Our Legal Blog

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 blood alcohol lev

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 police custody after th

What’s the Difference Between First- and Second-Degree Murder?

• August 6, 2021
• Lawyer Michael Panella
• Criminal Defense

In Florida, the difference between first- and second-degree murder is whether the killing is premeditated, it occurred during a felony, was due to selling illegal drugs or is the result of a “depraved mind.” Depending on the facts, the line between the two degrees may not be clear, though the differences in sentencing may be life and death. Prosecutors seek the death penalty in first-degree murder cases. The worst sentence for a second-degree murder conviction is life in prison. If you face murder charges, your life is at stake. Our Panella Law Firm criminal defense attorney is ready to start your defense as soon as you hire us. Call us at 407-233-1822, so we can talk about your case. We will treat you with the respect and professionalism you deserve. We will aggressively fight for you, your rights, and your freedom when we negotiate with law enforcement and prosecutors, as well as in court.

What Does First-Degree Murder Mean?

How Do I Beat a Felony Drug Charge?

• July 2, 2021
• Lawyer Michael Panella
• Drug Charges

Panella Law Firm Accepts Cases Throughout Florida

If you have ever wondered “How do I beat a felony drug charge?”, you may recognize that you face an uphill battle. Without legal representation, that fight will be even harder. The United States has made it clear for the last few decades that drugs and drug trafficking are going to be punished severely. What started off as local-level enforcement quickly turned into a plethora of federal crimes and punishments intended to staunch the flow of drugs across state and national borders. Florida has become a prime location for federal and state law enforcement attention, clamping down on both commercial trafficking and individual users. Each year we have seen more laws and more punishments aimed at reducing serious drug crime. Unfortunately, many individuals whose offenses were relatively minor have found themselves being punished severely for felonies and in need of an experienced felony drug charge defense attorney.

So, H

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