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An old maxim contends that the “best defense is a good offense.” This saying is certainly true in the context of Florida DUI charges. Although some may tempted to simply wait until the government prosecutors prove their case and hope that they are unable to do so, you can often experience much better results if you and your Fort Walton Beach DUI defense attorney formulate and follow an aggressive defense strategy. The precise strategy that will be utilized in your case will depend (of course) on the unique facts and circumstances present that led to your DUI arrest and charge.… Read More

You did a great job and your client’s case was dismissed. You promptly followed through with a record expunction. However, there is one collateral consequence where you are probably failing your client: Digital Erasure. “EraseMugshots.com has announced that they have created a new privacy solution that enables people to remove personal information from the internet. They are there to help people restore their privacy by removing personal information, including criminal records, from 30+ services where people can complete background checks.”1 Think about this for a moment: is your law firm equipped to erase social media leakage, booking photographs, and other… Read More

Attorney Stephen Cobb got coverage in the local newspaper, which covered the book that has an entire chapter dedicated to the Cobb Law Firm and its use of SPECT brain imaging in criminal cases. You can read more on it by going to the link below. News Source: www.NWFDailynews.com

Every single military client sent for brain imaging as part of their defense strategy since 2005 has shown brain abnormalities. As a specialist in criminal law, I trained to fight cases the traditional way. Aggressive pleadings. Attacks on the evidence to make it inadmissible. Advanced motion practice beyond what uncertified lawyers can offer. Actual trial experience instead of just “handling” cases. Long, painful jury trials that make the prosecutor think twice before offering a harsh, over-punishing sentence. This was how I made my name. This is how I became the only criminal law specialist in Okaloosa County: fighting cases like… Read More

Executive clemency is rarely granted on the state or federal level. The Chelsea Manning case has received widespread media attention, but clemency is available on the state level for non-federal, state crimes. In Florida, there are eight (8) types of clemency ranging from a full pardon to a restoration of alien status. There is also a separate type of clemency known as “conditional clemency”. Clemency is strictly a function of the Executive branch of state government, and authorized by the Florida constitution pursuant to Article IV, Section 8(a). Except in treason cases and impeachment, the Governor may: “suspend collection of… Read More

Why would anyone get arrested and then handle their criminal case the hardest way possible, dong the things most likely to cause increased suffering? They wouldn’t. Unless they did not know any better. The MIP Do It Yourselfers Mistake #1: Ignorance of basic and local criminal procedure After release, the Notice to Appear for Plea Day requires the defendant to return to DeFuniak Springs in north Walton County. Do it yourselfers hit the Internet, read as many blogs and articles and statutes as they possibly can as they prepare for their upcoming trial. They budget time and expense money for… Read More

There are two mistakes first offenders routinely make in Minor In Possession of Alcohol cases in Walton County: self representation and parental interference. Let’s take them in reverse order since parental/family member interference is so common. Parental interference becomes a problem the moment a negative phrase such as “that isn’t right!” pops into a mother or father’s head. Many parents get so wrapped up in the emotional rightness and wrongness of what is happening to their child, that they often pressure defense attorneys to engage in risky defensive pleadings, strategies and tactics. This can backfire with seriously damaging consequences that… Read More

The short answer is yes, and not just a warm body with a law degree. Given the sneaky, life altering pitfalls of this type of charge, hiring a specialist will save you upset, time and money many times over. A criminal defense specialist can usually handle your entire case without you having to return to Florida as part of a properly litigated and negotiated dismissal Let’s start at the beginning of a typical MIP case. When someone is arrested for being a Minor in Possession of Alcohol (MIP) in Walton County, one of two things usually happen. The most likely… Read More

Florida criminal law1 provides that it is illegal to use a firearm while you are under the influence of alcohol, chemical substances, or drugs to the point that your normal abilities are impaired. This bit of news actually upset some friends and family when I let them know about it. If you are accused of this offense, you can be found guilty of a second degree misdemeanor where penalties include up to sixty days in jail and a fine of up to $500. If you really blow it representing yourself or act up in court, you can actually get six… Read More

Under Florida burglary law, burglary charges are felonies that vary in degree based on the facts and circumstances of your case. If you are charged with entering a home, building or vehicle owned by another with the intent to commit a crime, you can be charged with burglary. Burglary is not the same as the charge of “breaking and entering” and does not require the intent or taking of anything. I’ve had burglary cases where someone was charged with burglary to a dwelling, a point based mandatory prison sentence offense, where the crime inside was a battery, criminal mischief, an… Read More