Recent Blog Posts in April 2010

Some people consider white collar crimes less evil than other types of crimes, but legally they can get you into a lot of trouble. Included in the category of white collar crimes are computer crimes, embezzlement, public corruption, environmental crime, identity theft, consumer fraud, financial fraud, forgery, medical crime, bribery, and bankruptcy fraud, just to name a few.

According to FBI research statistics, white collar crimes cost the U.S. in excess of $300 billion annually, and white collar crimes often go undetected.

A few of the more commonplace white collar crimes below have become increasingly popular in modern times:

Cell phone fraud

This involves the unauthorized use or tampering of a cell phone or service. Stolen phones are sometimes used or people sign up for service using a false ID. Cloning of valid electronic serial numbers {ESN} and reprogramming it into another phone also occurs.

Computer fraud

Hackers sometimes steal information sources that are contained in computers such as credit card information, bank information, etc.

Credit card fraud

This involves someone using a credit card in an unauthorized manner to obtain goods or services.

White collar crimes can lead to jail sentences and heavy penalties. If you or someone you know of has been arrested or charged with a white collar crime, you will need an experienced Orlando criminal defense attorney to help you fight your charges. Contact our office today at 888-249-1206  to set up a consultation with an attorney the firm.

Both the state of Florida and the Federal Government have laws regarding the unlawful use, distribution, possession or production of specific kinds of drugs. The laws are designed to reduce the illegal use of drugs and curb drug related crimes. This includes drugs like heroin, cocaine, methamphetamines, and marijuana.

Drugs are categorized into what are called schedules, of which there are five. Schedule one drugs are the highest in category and are the most potent based on susceptibility to becoming dependent on them and do not have an acknowledged medical use. Schedule five would be the least potent with the least likelihood for dependency. The penalties connected with schedule one drugs are far more severe than the penalties for a drug crime involving a substance in a lower schedule.

It may seem unusual, but there have been murderers who have not been convicted for their crimes due to sleepwalking.People who have the condition of parasomnias can involuntarily act out unusual behavior patterns. This behavior is usually harmless, but not always. They can sometimes do reckless things, injure themselves or others and have no idea that anything occurred for they were “asleep.” Due to this most unusual circumstance, a legal defense came into being called “sleepwalking defense” whereby the defendant is not held responsible for his actions as he or she was asleep and was not consciously intending to commit a crime. This defense is sometimes successful, and sometimes not.

One particular case, Fain vs. Commonwealth, which occurred in the 1870’s, involved a man who fell asleep in the lobby of a Kentucky hotel. When the porter tried to wake him, he pulled out a gun and shot him three times. The man was found guilty of manslaughter but the ruling was later reversed upon appeal. Evidence was presented in the appeal that he had a life-long history of sleepwalking and was sleep deprived before the attack occurred.

If you or someone you know is in need of an Orlando criminal defense attorney, please consider contacting the Rivas Law Firm today at 888-249-1206. We are committed to helping people throughout the Orlando area fight their charges, and will ensure you are provided with strong and aggressive defense against your charges from the beginning of your case until it is resolved.  

Police have arrested a mother and her two teenage sons in Palm Bay after it was discovered they were growing marijuana in their home.

Inside one of the teenager's bedrooms were nine small marijuana plants, in addition to marijuana paraphernalia such as scales and baggies.

Apparently the police had been investigating the two teens while undercover for months, and that their mother, 42-year-old June Kellner, was rarely around or at home.

Both teens have been charged for their involvement, however the younger teen, 14-year-old Benjamin Kellner, faces felony charges for growing the marijuana and selling it at school.

Facing Drug Charges in Orlando?

If you have been arrested for your involvement in a drug crime, it's important to speak with an experienced defense attorney right away. Drug charges, especially felony drug charges like marijuana cultivation, carry heavy penalties upon conviction, such as imprisonment, steep fines, probation or parole, mandatory drug treatment, license suspension, and more.

At the Rivas Law Firm, an Orlando criminal defense lawyer will see to it that you are provided with the aggressive defense you need against your charges. Whether this is your first drug crimes arrest, or you have been convicted of a drug offense the past, you can rest assured we will make every possible effort to help you secure a favorable case outcome.

Contact our firm today if you'd like to discuss your case with a knowledgeable drug crimes defense lawyer.

Police recently arrested seven students at Sanford Middle School for their alleged involvement in a drug ring.

The alleged ring leader is 13-year-old Onyx Mast. Police say Mast sold marijuana, cocaine, and prescription pills to his classmates, and was able to get the drugs on campus by hiding them inside peppermint tins.

In addition to Mast, six other students have also been arrested. These students are believed to be Mast's customers, and ironically had a hand in their own arrest. One student apparently told a school official that Mast put something in his backpack, and then one by one the students started ratting each other out. Eventually Mast and the other students showed school officials their drug stash and all were consequently arrested.

Mast is now facing felony drug charges. The other six students have been charged with misdemeanors, but all stand to be expelled from school for their involvement.

Has Your Son or Daughter Been Charged with a Crime?

If your son or daughter is facing criminal charges, it's important to speak with an attorney who has experience in the Florida juvenile court system. The court process and criminal penalties are different for minors. For example, if Mast is found guilty of the charges, he could be ordered to state custody until he's 19. If he were an adult, he would be facing years in state prison, in addition to other penalties.

At the Rivas Law Firm, we have a great deal of experience in all areas of criminal defense, including juvenile criminal law. If your son or daughter has been arrested for a crime, you can trust an Orlando juvenile defense attorney at our office to protect his or her rights and work hard to secure the best possible case result. We know the toll a criminal conviction can take on your son or daughter's life, and are prepared to do everything we can help your child win their case  to avoid a potentially life-changing conviction.

To arrange a consultation to discuss your child's charges with an Orlando criminal defense lawyer at our office, contact the Rivas Law Firm today at (888) 249-1206!