Tag Archives: military lawyers

Florida Boating Laws

The waters of Florida are both a national and international resource alike, and recreational boating on these waters contributes to the well-being of both residents and visitors. As a result, boating laws are in place to protect the safety, aesthetics, and future of Florida’s waterways.

Florida law enforcement officers and Florida Wildlife officials patrol the waterways daily to ensure safety and compliance with boating laws. It is important while boating to be aware of the laws regulating waterway use, and be informed of what your responsibilities are.

By law, all watercraft operators are responsible for operating their vessel in a reasonable and prudent manner with regard for other vessel traffic, posted restrictions, the presence of a divers-down flag, and other circumstances so as not to endanger people or property. Non-compliance with the safety rules of the waterways can result in both non-criminal and criminal violations.

In Florida, laws against boating while impaired by alcohol or other drugs are as strict as those for driving a vehicle while impaired. Florida law prohibits anyone from boating under the influence (BUI). That is, it is illegal to operate any vessel or to manipulate any water skis, sailboard, or similar device while intoxicated due to alcohol or any combination of alcohol, a controlled substance, or drugs.

If you have been stopped while boating and need legal advice, call Blick Law Firm today. Schedule a free 15-minute appointment with attorney Michael Blickensderfer. Think quick, call Blick.

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DUI: Drunk vs. Under the Influence

Driving under the influence generally refers to a person who has physical control of a vehicle while that person’s normal faculties are impaired by any type of drug, including alcohol and prescription medication.

Under Florida State Statute 316.193, being under the influence pertains to both alcohol and drugs. Therefore, if you are under the influence of drugs and are in actual physical control of a vehicle, you can potentially be charged with a DUI.

In Florida, a blood alcohol level of .08 or more constitutes alcohol impairment beyond the legal limit. However, a police officer may still arrest you for a lower blood alcohol concentration (BAC) if they suspect that your normal faculties are impaired while operating a motor vehicle. Having a BAC under a .08 will increase your chances of overcoming the DUI conviction, but you may still be arrested and endure several hassles that go along with combating a DUI charge.

Police officers will pull drivers over for a number of traffic offenses, even minor ones, and initiate immediate conversation to determine the potential impairment of the driver. To assess the physical signs of impairment, Police will be looking for the ability to maintain eye contact, slurred speech, the smell of alcohol on a driver’s breath, or bloodshot eyes.

Know that your behavior once you’re pulled over is being scrutinized immediately, especially when pulled over late in the evening or after leaving a bar. Therefore, being polite, answering questions respectfully, and not making legal arguments is in your best interest.

While it is your right to not answer any questions without a lawyer present, not doing so will certainly raise the officer’s suspicion and they will likely investigate further. It is wise to answer questions vaguely and avoid delving into specifics, including any amount of alcohol you have consumed, or that you just left a party, bar, or football game.

If the Police are suspicious, they will tell you to exit the vehicle, and you must. However, you may refuse to submit to any sobriety tests conducted. Even if you think you can pass the sobriety exercises, it is likely in your best interest to politely refuse because the officer determines whether you passed based solely on their own judgment. Know that you always have the right to contact Tampa Criminal attorney before you submit to any test.

If you are charged with DUI, it is important to seek legal counsel immediately! Call Blick Law Firm today at 813-931-0840. Make an appointment for a free 15 minute consultation with attorney Michael Blickensderfer to determine what your options are moving forward. Attorney, Michael Blickensderfer has 25 year’s legal experience and is licensed in Florida, New York and New Jersey. Blick Law Firm seeks to help the hurting and those in need. Think quick, call Blick!

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Quiebra: Ventajas y Alternativas

La quiebra es un área compleja de la ley e implica muchas consideraciones, incluyendo la posibilidad de presentar, determinar qué tipo de quiebra presentar en una petición, el uso de las exenciones, la comprensión de las protecciones de la Ley de Quiebras y usarlos a su ventaja.

Muchas personas utilizan la bancarrota como una estrategia para resolver una deuda inmanejable. Hoy en día, es más común de lo que muchos se dan cuenta y puede ser una solución refrescante para una vida agobiada por las deudas.

Ventajas y alternativas que considerar:

Eliminación de la Deuda: La principal ventaja de la declaración de quiebra o bancarrota es la liquidación de la mayoría de la deuda. La descarga elimina totalmente la obligación de pagar la deuda de muchos tipos, incluyendo su deuda de tarjeta de crédito, las facturas médicas, facturas de servicios públicos, préstamos sin garantía, préstamos de día de pago, y la mayoría de otros tipos de deuda no garantizada. *** Nota: Ciertos tipos de la deuda no se puede evitar la declaración de quiebra como los préstamos estudiantiles, manutención infantil y pensión alimenticia, multas, sentencias del Tribunal de DUI contra el deudor y las deudas contraídas por el fraude.

Evitar el acoso de los acreedores: Una vez que un deudor se declara en bancarrota, hay una suspensión automática de la colección de la deuda y la mayoría de los acreedores deben poner fin a sus esfuerzos de recolección de inmediato. La estancia es una orden de la corte automático que prohíbe todo tipo de intentos de recogida de los acreedores, y posterga la mayoría de las acciones contra el deudor, incluyendo embargos, embargos o accesorios, cierres de servicios públicos, ejecuciones hipotecarias y los desalojos.

Empezar de nuevo: Usted será capaz de pagar las cosas que son importantes para usted, y comenzar a reconstruir su crédito en paz!

Alternativas a considerar: La bancarrota no es el único método de negociación de la deuda insuperable, y otros métodos puede ser más ventajoso para su situación particular. Estas alternativas pueden incluir un acuerdo fuera de corte con los acreedores, la reducción de los pagos a los acreedores, la consolidación de deudas, o el pago de la deuda mediante la venta de activos o financiamiento de los activos. Sin embargo, la disponibilidad de estos métodos varía en función de la gravedad de sus dificultades financieras, y también requiere la cooperación de los acreedores.

Si usted está teniendo problemas para cumplir con sus obligaciones de deuda, consulte con un abogado experto en quiebras de Tampa para hablar sobre sus opciones.

Llame al bufete de abogados Blick hoy al 813-931-0840. Haga una cita para una consulta gratis de 15 minutos con Michael Blickensderfer para ver si la quiebra o bancarrota es la adecuada solución para su situación.

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¿Usted ha sido falsamente acusado de un crimen?

¿Usted ha sido falsamente acusado de un crimen?

A pesar de nuestro sistema de justicia dice que uno es inocente hasta que se pruebe su culpabilidad, es todo lo contrario. Ser acusado de un crimen que no cometió puede ser todo un episodio excesivamente emocional. Solicitar la asistencia de un abogado defensor calificado y experimentado, como Michael Blickensderfer, puede calmar la ansiedad que viene con ser acusado. Tiene más de 25 años de experiencia en defensa criminal, es licenciado en tres estados, y ha servido de parte de la acusación, dándole experiencia en ambos lados.

Siendo que usted se está preparando para reunirse con Michael y su equipo legal, le quisiéramos sugerir los siguientes consejos:
1. Tome notas. Apuntando todos los detalles que usted pueda recordar le ayudara a usted y a Michael en la preparación de su defensa. Graba notas sobre el incidente y el momento del arresto. Cada detalle puede tener importancia, por eso es imperativo acordarse y escribir todos los detalles que se pueda acordar.

2. Haga preguntas: Este seguro de comprender las acusaciones que enfrenta.

3. Testigos: Usted posee el derecho legal de tener testigos en su defensa. Utilice tarjetas de notas por cada testigo; grabe su nombre, información de contacto y el valor que puede contribuir a su caso. No se olvide de también incluir nombres de testimonio contra usted y la razón porque. Asegurase de informar al abogado de todos los detalles, positivo y negativo.

4. Conozca sus derechos: Usted NO tiene que hablar con la policía. Nunca de explicación sin representación. Los únicos detalles que le tiene que darle a la policía es su nombre, dirección y cumpleaños. Después de ahí, llame a Michael.

Si usted ha sido acusado falsamente, es crítico que usted contrate a un abogado calificado de inmediato. El licenciado Michael Blickensderfer puede responder preguntas como:
“¿Qué tan grave son los cargos?”
“¿Qué se supone que debo hacer?”
“¿Cómo puedo demostrar que soy inocente?”
“¿Cuáles son mis derechos y opciones legales?”

Él será capaz de evaluar su caso para determinar la mejor manera de proteger y maximizar sus intereses legales. La firma de ley Blick fue creada para “ayudar a los necesitados.” Eso incluye esos que son “falsamente acusado”. Llame hoy para una consulta gratuita.

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DUI penalties in Florida

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) has severe consequences which not only affect your immediate lifestyle, but affect you financially as well. There are certain factors involved in DUI cases that can determine how severe your sentence(s) may be, thus resulting in financial hardship.

A determining factor to the severity of a drinking and driving case may result from past record(s). If you are a first time offender your sentence(s) are typically made up of:

1) Serving 50 + hours of community service
2) Court fees
3) DUI School
4) Attending Victim Impact Pane
5) Possible ignition interlock

Charges for a first time offense start at $500 and can be as high as $1,000 in court fines; depending upon the severity of your blood alcohol level at the time of arrest. All cases may be faced with jail time. Repeat offenders are more likely to incur higher court fines and/or community service hours.

According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Fine Schedule s. 316.193(2)(a)-(b), F.S.

  • First Conviction: Not less than $500, or more than $1,000. With Blood/Breath Alcohol Level (BAL) of .15 or higher or minor in the vehicle: Not less than $1,000, or more than $2,000.
  • Second Conviction: Not less than $1,000, or more than $2,000. With BAL of .15 or higher or minor in the vehicle: Not less than $2,000, or more than $4,000.
  • Third Conviction: More than 10 years from second: Not less than $2,000, or more than $5,000. With BAL of .15 or higher or minor in the vehicle: Not less than $4,000.
  • Fourth or Subsequent Conviction: Not less than $2,000.

Blood alcohol level also plays a part to the results of one’s case. Under Florida law, DUI is one offense, proved by impairment of normal faculties or unlawful blood alcohol or breath alcohol level of .08 or above. In many cases the more severe the blow, the higher the punishment of one’s case.

These are just a few factors that determine the sentence of one’s drinking and driving offense. Hiring a Tampa DUI attorney may be beneficial to the outcome of one’s case. An experienced attorney attempts to avoid jail time at all costs and keep punishments to a minimum, allowing the defendant to cope and move on with their life.

If you are in need of a DUI criminal attorney, call Blick Law Firm today at 813-931-0840, for a free consultation. Attorney, Michael C. Blickensderfer, not only helps those in need with their legal rights, but assists in guiding clients in the right direction for a better and prosperous future. Think quick, call Blick!

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5 critical items needed for successfully filing your petition

Filing for Chapter 7 or 13 Bankruptcy may be time consuming and stressful. There are critical documents that need to be recorded and filed to successfully discharge one’s debt. Five critical items needed for successfully filing your petition are:

1) When filing for bankruptcy, you will need to provide proof of income.

2) Recent payments need to be documented and reported for items including but not limited to: automobile payments, maintenance, rent, groceries, all household expenses, etc.

3) Itemizing your assets or items of value. This includes: bank account, 401K, cash on hand, valuable jewelry or the like.

4) Whether or not you intend to repay, you must record any accumulated debt you have acquired.

5) You may also need to provide information on certain transfers of money or property in the past recent years.

Filing for bankruptcy may be complex so it is important to hire a competent and experienced Tampa bankruptcy attorney to assist you through this stressful process. Call 813-931-0840 today for a free consultation on how we can assist you through your bankruptcy filing process.

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