Orlando Criminal Law Blog

Traditionally, the December holiday season is statistically the most dangerous time for Florida motorists. To help lower fatalities this December, Lee County law enforcement agencies along with support from medical providers and some non-profit groups have started a preventative campaign to educate people about safe-driving habits as well as to increase DUI patrols and checkpoints. In fact, the campaign mirrors a nationwide December event called 3D Prevention Month. However, Lee County officials added another "D," for distracted driving, adopting what they refer to as 4D Prevention Month. The program is intended to reduce occurrence of drunk, drugged, drowsy and distracted driving.

The chief of the Fort Myers police department said they have all dealt with deadly accidents during the holidays, and he hopes 4D Prevention Month will make this one a safer holiday season. However, at this point traffic fatalities are 17 percent higher than they were last year at this time. In fact, during all of 2010, the Lee Memorial Trauma Center handled 65 fatalities. But this year, they have already seen 67, and the deadliest month of the year is not even finished.

It is often difficult to tell what exactly happened during an arrest based on news reports here in Florida as well as elsewhere. Reports are frequently compiled from information gathered from preliminary police reports and sometimes even witness statements made to the media.

There are many reasons why detailed information isn't provided to the public. Perhaps, the case is too new and thorough investigations are forthcoming, or maybe the authorities do not want to release all of the details in order to guard the case or protect other individuals involved. Unfortunately, that means the accused can have allegations disseminated against them in the press without being able to share their side of the story. That may be the case with a recent news report that highlighted the drug charges against two Florida men.

In Florida, simple drug charges can become very serious when combined with weapon charges. This was the case last month when Sarasota Police arrested a convicted felon after the man allegedly pointed a pistol at officers. That same 29-year-old man is now facing a host of charges including drug charges.

Among the charges the man is facing is aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer. According to police reports, two officers were on foot patrol in what is locally known as the "Old Projects" area on North Orange Avenue. This area of the neighborhood has no trespassing signs posted by the Sarasota Housing Authority. The officers were tasked with contacting people in the area to ensure that those people are authorized to be in that particular area.

Florida police arrested five people during a before-dawn raid of a Winter Haven home earlier this month. All five are now facing various drug charges. It's unknown what information prompted the officer's search, which was conducted during the early morning hours on October 12. Authorities purportedly found prescription painkillers and anti-anxiety medications in the home, as well as marijuana. In addition to the prescriptions, materials such as a scale and baggies were found in the residence. The discovery of the additional materials prompted authorities to assume the marijuana was intended for sale.

The twin 20-year-old brothers were arrested on single counts of trafficking in hydrocodone, possession of marijuana with intent to sell within 1,000 feet of a church and possession of marijuana. They were also accused of possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, resisting arrest without violence, and possession of drug paraphernalia. A 40-year-old woman and another man of unknown age were arrested on charges of maintaining a dwelling for selling narcotics. In addition, officers arrested a 17-year-old for possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and resisting an officer without violence.