Recent Blog Posts

Multiple DUI's

Rivas Law Firm — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 19:58:00 GMT

Marion County, Florida -- Two DUI charges in 3 DAYS. A woman was charged with a second DUIa day after she was released from jail for being charged with a DUI. Surprisingly, the same officer arrested her a second time. A second DUI conviction within the last 5 years carry mandatory penalties such as a mandatory 5 year license revocation, 10 days in jail and 30 day vehicle impoundment.

If you have been accused of a DUI, can an attorney who is experienced in DUI defense. Failure to do so can result in severe penalties. An Orlando DUI lawyercan help you avoid the severe penalties you could be facing.

Sealing and Expunging Criminal Records

Rivas Law Firm — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 20:25:00 GMT

In today's high unemployment job market, people seeking a job--or simply trying to hang on to their job--just cannot afford to have a first-time criminal arrest or plea on their record. Employers have their pick of applicants, and many companies aggressively run background searches on their potential employees or those seeking promotion or job retention.
For the job-seeker who made a past mistake, had a withhold of adjudication, went on pre-trial diversion, or who was unfortunately arrested, only to have the criminal charge dropped, sealing or expunging their criminal record could be critical to their chances of landing that job.
Retaining a criminal defense lawyer with experience in sealing and expunging criminal records could be a job-seeker's smartest investment.
In Florida, sealing and expunging records is controlled by statute, and the job-seeker should choose an attorney whio knows both the law and the procedure.
Cleaning up that criminal record has become a necessity in today's employment world.

Decriminalizing Marijuana?

Rivas Law Firm — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 19:17:00 GMT

There has been a movement in recent years to decriminalize cannabis [or marijuana], especially in California. In fact, marijuana has been decriminalized to some extent in that state for "medical purposes." The federal government is contemplating not enforcing current drug laws against those who possess marijuana for medical reasons.
However, it is important to remember that Florida has not decriminalized marijuana and is unlikely to any time soon. In fact, Florida has some of the toughest drug possession laws in the country. For instance, if someone is adjudicated guilty of possession of marijuana or cocaine, their driver's license will be suspended for two years!
Even first time offenders can face significant penalties. Therefore, it is imperative that anyone charged with possession of marijuana, cocaine, or other drugs, obtain counsel by a criminal defense attorney.

Dangers of Texting While Driving

Rivas Law Firm — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 18:56:00 GMT

Texting while driving is a controversial topic in current news. There have been numerous cases across the nation where accidents, often involving serious bodily injury or even death, have allegedly been caused by drivers not paying attention--due to their texting! Numerous jurdisdictions, including Florida, are contemplating outlawing texting while driving. Texters need to stay aware of the current state of the law on this issue, as they may be facing legal problems in the near future.
Even if texting does not become illegal, it can lead to serious criminal traffic charges, such as reckless driving or worse, if an accident occurs while the driver is texting. Due to the prominence of this problem, law enforcement and state attorneys may become aggressive in prosecuting such cases, and representation by an experienced criminal defense attorney is recommended.

Labor Day Weekend

Rivas Law Firm — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 13:35:00 GMT

According to Brevard County Sheriff’s Office they will be starting a 30-day operation to emphasize on reckless driving along I-95. The operation is called “Operation I-95 Alive,” it will track down speeding and erratic drivers. Between 2003 and 2008 more than 125 people have died on I-95 in Brevard County. There will be more patrols just in time for Labor Day Weekend.

If you have ticket in Brevard County you need to hire an attorney with experience in handling traffic infractions in Brevard County. Contact The Rivas Law Firm, P.A., we have experience in dealing with speeding tickets, reckless driving, including a DUI in Brevard. We will try to get your infraction dismissed or adjudication withheld, which means we will try for points not be assessed to your driving record.

Child Abuse

Rivas Law Firm — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 21:15:00 GMT

ORLANDO -

An Orlando mother is facing aggravated child abuse charges after her five year old daughter was allegedly shot last week by her mother's boyfriend while showing the gun to other adults.

Authorities claimed that the mother had initially lied to authorities in order to protect her boyfriend.

If you are charged with Child Abuse, please consult with an Orlando Child Abuse Lawyer that can represent you in all phases of the Criminal Procedure. A child abuse charge can have serious implications and in some circumstances cause you to lose custody of your child. An experienced child abuse lawyer can guide you through the difficult process and help achieve the best possible outcome.

At The Rivas Law Firm, P. A., we handle all kinds of Child Abuse Charges. Call us for a free consultation at (407) 644-2466, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We practice in Orange County, Seminole, Osceola, Brevard, Hillsbourough, and surrounding counties.

Arrests on Pot & Explosives Charges

Rivas Law Firm — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 20:00:00 GMT

In Poincianna there were four people arrested for growing marijuana and trying to make explosive devices. The investigation started a week prior to the arrest due to the suspects car being pulled over and deputies found a marijuana plant. That led to the arrests for pot possession, and cultivation and possession of explosive devices.

Deputies said they found numerous weapons, including several semi-automatic weapons. They found three improvised explosive devices. The U.S. Treasury Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms is looking into this case to know if any of the suspects were allowed to own these weapons.

If you have been charged with drug possession, pot cultivation, marijuana possession you need to contact an attorney immediately. The Rivas Law Firm, P.A. has experience in drug possession cases, marijuana possession/cultivation, sale/delivery cases. Please feel free to contact our office for a consulation.

Applying for Benefits and Discovering a Warrant

Rivas Law Firm — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 18:30:00 GMT

Orange County, Florida -- In the last month a 62-year old woman, Elizabeth Becker, applied for benefits and the least she could expect was deputies coming for her. Apparently she had a Violation of Probation warrant in Orlando since 1996. She was removed from her nursing home and transferred for four days to the Orange County Jail where a Judge Dismissed her Orange County warrant.

She had been placed on probation for a DUI, and resisting an officer without violence in Orlando, but according to the records she violated probation in Orlando, by trespassing, consuming an alcoholic beverage, and failed to complete a substance abuse program.

Recently it is now common that if you apply for Social Security benefits, and you have any outstanding warrants, benefits will be denied. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office has many warrants yet outstanding and it’s unknown how many of them are similar to Becker’s.

If you have violated probation in Orlando, Kissimmee, and surrounding areas you need to contact an attorney to know how to approach and proceed with this situation. The Rivas Law Firm has experience in violation of probations, trespassing, DUI/Drinking and Driving, and could help you in your outstanding warrant.

Be Smart........Drive Smart Florida

Rivas Law Firm — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 07:00:00 GMT

Orlando, Florida – This weekend the Florida Highway Patrol will begin a campaign called “Be Smart…Drive Smart Florida”. Troopers are aggressively pursuing anyone who commits traffic offenses for reckless driving, Orlando DUI, racing on the highway, speeding, and careless driving. The Florida Highway Patrol troopers will be giving out as many speeding tickets as necessary in order to make Florida’s streets safer. All available troopers will be patrolling Orlando’s streets issuing traffic citations and arresting anyone committing any traffic criminal violations such as drunk driving under the influence of Alcohol or Drug Possession. If you are accused or arrested for any traffic offense, reckless driving, Orlando Dui, racing on the highway, speeding, and careless driving contact an Orlando Criminal Lawyer at the Rivas Law Firm, P.A. The Rivas Law Firm specializes in Criminal Defense, Orlando DUI, Osceola DUI, and any other Orlando Reckless driving charges.

Do not drive aggressively, but if you do, contact an Aggressive driving lawyer, one who can defend your rights, and would investigate all of the details of your case.

In most cases, a Traffic Lawyer can make a difference in your driving license record by keeping the points off your driving record.