Tag Archives: tampa attorney

Criminal Law | Driving with a Suspended License | Christian Lawyer Tampa

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. Additionally, being issued a citation for Driving with a Suspended License requires a court appearance, which must be filed for with 10 days. Obtaining legal representation to defend against a charge for Driving with a suspended license is important, and may help you avoid future consequences associated with multiple infractions for driving with a suspended license.

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 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.

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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Personal Injury | Firework Safety | July 4th

Independence Day is celebrated in recognition of the Declaration of Independence being approved by the Continental Congress in 1776, setting the 13 colonies on the road to freedom and liberty. The day is celebrated by parades, fireworks and barbecues across the country.

Fireworks have become an iconic symbol in the commemoration of our independence on the 4th of July, and they play a major role in American’s celebration of this day. Seeing fireworks shoot off in the sky brings fond moments, as bright lights flash in a glittery display for all to see; but, if not used with safety and caution, fireworks can cause harmful situations, resulting in serious damages.

Fireworks not only have damaging effects on property, but also heighten the risk for injury; this is especially true under the influence of alcohol. Firework personal injury claims are especially high in the month of July. Florida fireworks are not only illegal but may result in severe hand, body, arm and/or leg injuries, or even worse, it can result in death.

In Florida, it is illegal to buy, sell, or explode consumer fireworks.  You can do so, however, if you have a city permit.  Be aware that if you are shooting off fireworks without a permit, you are breaking the law, which may result in unnecessary fines and a possible police investigation. If law enforcement decides to crack down and you’re caught buying or shooting off illegal fireworks, it is a first-degree misdemeanor.

It is important to be aware that most of the fireworks sold in Florida are illegal. Consumers are usually unaware that the only fireworks that are allowed for personal use without obtaining a special county permit are those classified as “sparklers”. This category of “sparklers” includes a very limited amount of incendiary items.

Legally, the fireworks merchants have their customers sign liability waivers explaining that the fireworks are illegal for personal use; the costumer attests that he is aware of the illegality of the purchase, and signs that he will be using the fireworks for a legal purpose. The legal purpose for use of these consumer fireworks only includes the following:

(A) you have a city permit to shoot off fireworks for the public to enjoy;

(B) you will use the explosives to scare off birds from a farm or fish hatchery; or

(C) you work on a railroad and need to light or clear a path for your train.

These reasons are rarely examined by the purchasers, and most times the customer makes the purchase unaware of the consequences of their illegal use. The reason that persons continue to make the fireworks purchases is because they are unaware, and the law is rarely enforced.

If you or a loved one is injured while using or observing fireworks celebrations, call Blick Law Firm today at (813) 931-0840 to schedule a free 15 minute consultation with attorney Michael Blickensderfer.

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Hurricane Safety | Personal Injury | Tampa Attorney

Weather conditions in Florida frequently cause safety concerns on the roadways, and it is important to be aware of potential dangers and take safety precautions to avoid them.

Inclement weather causes tricky road conditions like standing water or flooding. These road conditions often times conceal dangerous debris, tree branches, and even power lines that are not visible. Many drivers attempt to drive through flooded areas and risk encountering hazards to save time or to avoid an inconvenient detour; drivers should always consider the safety risks and take necessary precautions by avoiding flooded areas.

Many times, weather conditions cause traffic lights to become inoperative, creating confusion on the roadways that can lead to deadly collisions. When encountering a downed traffic light, every driver approaching the intersection should come to a complete stop and yield the right-of-way to any vehicle which has entered the intersection.

Be cautious, and consider that the roads are wet and cars are more prone to skidding and loss of control.

In the event Hurricane conditions cause the need to evacuate, have a plan ready, know where you will go, and research several alternate routes in the event of closed roads and severe traffic congestion.

If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of dangerous roadway conditions, call Blick Law Firm today at (813) 931-0840 to schedule a free 15 minute consultation with attorney Michael Blickensderfer.

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Criminal | Driving with a Suspended License | Tampa Attorney

Everyday Florida drivers get behind the wheel unaware that their driving 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.

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. Receiving a citation for Driving with a Suspended License requires a court appearance.

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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Marine Boating | Tampa Attorney | Drunk Boating

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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Marketing for your Personal Injury Firm Tampa

Welcome to the Behind The Scenes Blick Blog. Blick Law Firm blogs over the years have provided legal information to the community, which is wonderful, but it is time to mix things up and get personal!

Behind The Scenes Blog: weekly insights from inside the firm. Today’s story is brought to you by Mahayana Sfeir, Bilingual Marketing Liaison.

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“I don’t mind living in a man’s world as long as I can be a woman in it.” ~Marilyn Monroe

The reason I started with this quote is because when I think of our Director of Marketing and Public Relations this quote just seems to fit her perfectly. Dana Blickensderfer, director of marketing and public relations at Blick Law Firm is attorney Michael Blickensderfer’s daughter and her role at the firm is vital to the ongoing excellence of daily operations.

At first glance, Dana appears to be this elegant-gentle woman, but she is mu293000_433200156730890_236531918_nch more than that. She is a smart, fierce business woman who is not afraid to shine in a man’s world. This quality in her character really intrigued me and is the reason why I chose her as the focus for our next blog topic. Dana demonstrates this type of leadership daily in her work habits and drive.  She started in her father’s practice in 2010 after graduating from the University of South Florida where she created and implemented her role from nothing.

Initially, the lack of marketing and branding of the firm was a red flag for Dana to utilize her schooling and skills to enhance the family business. To her father’s surprise, it would become a very important piece of the puzzle for the business’s growth. Attorneys, doctors and many professionals on their own must not only carry their education and expertise into their career, but also be able to produce and cultivate business. However, many business professionals lack the creative entrepreneurial mindset that it takes to run successful marketing business plans.  Dana understood the need to market the practice using her well-developed marketing planning abilities to further the family business. She implemented some of the communications and public relations concepts learned from USF, producing amazing results.

Learning from her many trial and error experiments, victories and failures, she realized the success she could accomplish. I commend Dana for her drive, which is what I admire the most about Dana Blickensderfer.

When I first met Dana, we instantly connected as like-minded ambitious women. We believe in our capabilities for success, the word “Can’t” does not exist in our vocabulary. We dream big, but we also know that everything takes time and hard work. Perseverance and dedication is what will get us to that success we foresee together for this personal injury law practice. She became one of the key employees at Blick Law Firm in charge of the office operations, as well as the marketing department. Dana has created an amazing system that I am happy to be a part of, and I look forward to helping her accomplish even more. Like the saying goes “… two heads are better than one…” Together as a team we are creating solid plans to be followed towards our growth.

Dana Blickensderfer is passionate about her work which is an enormous advantage when working by her side. Her passion and enthusiasm is contagious. I am honored to join forces with her and our Blick family to take us to another level. With God there is nothing we can not accomplish, therefore we will stop at nothing.

I would like to finish with this scripture from the Bible that iterates the way we live our day to day in our careers “…it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32 ASV)

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