Category Archives: Criminal Law

Tampa Bay Gasparilla Parade 2012

Posted on January 27, 2012 by Blick Law Firm

TAMPA- On Saturday, Tampa Bay will be invaded by pirates celebrating Gasparilla Parade 2012. Since 1904, this tradition has lived on and is known for its lively Tampa Bay celebration of what happened in history over 100 years ago.

What is the Gasparilla Parade? According to 10 News, legend has it that back in 1904 pirates with Ye Mystic Krewe (YMK) of Gasparilla invaded Tampa Bay. Jose Gaspar, aristocrat turned pirate led YMK to plunder a total of 36 ships along Florida’s West Coast during the end of the 18th century and early 19th century.

And the tradition lives on.

What was once an invasion on horse back and borrowed boats by 50 Tampa residents is now a well-known tradition that we have come to admire today with over 300,000 expected participants. Every year the celebration seems to unfold to greater heights, as does the risks in being involved.

Zero Tolerance Policy. The City of Tampa for the past few years has enforced rules and regulations to ensure a safer environment for Tampa Bay.

Some safety tips to remember:

1. Alcohol violations. Open containers such as a cups, cans or bottles that contain any alcohol are subject for violation. If you are of the legal drinking age, you are allowed to consume alcohol. However, you must remain in the designated alcohol drinking areas to do so. Any drinking consumed outside the boundaries result in violation of the city’s Zero Tolerance Policy.

2. Disruptive Behavior such as urinating in public, nudity, fighting, trespassing on property, or property damage all are in violation of Tampa’s Zero Tolerance Policy and may lead to arrest.

3. Underage drinking. There is zero, zero tolerance for underage drinking. Police officers scout the parade, looking for those consuming alcohol under age. This has been a major issue over the years and is strictly enforced.

Safety is very important for you and your loved one. Be sure to take the proper precautions and stay out of trouble. Arrests lead to many issues such as court dates, fines, etc. If you find yourself in a state of emergency and need the proper legal representation, contact a Tampa criminal attorney that can help fight your legal rights. We will fight for you, so you do not have to. 813-931-0840 call today for your free consultation.

Do not drink and drive. Do not text and drive. Think quick, call Blick.

 

 

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Driving stoned vs driving drunk? Which one is more dangerous?

Posted on December 5, 2011 by Blick Law Firm

According to the TBT this weekend a recent study found although driving under the influence of marijuana undermines behavior, drunk driving is clearly worse.

While alcohol and marijuana both impair driving abilities, driving drunk has a more severe affect than driving stoned. A new study showed that a drunk driver is approximately 10 times more likely to cause a fatal accident than a stoned driver.

Smoking one-third or less of a joint has no severe influence on a drivers ability. Pot smokers driving abilities may alter smaller tasks like staying in a lane; alcohol impairs behaviors that need more attention such as noticing stop signs, pedestrians and alcohol even increases risk-taking behavior.

Overall the findings have shown that those who have taken a moderate dose of marijuana show minimal impairments.

However, taking marijuana and alcohol together creates a much greater hazard than taking either one alone.

Do not do drugs and do not drink and drive. We do not advocate any of the behaviors in this article. However, if you find yourself in this unfortunate situation call your Tampa criminal attorney today and seek the representation and guidance you deserve. Think quick, call Blick at 813-931-0840.

 

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Red light cameras face challenges

Posted on November 4, 2011 by Blick Law Firm

A hearing began in Tampa Bay regarding recent red light camera laws. Many attorneys are standing up against red light camera policies and raising objections.

American Traffic Solutions (ATS) believes the new cameras to be not only constitutional, but that the legislation is very clear on guiding what is and is not a defense. However, several law firm’s plan to appeal the Hillsborough rulings, challenging these tickets. Likely appeal:

1) When a camera catches a red light violator the registered car owner is mailed a “notice of violation.” Car owners must pay a fine of $158 or sign an affidavit identifying someone else as the driver. The argument: Speedy trial rules should begin with the notice of violation, not when the official traffic citation is mailed. This will allow for a more time for driver to seek representation within legal deadlines.

2) ATS processes the infraction and mails the notices and citations. Argument: Anything a police officer or county employee might say about the mailings are hearsay. The government cannot testify that notices and citations were mailed properly.

3) The surveillance camera records violators by video without witnesses or third parties present,  making  camera videos admissible without corroborating testimony. The argument: In a robbery case (for example) prosecutors cannot just play a video for the jury and that suffices as evidence. There must be a third party present to testify the video was valid. Same should go for red light cameras, right?! Not necessarily.

As the controversy continues, stay with us to get current and up-to-date news regarding red light traffic laws in Tampa Bay. Call you Tampa traffic attorney to understand the law changes and get the legal help you deserve. 813-931-0840, think quick, call Blick.

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Attention Tampa drivers: red light cameras fine without warning

Posted on October 31, 2011 by Blick Law Firm

Today is Halloween and the county has given you a treat to celebrate it!  Starting today, the city of Tampa will be enforcing fines on drivers caught breaking any traffic laws at the red cameras. There will be no more warnings like the previous past 30 days.

Citation prices start at $150.00.

Red light camera locations are based upon intersections with high crash data.

Blick Law Firm has listed the locations below:

  • Westbound E Busch Boulevard & N Nebraska Avenue
  • Eastbound E Fowler Avenue & N Nebraska Avenue
  • Westbound E Hillsborough Avenue & N Nebraska Avenue
  • Northbound N Armenia Avenue & W Hillsborough Avenue
  • Northbound N Lois Avenue & W Hillsborough Avenue
  • Northbound N Nebraska Avenue & E Hillsborough Avenue
  • Northbound N Nebraska Avenue & E Fowler Avenue
  • Eastbound W Gandy Boulevard & S Westshore Boulevard

Blick Law Firm is always here helping the hurting, and servicing your legal needs. If you get a ticket due to a red light traffic vi0lation or have been involved in an accident, contact your traffic attorney today or call 813-931-0840. Think quick, call Blick to fight your red light traffic violation.

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Halloween Weekend Safety Tips

Posted on October 28, 2011 by Blick Law Firm

October is coming to an end which means Halloween is around the corner. Whether you are out at a party, dressed in costume, or trick-or-treating for candy, it is important to remember to always be aware of your surroundings and follow safety procedures.

Preparing for this weekend is not just about what costume you will wear, ensuring your safety and the safety of others is critical.

Use the following tips to keep you safe for Halloween:

• Pick visible costumes that will allow drivers to see you in the dark road.

• Don’t snack while trick-or-treating. It is best to wait until you get home in order to inspect your candy.

• Carry a flashlight just in case.

• Masks are known for obstructing vision. Try face paint or make-up.

• Do not enter yards that are fenced off .

• Cross the streets at marked crosswalks.

• Report any suspicious activity to your police department.

• Don’t drink and drive

• Be safe!!

Blick Law firm is always here to help with any legal issues with a vibrant, energetic staff ready to assist.

If you get injured, arrested, or have any legal questions, THINK QUICK! CALL BLICK! 813-931-0840.

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Tampa X-ray machine on steriods stops arrestees from putting just anything in their body

Posted on October 21, 2011 by Blick Law Firm

Hard to swallow, but now, easy to find: MyFoxTAMPABAY.com

Tampa- Local county jails experience some interesting findings during old-fashioned strip searches. However cause for concern reveals that a strip search can not hide everything. That is why there is the Secure Pass.

In Pasco County Jail recent arrestee, Sherese Hutchinson was found with a syringe, five baggies and a piece of tin foil, all inside her body.

Many who are booked for jail try to bring things of the outside world with them whether it be drugs or weapons. But the new Secure Pass should limit this problem.

“This is an x-ray machine on steroids,” remarked Sheriff Chris Nocco.

The x-ray machine scanner shows images that appears on a screen within the jail’s booking area, and within a few hours any suspected drug smugglers will be caught.

This year, two dozen cases of people trying to sneak drugs into the jail have been investigated.

The Secure Pass cost $195,000, and ironically, it was paid for with money seized from drug dealers.

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