Our Legal Blog

How Long Does Domestic Violence Stay on Your Record?

• January 5, 2021
• Lawyer Michael Panella
• Criminal Defense

Sometimes arguments get out of hand, and things happen that we do not intend. Domestic violence occurs when a situation escalates that may have started as a simple disagreement. If you have been arrested on domestic violence charges in Florida, it’s understandable that you would want to know “how long does domestic violence stay on your record?” The answer to this can depend on several factors, including the severity of the harm and whether or not you have an aggressive criminal defense lawyer in your corner. Domestic violence charges cannot be expunged or sealed in Florida if you plead guilty or no contest to the charge. They will always remain on your record. A domestic violence arrest can be expunged from a record in Florida only if the charges against an alleged perpetrator are dropped. Typically, only an experienced defense attorney can make this happen. A skilled criminal defense lawyer knows the ins and outs of the legal

Why a Private Attorney is Necessary: How to Get Back on the Road After Being Designated as a Habitual Traffic Offender

• October 5, 2020
• Lawyer Michael Panella
• Traffic Violations

In Florida, if you are designated as a “Habitual Traffic Offender” (HTO), the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is authorized to automatically revoke your license for a period of FIVE years. You are probably wondering, “What the heck is a HTO?” To put it simply, a person convicted of three charges for “Driving While License Suspended or Revoked” (DWLS) within a five-year period will be classified as a “Habitual Traffic Offender”. DWLS charges can be either criminal or civil in nature. A criminal DWLS is when someone is driving with a suspended license with knowledge. The first criminal DWLS is classified as a second-degree misdemeanor, the second criminal DWLS is classified as a first-degree misdemeanor and additional criminal DWLS can be classified as a felony depending on the reason for the suspension of the license itself. In criminal DWLS cases, even if adjudication is withheld, meaning that a person is charged but not convicted, it will still count a

Can a Convicted Felon Own a Gun in Florida?

• August 21, 2020
• Lawyer Michael Panella
• Felonies

If you have been convicted of a felony and are no longer incarcerated, you may want to know, can a convicted felon own a gun in Florida? With some exceptions, someone with a record of a felony conviction cannot legally own a firearm in the state. Although the U.S. Constitution states that we have a right to bear arms, that right can be limited by state laws. Many of those convicted of felonies live in high crime areas. After they’ve served their time, many end up back home. They may want a firearm not to commit another crime but for self-protection. Others may want a rifle or shotgun to hunt. But if the person is arrested with a gun, they may find themselves back in the criminal justice system.

Who Cannot Own a Gun in Florida?

If you have been convicted of a felony and would like to own a firearm, it’s important to understand the laws regarding who cannot own a gun in Florida. Under