Recent Posts in Criminal Defense Category

The Miami Herald has reported that Monroe County School District Superintendent Randy Acevedo was arrested Thursday morning on a charge of official misconduct, which carries a maximum penalty of five (5) years in Florida State Prison if he is convicted.  The arrest was based upon testimony provided to a grand jury in connection with an alleged theft by his wife, Monique, of over $180,000 from school tuition and other school district accounts.  It also seems likely that other charges are forthcoming in connection to $118,000 in fraudulent charges Mrs. Acevedo racked up on her school district credit card.  She is likely looking at two counts of Grand Theft in the First Degree, which could land her in Florida State Prison for up to sixty (60) years if convicted.

From a practical standpoint, prosecutors in these types of cases will rarely seek jail or prison time because it prevents or at least prolongs the time in which the victim(s) can be made whole through the payment of restitution.

The attorneys at Hager & Schwartz, P.A. have extensive experience in any and all theft related criminal charges.  If you or someone you know has been charged with a theft related crime, call our office at 866-850-7575 for a free consultation with one of our experienced criminal attorneys.

Miami-Dade Police Department have arrested 18 year old Tyler Weinman and charged him with 19 counts of animal cruelty and other related offenses in connection with a wave of cat killings and mutilations in Palmetto Bay and Cutler Bay.  Bond has been set at $154,500, however can be either increased or reduced this afternoon, when Weinman is scheduled to appear before a bond judge.

Cat owners have been concerned for the safety of their pets since May 14, 2009 when the cat killings began.  Most people who knew Weinman described him as a class clown and found the news of his arrest shocking.

Animal cruelty can be charged as both a first degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in County Jail and a third degree felony, punishable by up to five years in Florida State Prison.

At least 13 people have been charged after law enforcement in Loxahatchee raided five homes and found grow rooms and dozens of plants and clippings weighing more than 200 pounds.  This investigation is a result of Operation Eagle Claw, a statewide law enforcement effort to curb the spread of hydroponic marijuana grow houses throughout the state of Florida. Eleven of the 13 people arrested were held without bond.

A case like this usually results in a charge(s) of trafficking of marijuana, which carries a minimum mandatory prison sentence of three (3) years in Florida State Prison.  However, the attorneys at Hager & Schwartz, P.A. have extensive experience in drug trafficking cases throughout the state of Florida and in many instances can get the minimum mandatory prison sentence waived by the State of Florida.  Call our office to schedule a free consultation at 866-850-7575.