear-ended...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Jason M. Melton</name>
        <uri>http://www.flcounsel.com/</uri>
    </author>
            <category term="DUI" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com/">
        <![CDATA[<p>The <a href="http://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/article893561.ece" target=blank">St. Petersburg Times</a> is reporting that Officer Christopher Sutherlin, accused last week of fleeing an accident in which he was driving drunk, resigned from the police force this week. </p>

<p>According to Florida Highway Patrol  reports, last week Sutherlin rear-ended a pickup on U.S. 19 north of Main Street and sped away.  The pickup driver followed Sutherlin until he was forced to pull over because of front-end damage to Sutherlin’s car. Early the next morning, Troopers arrested Sutherlin on charges of leaving the scene of an accident and later gave him a Breathalyzer test, which registered blood alcohol levels of 0.148 and 0.151 blood-alcohol level. (Florida law presumes a driver impaired at 0.08.)</p>

<p>Sutherlin is charged with <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1281338.html">DUI</a>, DUI with personal injury and DUI with Property Damage as well as <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1320421.html">Leaving the Scene of an Accident</a>.  The Times reports that the police department began an internal investigation of the incident, which also involved Officer Joseph Pascalli, who was riding with Sutherlin.  Pascalli, who had been part of the department's DUI unit, is now working the midnight shift on patrol.</p>

<p>In a strange twist to the story, Joshua Vitori--who was driving the pickup Sutherlin struck-- is a former Pasco County paramedic who  resigned from his job last week as a result of accusations he <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1312425.html">stole $300 </a>from a patient in his ambulance.</p>]]>
        <![CDATA[<p>If you are a loved one has been charged with DUI please contact the <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1281363.html ">New Port Richey DUI attorneys </a>at The Law Offices of Jason M. Melton at 727-847-2299.</p>]]>
    </content>
</entry>
<entry>
    <title>Bucs player arrested for DUI</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com/2008/10/bucs_player_arrested_for_dui.html" />
    <link rel="service.edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com/cgi-bin/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=269/entry_id=27843" title="Bucs player arrested for DUI" />
    <id>tag:www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com,2008://269.27843</id>
    
    <published>2008-10-21T19:12:16Z</published>
    <updated>2008-10-21T19:16:43Z</updated>
    
    <summary>Tampa Bay Online is reporting that Matt McCoy, a linebacker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was arrested on Friday night by police for driving while intoxicated near his south Tampa home. Records show that McCoy refused a blood-alcohol test and...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Jason M. Melton</name>
        <uri>http://www.flcounsel.com/</uri>
    </author>
            <category term="DUI" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com/">
        <![CDATA[<p><a href="http://blogs.tampabay.com/breakingnews/2008/10/bucs-player-arr.html" target=blank">Tampa Bay Online</a> is reporting that Matt McCoy, a linebacker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was arrested on Friday night by police for <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1281338.html">driving while intoxicated</a> near his south Tampa home. Records show that McCoy refused a blood-alcohol test and was released Saturday afternoon on a $500 bail.</p>

<p>The 26-year-old California native was a third-string linebacker who came to Tampa from the Jets as a free agent, and previously played for the Philadelphia Eagles. The team released him on Saturday. The Bucs’ press release can be found <a href="http://www.buccaneers.com/news/newsdetail.aspx?newsid=6717" target=blank">here</a>. It is unclear whether the DUI played a part in this decision.</p>]]>
        <![CDATA[<p>Comments about this post can be directed to Tampa DUI Attorney <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1281301.html">Jason M. Melton</a> at  <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1277235.html">866-608-5LAW (5529).</a></p>]]>
    </content>
</entry>
<entry>
    <title> Hundreds of DUIs may be dismissed as a result of DUI Tester not following protocol  </title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com/2008/10/hundreds_of_duis_may_be_dismis_1.html" />
    <link rel="service.edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com/cgi-bin/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=269/entry_id=27541" title=" Hundreds of DUIs may be dismissed as a result of DUI Tester not following protocol  " />
    <id>tag:www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com,2008://269.27541</id>
    
    <published>2008-10-16T15:01:14Z</published>
    <updated>2008-10-16T15:21:06Z</updated>
    
    <summary>DUI arrests in South Florida are under suspicion as a result of allegations that an Inspector at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the government agency that oversees the maintenance of Breathalyzer machines, failed to follow protocol when testing...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Jason M. Melton</name>
        <uri>http://www.flcounsel.com/</uri>
    </author>
            <category term="DUI" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com/">
        <![CDATA[<p>DUI arrests in South Florida are under suspicion as a result of allegations that an Inspector at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the government agency that oversees the maintenance of Breathalyzer machines, failed to follow protocol when testing faulty machines. <br />
  <br />
Defense attorneys say it is a scandal that raises questions about thousands of <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1281338.html">DUI</a> cases in Monroe, Broward and Miami Dade counties, and they are right. According to <a href="http://cbs4.com/local/Miami.FDLE.Tester.2.841421.html" target=blank">CBS 4</a> in Miami, the Breath Test operator, Suzanne Veiga, encouraged police agencies to abort tests on Intoxilyzer 8000 machines that were giving questionable results, would unplug the machine if the inspection was failing, and then plug  the machine back in to prevent the machines from reporting the malfunctions to Tallahassee. <br />
 <br />
The Intoxilyzer 8000 is the only breath test machine approved for use in Florida and there are more than 300 in use statewide. </p>

<p>The whole purpose of the breath testing protocol is to insure that the Intoxilyzers are working correctly and rendering accurate Breath Alcohol Content (BAC) levels. By keeping malfunctioning machines in police stations, this FDLE inspector has jeopardized the prosecution of thousands of DUI defendants, not to mention potentially causing the arrest of innocent people for <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1322832.html">drunk driving</a>. My guess is that many of these DUI cases will be broken down to <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1320419.html">Reckless Driving</a> charges or dismissed outright- it will be too hard for State Attorneys to overcome the presumption that the "faulty" Instruments involved in those arrests rendered invalid results, since they were never properly tested by Veiga. </p>]]>
        <![CDATA[<p>If you or a loved on has been charged with DUI please contact Florida DUI Attorney J<a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1281301.html">ason M. Melton</a> at 866-608-5LAW (5529) to discuss your case. </p>]]>
    </content>
</entry>
<entry>
    <title>DUI dismissed as a result of Sheriff&apos;s Office Forgery</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com/2008/10/dui_dismissed_as_a_result_of_s.html" />
    <link rel="service.edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com/cgi-bin/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=269/entry_id=27086" title="DUI dismissed as a result of Sheriff's Office Forgery" />
    <id>tag:www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com,2008://269.27086</id>
    
    <published>2008-10-09T15:34:58Z</published>
    <updated>2008-10-09T15:40:02Z</updated>
    
    <summary>Josh Poltilove reports on Tampa Bay Online that a Hillsborough County Deputy Sheriff allegedly forged supervisors&apos; signatures on important DUI paperwork on two separate occasions. At least one DUI was dropped by the State Attorney&apos;s Office as a result of...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Jason M. Melton</name>
        <uri>http://www.flcounsel.com/</uri>
    </author>
            <category term="DUI" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com/">
        <![CDATA[<p>Josh Poltilove reports on <a href="http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/oct/08/report-finds-deputy-forged-signatures-duis/" target=blank">Tampa Bay Online</a> that a Hillsborough County Deputy Sheriff allegedly forged supervisors' signatures on important DUI paperwork on two separate occasions. At least one DUI was dropped by the State Attorney's Office as a result of the forgery. </p>

<p>The Internal Affairs investigation found that the Deputy Sheriff, Justin Speaks, committed six felonies--three counts of forgery and three counts of uttering a forged instrument-- and conduct unbecoming to a member of the Sheriff's Office. The IA report alleges that Speaks forged Sgt. William Porter's name and initials on a <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1281338.html ">DUI </a>report this year and that  Speaks previously forged Sgt. Ron Harrison's initials on a different DUI report and Sgt. Richard Figueredo's initials to an HCSO supplement. </p>]]>
        <![CDATA[<p>Questions about this post can be directed to Hillsborough County DUI Attorney <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1281301.html ">Jason M. Melton</a> at 866-608-5529.</p>]]>
    </content>
</entry>
<entry>
    <title>Fashion Emergency: Mini-skirt Wearing Male Officer Charged with DUI </title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com/2008/09/fashion_emergancy_miniskirt_we_1.html" />
    <link rel="service.edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com/cgi-bin/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=269/entry_id=26409" title="Fashion Emergency: Mini-skirt Wearing Male Officer Charged with DUI " />
    <id>tag:www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com,2008://269.26409</id>
    
    <published>2008-09-30T19:05:13Z</published>
    <updated>2008-10-01T00:17:13Z</updated>
    
    <summary>It was a fashion 911 of sorts. News 4 in Jacksonville reports that a Panama City male probation officer wearing a blond wig, black miniskirt and fishnet stockings was pulled over by law enforcement last week. The &quot;guy&quot;--Ryder Laramore-- also...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Jason M. Melton</name>
        <uri>http://www.flcounsel.com/</uri>
    </author>
            <category term="DUI" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com/">
        <![CDATA[<p>It was a fashion 911 of sorts. <a href="http://www.news4jax.com/news/17553332/detail.html " target=blank">News 4 in Jacksonville</a> reports that a Panama City male probation officer wearing a blond wig, black miniskirt and fishnet stockings was pulled over by law enforcement  last week. The "guy"--Ryder Laramore-- also happens to be the son of a public defender.</p>

<p>According to police, several drivers called about Laramore's dangerous driving, and when he was pulled over, a bottle of vodka was sticking out from under his seat.  Laramore said he had just left a party but had not been drinking and told police that he was a probation officer and he would lose his job. Bay County officials charged Laramore with <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1281338.html ">DUI</a>, <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1312423.html ">possession of marijuana, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia</a>.  </p>

<p>At this point, losing his job appears to be the least of his worries.  </p>]]>
        <![CDATA[<p>Questions about this post can be directed to <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1281353.html">Florida DUI Attorney</a> Jason M. Melton at 866-608-5529.</p>]]>
    </content>
</entry>
<entry>
    <title>Baker County Man Sentenced in DUI Injury case </title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com/2008/09/baker_county_man_sentenced_in_dui_injury_case_.html" />
    <link rel="service.edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com/cgi-bin/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=269/entry_id=25732" title="Baker County Man Sentenced in DUI Injury case " />
    <id>tag:www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com,2008://269.25732</id>
    
    <published>2008-09-23T00:29:29Z</published>
    <updated>2008-09-23T00:36:57Z</updated>
    
    <summary>Joel Addington of the Baker County Press reported this week that more than two years after Jack Baker III slammed head-on into another vehicle in Glen St. Mary, he was sentenced to six months in county jail and five years...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Jason M. Melton</name>
        <uri>http://www.flcounsel.com/</uri>
    </author>
            <category term="DUI" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com/">
        <![CDATA[<p>Joel Addington of the <a href="http://bakercountypress.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1737&Itemid=1" target=blank">Baker County Press </a>reported this week that more than two years after Jack Baker III slammed head-on into another vehicle in Glen St. Mary,  he was sentenced to six months in county jail and five years probation in exchange for a no contest plea to <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1281338.html DUI">DUI involving serious bodily injury</a>, a third degree felony.</p>

<p>The DUI crash occurred in May 2006, when Baker, who was 20 years old at the time, crossed the center line on N. CR 125 and struck the van driven by a Julie Michaud of Cuyler. Ms. Michaud suffered life-threatening injuries in the crash, still walks with a severe limp and only recently regained the ability to write with her natural hand. </p>

<p>Mr. Baker’s blood alcohol level measured .066 three hours after the accident and  had the case gone to trial The <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1350691.html">Baker County </a>State Attorney’s Office was prepared to put on expert testimony to establish that at the time of the accident the that the defendant’s alcohol level exceeded the .08 legal limit.</p>

<p>Judge Moseley, who presided over the plea, warned Mr. Baker that if he violates any provision of the probation, he could face between two and five years state prison.  </p>]]>
        <![CDATA[<p>Questions about this post can be directed to <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1350691.html">Baker County DUI Attorney </a><a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1281301.html">Jason M. Melton </a>at 866-608-5529.<br />
</p>]]>
    </content>
</entry>
<entry>
    <title>Brooksville, FL Undercover Prostitution Sting Leads to Arrest of 32 Alleged Johns</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com/2008/09/brooksville_fl_undercover_pros_1.html" />
    <link rel="service.edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com/cgi-bin/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=269/entry_id=25412" title="Brooksville, FL Undercover Prostitution Sting Leads to Arrest of 32 Alleged Johns" />
    <id>tag:www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com,2008://269.25412</id>
    
    <published>2008-09-17T03:37:06Z</published>
    <updated>2008-09-17T17:00:28Z</updated>
    
    <summary>The Hernando County seat Brooksville, FL was the site for the Brooksville Police Department&apos;s most recent undercover prostitution sting. This operation, according to Kyle Martin from the Hernando Today, took in 32 arrests this week. Arrests for Prostitution, are often...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Jason M. Melton</name>
        <uri>http://www.flcounsel.com/</uri>
    </author>
            <category term="Criminal" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com/">
        <![CDATA[<p>The Hernando County seat <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1281353.html">Brooksville, FL</a> was the site for the Brooksville Police Department's most recent undercover prostitution sting. This operation, according to <a href="http://www.hernandotoday.com/" target=blank">Kyle Martin </a>from the Hernando Today, took in 32 arrests this week.  </p>

<p>Arrests for Prostitution, are often the target of Motions to Dismiss or Motions to Suppress Evidence due to the Entrapment issues that arise in these scenarios.  Although Entrapment defenses arise in other cases--most notably <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1312423.html">drug crimes</a>, <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1317868.html">sex crimes </a>and <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1312425.html">theft cases</a>--countless prostitution cases have also been dismissed where courts have found that a particular defendant was not predisposed to commit the crime, but for the persuading and manipulation of the undercover officer.</p>

<p>Like <a href="DUI - http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1281338.html">DUI</a>, Prostitution has a tiered sentencing structure for multiple convictions.  For the first violation, the State Attorney can charge a misdemeanor of the second degree.  For the second violation, the State Attorney can charge a misdemeanor of the first degree, and for a third or subsequent violation, the State Attorney can charge a third degree felony.</p>]]>
        <![CDATA[<p>If you or a loved one has been arrested for Prostitution or any crime, contact <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1281353.html">Brooksville, FL Criminal Defense Lawyer </a><a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1281301.html">Jason M. Melton </a>at 352-666-2121.  Jason M. Melton, Esq. is experienced in all criminal matters, past President of the Hernando County Bar Association and co-host of ‘Law Talk’, a Brooksville, FL weekly call-in radio program.  Call immediately for an appointment at the <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/index.html">Law Offices of Jason M. Melton</a> in Spring Hill, FL at 4121 Mariner Blvd.</p>]]>
    </content>
</entry>
<entry>
    <title>Ocala Man Sentenced to Life in Florida Prison for Rape</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com/2008/09/ocala_man_sentenced_to_life_in_1.html" />
    <link rel="service.edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com/cgi-bin/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=269/entry_id=25300" title="Ocala Man Sentenced to Life in Florida Prison for Rape" />
    <id>tag:www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com,2008://269.25300</id>
    
    <published>2008-09-15T21:48:42Z</published>
    <updated>2008-09-30T19:13:58Z</updated>
    
    <summary>Despite the Marion County State Attorney’s Office offering forty years Florida State Prison and the defendant’s Florida Felony Score Sheet permitting a lower sentence of eleven years, a Circuit Judge in Ocala sentenced a man to life imprisonment this past...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Jason M. Melton</name>
        <uri>http://www.flcounsel.com/</uri>
    </author>
            <category term="Criminal" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com/">
        <![CDATA[<p>Despite the <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1281373.htm">Marion County</a> State Attorney’s Office offering forty years Florida State Prison and the defendant’s Florida Felony Score Sheet permitting a lower sentence of eleven years, a Circuit Judge in Ocala sentenced a man to life imprisonment this past week.</p>

<p>Under the advice of the assigned Public Defender to his case, the defendant who was charged with <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1317860.html">burglary</a>, <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1317868.html">sexual battery</a> and <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1312425.html">theft</a> chose to “plea open” to the court with no specific resolution agreed to— apparently hoping for a lenient sentence from the court.  Often times the court will look to the Florida Felony Score Sheet for guidance in this type of situation.  Prosecutors use the formula in score sheets to determine whether a person’s charge and criminal history requires the court to impose prison time, the amount of prison time or to determine if jail or probation is allowed by law.  But as this man and his Public Defender found, the score sheet was merely the start of the process.  Although the score sheet in this case permitted a prison sentence of eleven years, it also permitted life.  The judge chose to sentence life in prison.</p>]]>
        <![CDATA[<p>If you or a loved one is charged with a <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1317868.html">sex crime</a> or facing severe sentencing due to their Florida Felony Score Sheet score– contact <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1281373.htm">Ocala Criminal Defense Lawyer </a><a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/index.html">Jason M. Melton</a> immediately at 352-726-0078.</p>]]>
    </content>
</entry>
<entry>
    <title>Florida’s DUI Breath Test Machine Under Attack Again - This Time in Arizona </title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com/2008/09/floridas_dui_breath_test_machi.html" />
    <link rel="service.edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com/cgi-bin/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=269/entry_id=25244" title="Florida’s DUI Breath Test Machine Under Attack Again - This Time in Arizona " />
    <id>tag:www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com,2008://269.25244</id>
    
    <published>2008-09-14T07:50:55Z</published>
    <updated>2008-09-30T19:12:34Z</updated>
    
    <summary>Over the last two years, countless Florida DUI lawyers from Tampa to Brooksville to Gainesville have argued that the makers of the Intoxilyzer 8000 should have to turn over “source codes” under Florida discovery rules. The Intoxilyzer 8000 is the...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Jason M. Melton</name>
        <uri>http://www.flcounsel.com/</uri>
    </author>
            <category term="DUI" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com/">
        <![CDATA[<p>Over the last two years, countless <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1281338.html ">Florida DUI</a> lawyers from <a href=" http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1281338.html">Tampa</a> to <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1281353.html">Brooksville</a> to <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1313867.html">Gainesville</a> have argued that the makers of the Intoxilyzer 8000 should have to turn over “source codes” under Florida discovery rules. The Intoxilyzer 8000 is the machine Florida law enforcement uses to test Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) which is run by software—called source codes.  </p>

<p>Up until this point, most Florida courts were unwilling to require the Intoxilyzer machines’ manufacturer, CMI, to disclose the source code information to Florida citizens facing criminal prosecution for DUI because the source codes were considered trade secrets, which are protected.  This past week however, Judge Deborah Bernini of Arizona, ordered that the source codes, despite CMI and Arizona prosecutors’ arguments to the contrary, are not a trade secrets. According to news reports, the judge based her ruling on a finding that the Florida Breath test machine is not patented, nor are the source codes protected by copyright law.</p>

<p>Results from Florida’s breath testing machines are already not allowed in Tennessee courtrooms because of  its perceived unreliability.  Hopefully, the State of Florida will take this recent development to do the right thing and either use an alternate breath test machine-- one that is completely transparent with no “secrets”—or discontinues use of the Intoxilyzer 8000 until the source codes are turned over and experts throughout Florida have time to perform a full examination of the machines for reliability. </p>]]>
        <![CDATA[<p>If you or a loved one is charged with a DUI in the State of Florida, contact the Law Offices of <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1281301.html">Jason M. Melton</a> immediately – Tampa, FL DUI Lawyer and Orlando, FL DUI Attorney 1-866-608-5529 – <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1281353.html">Brooksville</a>, FL DUI Lawyer <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1281353.html">Spring Hill</a>, FL DUI Attorney and <a href=" http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1281363.html ">Dade City</a>, FL DUI Lawyer 352-666-2121; <a href=" http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1281363.html ">New Port Richey</a>, FL DUI Attorney <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1313837.html">Clearwater</a>, FL DUI Lawyer <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1313837.html">Tarpon Springs</a>, FL DUI Lawyer and <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1313837.html">St. Petersburg</a>, FL DUI Attorney 727-847-2299; <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1281373.html">Ocala</a>, FL DUI Lawyer <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1313867.html">Gainesville</a>, FL DUI Attorney <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1313847.html">Inverness</a>, FL DUI Lawyer <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1313857.html">Bushnell</a>, FL DUI Attorney and <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1281338.html Bronson">Bronson</a>, FL DUI Lawyer 352-726-0078.<br />
</p>]]>
    </content>
</entry>
<entry>
    <title>From Gainesville to Ocala to Tampa - Florida CDL Drivers Beware of New DHSMV Rules</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com/2008/09/from_gainesville_to_ocala_to_t.html" />
    <link rel="service.edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com/cgi-bin/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=269/entry_id=25097" title="From Gainesville to Ocala to Tampa - Florida CDL Drivers Beware of New DHSMV Rules" />
    <id>tag:www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com,2008://269.25097</id>
    
    <published>2008-09-12T03:04:37Z</published>
    <updated>2008-09-12T03:09:29Z</updated>
    
    <summary>Florida DMV Offices already hold CDL drivers to a high standard – and that standard just got higher. Starting October 1st, commercial driver license holders convicted of a DUI will be ineligible to drive a commercial vehicle for 12 months...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Jason M. Melton</name>
        <uri>http://www.flcounsel.com/</uri>
    </author>
            <category term="DUI" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com/">
        <![CDATA[<p>Florida DMV Offices already hold CDL drivers to a high standard – and that standard just got higher.</p>

<p>Starting October 1st, <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1320417.html">commercial driver license holders</a> convicted of a <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1281338.html">DUI </a>will be ineligible to drive a commercial vehicle for 12 months after the first conviction and will be permanently suspended after a second conviction. This new rule also applies even if when the DUI was received in a personal vehicle of the CDL holder.</p>

<p>DHSMV already forbids CDL holders from obtaining temporary permits during the DUI Formal Review process.  This new rule is just another example of how the State of Florida holds CDL drivers to a higher standard than the other millions of drivers on Florida’s highways.</p>]]>
        <![CDATA[<p>If you or a loved one has a <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1320417.html">traffic issue</a>, is a CDL driver charged with a criminal traffic case or needs information about Florida DHSMV – contact the Law Offices of <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1281301.html">Jason M. Melton </a>immediately at the following: Tampa and Statewide 1-866-608-5529; New Port Richey and Dade City 727-847-2299; St. Petersburg and Clearwater 727-847-2299; Brooksville and Spring Hill 352-666-2121; Bushnell, Inverness, Crystal River, The Villages, Ocala or Gainesville 352-726-0078.</p>]]>
    </content>
</entry>
<entry>
    <title>New Tampa DUI Manslaughter Trial Ordered for Ex-Tampa Arena Football Player</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com/2008/09/new_tampa_dui_manslaughter_tri_1.html" />
    <link rel="service.edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com/cgi-bin/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=269/entry_id=25030" title="New Tampa DUI Manslaughter Trial Ordered for Ex-Tampa Arena Football Player" />
    <id>tag:www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com,2008://269.25030</id>
    
    <published>2008-09-11T01:15:34Z</published>
    <updated>2008-09-11T01:22:07Z</updated>
    
    <summary>This week, a Florida Appeals Court ordered a new trial for Darion Conner, a former Tampa arena football player charged with DUI manslaughter. Leading up to the court’s ruling, a Hillsborough County jury returned a guilty verdict for DUI manslaughter...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Jason M. Melton</name>
        <uri>http://www.flcounsel.com/</uri>
    </author>
            <category term="DUI" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.floridacriminalattorneyblog.com/">
        <![CDATA[<p>This week, a Florida Appeals Court ordered a new trial for Darion Conner, a former Tampa arena football player charged with DUI manslaughter. Leading up to the court’s ruling, a Hillsborough County jury returned a guilty verdict for DUI manslaughter and a judge sentenced Conner to fifteen (15) years Florida state prison. Conner appealed the verdict citing inappropriate conduct of the prosecutors- and the appeals court agreed.</p>

<p>In Connor’s 2005 <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1281338.html">DUI trial</a>, Hillsborough county prosecutors--despite objection from the defense--showed the jury a picture of the victim covered in blood on the street after the accident.  The court ruled that showing of the photo was unfairly prejudicial to the defense, essentially holding that jury would be so distracted by the shock value of the photo they would not be able to be fair in evaluating whether the State actually proved its case against Conner.  This is especially a problem in a case like Connor’s where no one is contesting that there was a death or injury, but rather, whether the driver was sober when the accident occurred.</p>]]>
        <![CDATA[<p>If you or a loved one is charged with DUI manslaughter in Tampa, Hillsborough County, <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1313837.html">Pinellas</a> County, Pasco County, <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1281353.html">Hernando County</a>, <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1313847.html">Citrus County</a>, <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1313857.html">Sumter County</a>, Ocala or <a href="http://www.flcounsel.com/lawyer-attorney-1313867.html">Gainesville, FL </a>contact the DUI Law Offices of Jason M. Melton at 1-866-608-5529.</p>]]>
    </content>
</entry>

</feed> 

