Our Legal Blog

Can You Go to Jail for Self-Defense in Florida?

• April 3, 2023
• Lawyer Michael Panella
• Criminal Defense

Self-defense in Florida is an affirmative defense in which you don't deny the acts laid out by the prosecutor but claim that under Florida law, you had the right to take those actions to defend yourself or others. Can you go to jail for self-defense in Florida? Not if your lawyer can show that you used justifiable force against another person.

Your emotions can run high after you defend yourself or others. Given the circumstances, you did what you felt you had to do. You acted in a way that is otherwise against the law and perhaps against your nature. The legal system is involved, and you may be fighting for your freedom.

If you are charged with a crime involving force and feel that self-defense or stand your ground laws protect you, experienced Florida self-defense lawyers can help you make your case.

How Do You Prove Self-Defense?

To prove self-defense, you must be able to establi

Difference between Post-Conviction Motion and Motion to Correct Sentencing

• February 7, 2023
• Lawyer Michael Panella
• Post Conviction

Despite the plethora of protections built into the Constitution, justice in America isn’t always perfect. Sadly, sometimes people are convicted of crimes they didn’t commit or receive sentences that are inappropriate for the crime they were convicted of. Thankfully, the same system that attempts to prevent this from happening in the first place also offers remedies when situations like this arise.

In the state of Florida, there are several legal remedies that you might take, depending on the circumstances of your case. All of these remedies involve making a motion with the court system. But just because they all involve a motion, that doesn’t mean they are all the same. There is a big difference between a post-conviction motion and a motion to correct sentencing.

If you have been convicted of a crime in Florida and believe that justice wasn’t fulfilled, you should consult with a criminal defense attorney to get answers to your important questions, like �

Can You Go to Jail for a DUI in FL?

• November 3, 2021
• Lawyer Michael Panella
• DUI

Can you go to jail for driving under the influence (DUI) in FL? The short answer is yes, but much depends on the circumstances. If you’re convicted enough times for DUI in a short enough time frame, or you injure or kill someone in an accident, your chances of jail time increase. Many of those charged with driving under the influence (DUI) don’t serve jail time, but you need to know how the criminal justice system works and the ways to avoid incarceration to make this happen.

You may have many effective defenses against a DUI charge without knowing it. Panella Law Firm can investigate your case and find issues that may result in charges being dismissed or an outcome that avoids jail time. Call Panella Law Firm now at 407-233-1822 to discuss your case.

Can you go to jail for a first DUI? The law says yes, but again, much depends on the circumstances such as whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony, the county where the arrest took place, your breath or

What is Aiding and Abetting Second-Degree Murder?

• August 13, 2021
• Lawyer Michael Panella
• Criminal Defense

Three more police officers face charges for the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, making many ask, “What is aiding and abetting second-degree murder?” Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin is guilty of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter, according to the jury in his Minnesota trial. Three other former officers will also face charges relating to their roles in Floyd’s death.

If you’re charged with aiding and abetting a murder, your life is at stake. In Florida a murder charge is a capital felony, which could mean being put to death or sentenced to life in prison. A Panella Law Firm criminal defense attorney is ready to start your defense as soon as you hire us. Call us at 407-233-1822 to discuss your case.

Three Former Police Officers Charged with Aiding and Abetting in Death of George Floyd

Floyd was killed while being restrained in