People ask me all the time, “Why did you quit being a civil prosecutor and start working for defendants?” “Isn’t it hard to defend people charged with crimes?” Well, here is my answer. Before devoting my legal career to being a exclusively a criminal defense attorney, I used to work for the State … [Read more...] about Why I Left The Prosecutorial World Behind To Become A Dedicated Criminal Defense Attorney
Arrests
Dependency Court (DCF Court) vs Criminal Court in Okaloosa County
What is the difference between the criminal and civil court systems in Child Abuse or Child Neglect Cases? Because of my past experience in prosecuting child abuse and child neglect cases, I have a special understanding of how the system works. In Florida, there are two different types of legal … [Read more...] about Dependency Court (DCF Court) vs Criminal Court in Okaloosa County
Child Abuse Or Neglect Charges In Okaloosa County, Florida
What are the elements and potential penalties for felony Child Abuse in Florida? Child abuse is actually quite similar to the crime of Battery, except that the age of the alleged victim is under the age of 18. This delineation is what enhances the offense from a misdemeanor to a serious felony. In … [Read more...] about Child Abuse Or Neglect Charges In Okaloosa County, Florida
What Happens At Arraignment On Criminal Charges In Okaloosa & Walton County
In Okaloosa and Walton Counties, sometimes the police will arrest the individual on the spot, and sometimes they will issue a Notice to Appear or Criminal Summons for that person to be present for a specified court date in which they will have to answer for the charges. This court date is also … [Read more...] about What Happens At Arraignment On Criminal Charges In Okaloosa & Walton County
What Is “Diversion” After An Arrest In Fort Walton Beach or Destin?
By definition, diversion is “an instance of turning something aside from its course.” For a lot of misdemeanor crimes, mainly committed in Fort Walton Beach or Destin, in Okaloosa County, Florida, on Spring Break or Senior Trip, it is a type of case-resolution that is offered and takes a case from … [Read more...] about What Is “Diversion” After An Arrest In Fort Walton Beach or Destin?
What To Do If You Received a Notice to Appear For A Misdemeanor Charge in Ft Walton Beach, Destin or Elswhere In Okaloosa County?
The good news, you were not arrested. The bad news, you have been charged with a crime and have pending court dates. If you have received a Notice to Appear for a criminal offense, contact Criminal Defense Attorney Shawn Lupella for a free consultation to discuss the implications and what do to … [Read more...] about What To Do If You Received a Notice to Appear For A Misdemeanor Charge in Ft Walton Beach, Destin or Elswhere In Okaloosa County?