According to a news article in the Sun Sentinel, bank robberies are occurring more frequently in South Florida. Based on the most recent statistics, the number of robbery incidents may soon exceed those of each of the two previous years. According to statistics compiled by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), there were 49 bank robberies in the time period from October 1, 2011 through March 30, 2012 within the nine counties in its jurisdiction. If the number of robbery incidents continues, by the end of September 2012 the total would be a 33 percent increase from the 2011’s total of 75 bank robberies.

The number of bank robberies occurring currently amounts to about two per week. The FBI attributes the increase in bank robberies to a number of factors; however, the most influential seems to be the economy. There are a lot of people who have no job, no home, and are desperate. Such circumstances increase the types of crimes that would provide quick money. Gambling and drug-use also tend to increase in such economic circumstances.

Although the number of bank robberies has increased, the types of robberies committed are less violent, typically involving a lone suspect approaching one teller, rather than multiple suspects with multiple weapons attempting to take the whole bank by violence. Regardless of the situation, the FBI encourages bank patrons and employees to not attempt to stop robberies.

Regardless of your personal situation, violent crimes such as robbery can have a significant effect on your future. If you have been charged with robbery in Florida, the aggressive robbery defense lawyers in Florida at Musca Law can protect your legal rights and build a strong defense on your behalf. To learn more, call us today for a confidential consultation at (800) 687-2252.

United States Republican Representative from Florida, David Rivera, will not be charged after an over year-long investigation into his finances, according to The Huffington Post. The Miami-Dade County State Attorney stated that Florida law enforcement officials have closed the case after they “exhausted all active criminal investigative avenues,” though questions still remain.

The investigation into Congressman Rivera began at the end of the 2012 congressional campaign when the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) identified possible ethical violations, including that, as a state representative, he attempted to hide a one million dollar contract with a Florida gambling company and also used campaign money to pay for Florida House of Representatives activities which were already reimbursed by the state. Additionally, over $65,000 in credit card charges were made for what seemed to be personal expenses, though they were paid for using campaign money.

Though Rivera does not face charges in Florida, he will still be the subject of a federal probe. Congressman Rivera referred to the year-long investigation as a fishing expedition which turned into a wild goose chase.

Politicians face a lot of scrutiny from law enforcement, the media, government, and the public, especially when allegations of corruption surface, which is why it is important to retain the services of an experienced Florida public corruption defense attorney who can discreetly and aggressively defend your legal rights. If you are facing a public corruption charge in Florida, call Musca Law today for a confidential consultation at (800) 687-2252.

Florida Governor Rick Scott recently vetoed crime bill HB 177 claiming that justice is not served when a criminal is released before they serve their full court-imposed prison sentence and that Florida’s crime rate is at a 40-year-low thanks, in part, to the state’s sentencing laws, according to a news article on NewsChief.com. His decision to veto the bill, which was passed by the Legislature, has been met with some criticism as the bill would have only affected non-violent offenders.

HB 177 would have created a program that would allow and support non-violent felony offenders, who have served 50 percent of their prison sentence, to re-enter the world as peaceful and productive members of society. This early release would be conditional on the felons meeting certain criteria and fulfilling certain requirements, including:

• Requiring that the offender complete substance abuse treatment and rehabilitative program(s);
• Requiring notice to state attorneys and courts;
• Authorizing the state attorney to object to the release;
• Directing a court to screen and choose eligible offenders;
• Requiring that offenders enroll in adult education (in specified circumstances); and
• Requiring the assessment of career education and vocational skills.

This program would have established a strict structure for felons who were considered to have a good chance to succeed and rejoin society, and thus prevent recidivism. But now there is no way to know if the program would have worked.

You can’t rely on politicians to enact favorable laws to benefit your future. If you have been accused of a crime in Florida, your best chance of getting your charges reduced or dismissed is by retaining the services of an aggressive Florida criminal defense lawyer. At Musca Law, we are committed to protecting the legal rights of every one of our clients, regardless of the crime committed. To find out how we can help you, contact us today at (800) 687-2252 for a confidential consultation.

The Trayvon Martin shooting in Florida has garnered worldwide attention due to the devastating nature of the incident, as well as the social and legal implications and criticisms that followed. There has been a lot of speculation on whether George Zimmerman, the suspect in the Trayvon Martin shooting, will be charged with a crime, but, according to recent CNN news, George Zimmerman has in fact been charged with second-degree murder.

Once authorities said that he would be charged, Zimmerman turned himself in after being in hiding for his safety. He will be pleading not-guilty against second-degree murder charges. It is hoped that now that the process is moving forward, much of the anger and/or frustration caused by the case will recede. The intention to charge Zimmerman was announced 46 days after the shooting.

The process is still in its early stages as the prosecutor and defense attorneys have not yet even begun the jury selection process; however, if found guilty, Zimmerman faces a minimum of 25 years imprisonment as well as a $10,000 fine, which are the penalties established for second-degree murder as per Florida statute 782.04. Zimmerman’s defense lawyer expects that it will take at least six months and perhaps even up to one year before the trial begins, but this is speculation as he has not reviewed the evidence himself yet. He is replacing Zimmerman’s former defense attorney.

Murder charges are very serious and have the potential to jeopardize your entire future. If you have been charged with murder in Florida, the aggressive Florida murder defense lawyers at Musca Law can protect your legal rights. Call us today for a confidential consultation today at (800) 687-2252.