Category Archives: Criminal Law

Gasparilla Parade Arrests

Posted on January 25, 2013 by Blick Law

Tampa’s annual Gasparilla parade returns this weekend! As most Tampa natives know, the Gasparilla parade celebration brings the entire community together in an all day festival inspired by the legend of Jose Gaspar. The main parade attracts upwards of 300,000 people each year; and as most people know, the festivities surrounding the event lead many to get carried away with their celebrations. According to reports from prior Gasparilla parades, hundreds of arrests are made each year for open container violations; numerous citations are issued for various civil infractions and dozens of people are arrested for other alcohol related criminal offenses, especially Disorderly Conduct, DUI, Boating Under the Influence, and Underage Drinking.

It is important to be responsible and avoid potential arrests during and after the Gasparilla festivities. Make your arrangements ahead of time to get home safely, and ensure the safety of others. Additionally, the City of Tampa recommends you:

  • Plan your day in Advance – Save time by planning where you will park and the route you plan to take.
  • Pick a meeting place – Select a spot where others in your party will know to return in the event you get separated.
  • Know the “Wet Zones” – The parade route allows participants to drink alcohol openly, but only from vendors selling along the route. No coolers, kegs or open containers are allowed elsewhere on the streets; and absolutely no glass containers.

In the event you are arrested during the Gasparilla parade, it is important to quickly consult a Criminal Attorney regarding your rights and advice on what you should do. Call Blick Law Firm immediately at (813) 931-0840 to schedule an appointment for a free 15 minute consultation with attorney Michael Blickensderfer. Think quick, call Blick!

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Arrested by Police

Posted on January 15, 2013 by Blick Law

When confronted by police, people often become nervous because they are unsure if they may be in violation of some ordinance or law. The difference between merely being detained by police and arrested creates different limitations to your rights. It is important to understand what you can do. Police may stop you, and it is not considered an arrest if you are just briefly detained.

In the event you are stopped for questioning, it is important to remain calm, be polite, keep your hands visible at all times, and do not attempt to flee. You do have the right to remain silent, however, it is best to identify yourself first and then notify the officer that you are exercising your right to silence.

If you are unsure of the situation, you can ask the officer why you have been detained and if you are under arrest. If at that time you are not under arrest, you have the right to leave. If the officer proceeds to arrest you, you have the right to speak to a Criminal Defense Attorney.

An arrest occurs only upon a determination of “probable cause”, this means the officer must have more than just a “suspicion”, the officer must have a “reasonable belief” that you committed a crime. Once the arrest is made, an officer can lawfully conduct a search incident to arrest of your person for weapons, evidence, and contraband. At this point, the officer can hold you in jail for up to 24 hours, or until a warrant is issued for the charges.

Anytime you are stopped and arrested it is important to quickly consult a Criminal Attorney regarding your rights and advice on what you should do. If you have been arrested for a criminal offense, or even issued a citation for a traffic violation, call Blick Law Firm today at (813) 931-0840 to schedule an appointment for a free 15 minute consultation with attorney Michael Blickensderfer. Think quick, call Blick!

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Driving with a Suspended License

Posted on January 8, 2013 by Blick Law

Everyday Florida drivers get behind the wheel unaware that their diving privilege has been suspended, cancelled, or revoked. Law enforcement officers make daily arrests for driving with a suspended license which can lead to complications when trying to reinstate your driving privilege.

Driving without knowledge of the suspension generally leads to the issuance of a non-criminal citation. However, it is important to know that payment of the non-criminal citation operates as an acknowledgment of guilt and points may be assessed against your license because it is considered a moving violation.

In Florida, it is a criminal traffic offense if a driver operates a motor vehicle with knowledge that their driver’s license is cancelled, suspended, or revoked. The following charges may result from Driving with a Suspended License with knowledge of the suspension:

(1) First conviction is a second degree misdemeanor;

(2) Second conviction is a first degree misdemeanor;

(3) Third, or subsequent conviction, is a third degree felony and possible jail time may have to be served.

It is important to know that multiple infractions of Driving with a Suspended License can lead to very serious consequences, and drivers with repeated violations can become listed as a Habitual Traffic Offender.

The penalty of driving with your license suspended, whether you have knowledge or not, can be serious and generally lead to complications with your future driving privilege.

If you or a loved one have been arrested or issued a citation for driving with a suspended license, call Blick Law Firm today at (813) 931-0840. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation with attorney Michael Blickensderfer.

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Arrested Over the New Year?

Posted on December 29, 2012 by Blick Law

During the transition into the New Year, most people spend extra time celebrating with friends and family. However, every New Year people tend to get carried away in their celebrations and face the risk of being arrested. Due to an increased tendency to behave irresponsibly during these festive times, arrests for DUI, trespass, disorderly conduct, and various alcohol related offenses tend to increase accordingly. It is important to remember to always be responsible during and after New Year’s celebrations, but also to be aware of your rights in the event that you are arrested.

When confronted by police, people often become nervous because they are unsure if they may be in violation of some ordinance or law. The difference between merely being detained by police and arrested creates different limitations to your rights. It is important to understand what you can do. Police may stop you, and it is not considered an arrest if you are just briefly detained.

A detainment occurs when an officer stops and questions a person of interest, generally for a shorter period of time, and requires less than “probable cause” to make a detainment. An officer can detain anyone if they have a “reasonable suspicion” that the person committed or was involved in any criminal activity.

In the event you are stopped for questioning, it is important to remain calm, be polite, keep your hands visible at all times, and do not attempt to flee. You do have the right to remain silent, however, it is best to identify yourself first and then notify the officer that you are exercising your right to silence.

If you are unsure of the situation, you can ask the officer why you have been detained and if you are under arrest. If at that time you are not under arrest, you have the right to leave. If the officer proceeds to arrest you, you have the right to speak to a Criminal Defense Attorney.

An arrest occurs only upon a determination of “probable cause”, this means the officer must have more than just a “suspicion”, the officer must have a “reasonable belief” that you committed a crime. Once the arrest is made, an officer can lawfully conduct a search incident to arrest of your person for weapons, evidence, and contraband. At this point, the officer can hold you in jail for up to 24 hours or until a warrant is issued for the charges.

Anytime you are stopped and arrested it is important to quickly consult a Criminal Attorney regarding your rights and advice on what you should do. If you have been arrested for a criminal offense, or even issued a citation for a traffic violation, call Blick Law Firm today at (813) 931-0840 to schedule an appointment for a free 15 minute consultation with attorney Michael Blickensderfer. Think quick, call Blick!

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Juvenile Crimes in Florida

Posted on December 28, 2012 by Blick Law

In Florida, persons under the age of 18 are considered minors and tried as juveniles for crimes they commit rather than as adults. The distinction in Florida, as in all states, is made to separate offenses perpetrated by those under a certain age determined as the age of majority. When a Juvenile is taken into custody, they may be placed temporarily in a secure detention facility while awaiting court disposition and can be confined for up to 21 days; in situations where a juvenile violates a court ordered sanction, they may be detained even longer. In certain cases, the court will sentence a juvenile as an adult depending on the severity of the crime committed.

In contrast to the objective to punish adults for their crimes, the state seeks to rehabilitate juveniles and prevent future misconduct. With the focus of juvenile justice set on rehabilitation, the courts seek to assist minors in functioning properly in a normal adult society. However, many juveniles face strict sentences for their crimes, and often times detainment of the juvenile can last for extended periods.

Many people expect juveniles to receive a slap on the wrist for their offenses, but courts often times attempt to deliver a strong message to youths in order to enforce a positive awareness of the consequences of their decisions.

If your minor child has been arrested for a crime and you have questions or concerns about their rights, call Blick Law Firm today at (813) 931-0840. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation with attorney Michael Blickensderfer.

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Holiday Legal Aid

Posted on December 26, 2012 by Blick Law

With the Holidays winding down quickly and the New Year approaching, everyone is now returning to their daily routine. Spending time with family and celebrating the gift-giving Holiday provided a pleasant break from the rigors of daily life. While everyone looks forward to starting the New Year off right, it is important to consider that the burden of legal trouble can happen to anyone at any time; and knowing where to turn in the event you encounter legal problems is critical.

Blick Law Firm offers a wide array of legal services to help serve the public including Personal Injury, Criminal Law, Real Estate, and Bankruptcy; we also provide help in Family and Probate Law matters. As a result, our blog topics range from auto accidents to short sales.

Grounded in Christian values, Blick Law Firm strives to not only meet the legal needs of its clients and their families, but also to provide physical and emotional support. We treat each client equally and with the utmost respect; offering high-quality legal representation and counsel to those who need us most. We pride ourselves on our motto of Helping the Hurting, and reach out to the community in a variety of ways.

Our website Blicklawfirm.com provides useful information on our blog that may be helpful in addressing your legal concerns; additionally, we offer details about our services aimed at providing reassurance that your legal needs will be handled effectively. With over 25 years of knowledge and practice, including a broad range of trial and courtroom experience, we will work hard for you.

If you or a loved one have legal concerns and are seeking quality legal representation, call Blick Law Firm today at (813) 931-0840. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation with attorney Michael Blickensderfer. Think quick, call Blick.

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