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The law is constantly changing, and modifications to the definitions of crimes and sentencing requirements can impact the manner in which criminal cases are resolved. Even if an intervening change of law occurs, though, it may not be considered grounds for modifying a sentence once it has been imposed. This was demonstrated recently in an opinion issued by a Florida court in which it denied a defendant’s request for compassionate release that was triggered by a change in the definition of a crime of violence. If you are accused of a violent crime, it is in your best interest to meet with a St. Petersburg violent crime defense attorney to discuss your rights.

The Defendant’s Sentence and Appeal

It is alleged that in 2015 the defendant entered a guilty plea to Hobbs Act robbery via a written plea agreement that included a waiver of the right to appeal his sentence. During his sentencing hearing, he was deemed a career offender on the grounds that he had two prior violent crime convictions and Hobbs Act robbery qualified as a crime of violence. He did not object to the designation and was sentenced to 151 months in prison.

Reportedly, although the defendant did not appeal his sentence, his two codefendants did on the grounds that Hobbs Act robbery was not a crime of violence. Their challenges were successful. In 2020, the defendant filed a motion seeking a sentence reduction based on compelling and extraordinary reasons, namely that Hobbs Act robberies were no longer deemed crimes of violence. The court denied the motion, and the defendant appealed. Continue reading →

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Being accused of a crime can cause a massive setback in an individual’s life, making the performance of one’s daily activities a struggle. The criminal attorneys at Hanlon Law are here to ensure that people accused of a crime get the fair legal representation they deserve. Hanlon Law is an award-winning and publicly acclaimed legal team founded over 20 years ago. Some of the cases handled include sex crimes, aggravated assault, domestic violence, DUI charges, and drug crimes.

(St. Petersburg, FL February 2022) Criminal attorney Will Hanlon is dedicated to fighting for the rights of the accused for a wide range of offenses under Florida and federal laws. Mr. Hanlon has a deep understanding for each of his client’s situations and provides an aggressive approach in defending his client’s freedom.

As a top-rated criminal lawyer in St. Petersburg, he has over two decades of experience representing St. Petersburg clients charged with offenses ranging from sex crimes, aggravated assault, domestic violence, and drug crimes. Mr. Hanlon brings the same zealous advocacy to the courtroom no matter the case.

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While they do not have an obligation to do so, criminal defendants can introduce expert testimony in their defense. Such evidence must meet certain qualifications to be admissible, however, which means in part that it must be relevant. In a recent matter in which the defendant’s conviction for child pornography crimes was upheld, a court explained when a defendant’s motion to present expert testimony should be denied. If you are accused of a sex crime, it is advisable to confer with a Florida sex crime defense attorney to assess what evidence you may be able to introduce in your defense.

The Facts of the Case

It is reported that the defendant and her boyfriend had two minor children together. The boyfriend was a pedophile, and when he was away from home, the defendant would send him naked images and videos of their daughters. The defendant was charged with possessing and producing child pornography. During her trial, she moved to introduce expert testimony related to her intellectual disability from a psychologist. The court denied her motion. She was subsequently convicted, after which she appealed.

Admissibility of Evidence in Favor of the Defendant

On appeal, the defendant argued that the trial court’s refusal to allow her to introduce expert testimony regarding her disability shattered her defense and therefore violated her constitutional rights. The court rejected her reasoning, noting that her expert’s testimony was not connected to any theory of defense that was accepted under the law. As such, it affirmed the trial court ruling. Continue reading →

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If you are looking for a criminal defense lawyer in St. Petersburg, you have come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will discuss everything you need to know about finding the right criminal defense lawyer for your needs. In addition, we will cover topics such as what to look for in a criminal defense lawyer, comparing different lawyers, and what questions to ask before hiring. So, whether you are facing criminal charges for the first time or have been arrested before, read on for helpful advice on finding the best criminal defense lawyer in St. Petersburg!

What to look for in a criminal defense lawyer?

When you are looking for a criminal defense lawyer, it is vital to find someone who has the experience and knowledge to help you with your case. In addition, you need someone who can navigate the legal system and protect your rights.

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Hanlon Law is a premier criminal defense law firm in St. Petersburg, Florida. In a recent update, the firm shared the importance of hiring a criminal defense attorney.

(St. Petersburg, FL January 2022) In a website post, Hanlon Law has highlighted why someone should hire a St. Petersburg criminal defense attorney and what sets them apart from other firms.

If you have been charged with a sex crime, a gun crime, a drug crime, or any other criminal offense, you should retain legal counsel from a defense attorney at Hanlon Law. What makes the firm and its top criminal attorney William Hanlon unique is his adept understanding of each of his client’s circumstances along with his determination in protecting his client’s future and freedom. William and his legal team work hard to provide a vigorous defense for their clients. Alongside that, here are the other reasons why one should hire a criminal defense attorney at Hanlon Law.

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Hanlon Law, a criminal defense firm in St. Petersburg, Florida recently discussed some of the key reasons to hire a St. Petersburg DUI lawyer after being arrested for DUI. Currently, Hanlon Law offers exceptional legal services and has defended thousands of clients accused of a myriad of DUI charges.

(St. Petersburg, FL January 2022) Attorney William Hanlon, a St. Petersburg criminal defense attorney, recently discussed some of the key reasons to hire a DUI lawyer after being arrested for DUI. The St. Petersburg criminal defense law firm said they are currently one of the few legal teams that strategizes a more in-depth approach in defending their clients. This is because they handle DUI cases daily, from arrest to trial, and know some of the best defense strategies in representing their clients.

A Florida DUI is a serious criminal offense that may carry either misdemeanor or felony penalties. According to the criminal attorneys at Hanlon Law, the penalty for a DUI misdemeanor or a felony can range from probation to jail depending on the client’s background and the nature of the facts.  They added that DUI charges only result after it is proven that someone is operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In most cases, if the blood alcohol level is 0.8% or more during the time of arrest. They further noted that DUIs have different penalties, and each is handled differently depending on the circumstances leading to them.

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Hanlon Law, a criminal defense law firm based in St. Petersburg, Florida explains reasons why someone should hire a domestic violence attorney after being accused of domestic violence. Having an experienced St. Petersburg domestic violence lawyer working for you can make a tremendous difference in the outcome for you and your family.

(St. Petersburg, FL January 2022) Hanlon Law recently explained reasons to hire a domestic violence attorney after being accused of domestic violence. The staff at the firm is passionate about what they do, with criminal law being their sole area of practice. They are highly experienced and have been defending and fighting for their clients’ rights since 1994.

The firm pointed out that hiring a St. Petersburg domestic violence attorney can help minimize potential consequences. They explained that this is the most important reason anyone facing domestic charges should hire a domestic violence lawyer. They mentioned that a domestic violence lawyer should possess the knowledge of local state Florida laws pertaining to domestic violence. Clients facing such charges can rely on them to act in their best interest and adequately fight for their rights to reduce charges or earn them an acquittal. Also, they noted that they have extensive skills in investigating the crucial details involved in a domestic case to help figure out what really transpired.

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While a lack of understanding of the law is often not a sufficient defense, the State must still show that the defendant intended to commit a crime in many criminal cases. As a result, if the State cannot prove intent beyond a reasonable doubt, a reversal of a conviction or non-guilty verdict may be appropriate. This was proved in a recent Florida case in which the defendant’s conviction for driving while his license was suspended was overturned because the State failed to prove he did so deliberately. If you have been charged with driving while your license is suspended or any other crime, you should consult with a skilled Florida criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to discuss your options.

The Case’s Details

According to reports, a police officer stopped the defendant and charged him with driving while his license was suspended and carrying marijuana in excess of 20 grams. The defendant petitioned for acquittal before the trial, but it was denied. He was found guilty of the charges after the trial. He argued that the State failed to fulfill its burden of proof in his conviction for driving on a suspended license. Following a review, the appellate court concurred, and his conviction was overturned.

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Battery is a severe charge that carries weighty penalties. Additionally, if a person convicted of battery is later found guilty of another crime, their penalties may be increased. In most cases, crimes are classified according to their severity, and convictions for more egregious crimes can result in long prison sentences. A Florida court recently reviewed how previous record points are assessed for crimes that are not classified by degree in a case where the defendant claimed his prior convictions for battery and other charges were unjustly calculated. If you are charged with battery or any other crime, it is in your best interest to  consult with an experienced Florida criminal defense attorney to discuss your options for seeking a just result.

History of the Case

Allegedly, the defendant was charged with battery, kidnapping, and other offenses. He was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment. He filed a motion in July 2020, alleging that the life sentence he received for kidnapping was excessive. In other words, he argued that his sentencing guideline scorecard was inaccurate because his previous conviction was in the early 1970s when Florida crimes were not classified by degrees. Additionally, he asserted that because the degrees of his previous convictions were not defined, they should have been classified as third-degree felonies. The court denied his petition and he appealed.

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People accused of DUI violations and other crimes have the right to a fair trial. As a result, if a judge sitting over a criminal case exhibits undue prejudice against the defendant, it may be possible to argue that the judge should not be allowed to preside over the case. In a recent judgment delivered in a DUI case, a Florida court explained what a defendant seeking a writ of prohibition banning a judge from hearing a case must prove. If you’ve been charged with a DUI, it’s a good idea to speak with a Florida DUI defense lawyer to discuss your options.

The Case’s Background

According to reports, the defendant was charged with multiple alcohol-related offenses, including DUI (driving under the influence) with significant physical injury and property damage. He was released on bond, but was later arrested and charged with a number of crimes, including vessel homicide and boating while intoxicated.

According to reports, his bond was revoked by the trial court, and the State filed a motion for pretrial custody, citing a past DUI conviction in another state. After determining that the State met the threshold for proving that pre-trial custody was required, the court granted the application. After being acquitted, the defendant filed a petition for a writ of prohibition to prevent the assigned trial judge from continuing to preside over his criminal case. After his move for reconsideration was denied, he also filed a petition for review of the pretrial detention order. Continue reading →

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