The Umansky Law Firm

UPS Store Manager Allegedly Stole Money Orders and Gift Cards

noreply@blogger.com (Neil) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:09:00 +0000

A 28-year-old manager of an Orange County UPS store was arrested and charged with grand theft. Investigators allege the manager has stolen over $8000 worth of gift cards and money orders since February 2009. He was arrested this week as customers and others looked on and led away denying he was a thief.

A criminal history report allegedly shows the man uses six different aliases and has arrests dating back to 1996. He has been labeled a "serious or habitual juvenile offender" for those arrests. He also has a grand theft conviction stemming back to 2002. He pleaded guilty and was convicted of aggravated stalking of a minor under the age of 16.

According to investigators, video surveillance shows the man using gift cards in various locations, and cashing out money orders at a bank using his own name. The investigation came about when a customer contacted police about missing money orders he had sent to Puerto Rico. The customer said he sent the money orders through the UPS store where the accused works.

After looking into where the missing money orders were cashed, the customer found out the name used. When he called the UPS store, he discovered the man he was speaking with was the alleged thief.

It is unclear if there was a background check performed on the alleged thief because each UPS store franchise owner must enforce the company policy on their own.

The Sheriff's Office is currently working on four cases involving this individual and it is believed he will be charged with further crimes.

If you or a family member has been charged with theft in the Orange County or Orlando, Florida area, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm for an initial and confidential consultation.

Alleged Shoplifting Ring in Brevard County

noreply@blogger.com (Neil) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:43:00 +0000

Brevard County police allege thousands of dollars worth of Turbo Tax software has been stolen from Target stores in several towns. The alleged thieves hit stores in Merritt Island, Melbourne Village, Titusville, and Viera.

Police have video surveillance of the suspected thieves and two vehicles that may be linked to this group. There are six people that may be involved in the Turbo Tax theft, but there have been no arrests.

Turbo Tax is a popular software people can use to file their taxes from home. Police are concerned the software that was taken from the Target stores may wind up on the black market, or flea markets and garage sales. They also speculate that the thieves may be collecting the software for people who are going to file illegal tax returns in order to get refunds.

Shoplifting is a crime that costs retailers millions of dollars a year. Tax fraud, while not as widespread as shoplifting, is a serious crime that can keep you in prison for years. Shoplifters may find themselves charged with a misdemeanor if the stolen goods are under $300. If they are over $300, the charge is grand theft felony. In either case, you can find yourself unemployed, your driver's license suspended, and publicly shamed.

For a vigorous defense of these charges in the Orange County or Orlando, Florida, or anywhere else in the state of Florida, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm.

Spring Break and First Time Offenders

noreply@blogger.com (Neil) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:40:00 +0000

By now everyone knows that college students flock to warm beaches for Spring Break. This year has been no different. The beaches and bars of Florida fill up with young people letting off steam and shaking off winter in a time-honored rite of passage. Unfortunately, just like every year, there will be some who take the partying too far and do things they will later regret.

It's easy to get caught up in the moment with people your own age in a place that seems full of like-minded people. However, when the drinking turns to charges of public intoxication or driving under the influence, getting caught up in the moment can ruin the plans you have developed for after you graduate.

Going through the Florida criminal justice system as a first time offender can be a frightening experience. If you are from out of state, all you want to do is get back home. Florida is full of tourists and out of state college students this week who are here for a good time. If this good time turns into a run-in with law enforcement, you need to know that there are local attorneys who can help you.

Having an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side is one of the best things you can do for yourself if you have been charged with a crime during Spring Break. The attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm understand what you are going through and will work hard to help you through this time.

A first time offender has a much better chance of having charges dropped and his or her record expunged. The Umansky Law Firm can help make this happen.

If you have been charged with a crime while on Spring Break in Florida, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm. We serve Orange County and Orlando, Florida, as well as the rest of the state of Florida.

Texas Man Sentenced to 35 Years for Marijuana Possession

noreply@blogger.com (Neil) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:48:00 +0000

A Tyler, Texas man will have to spend the rest of his life in prison for possession of just over a quarter pound of pot. A jury convicted him and he was sentenced to 35 years, but the Smith County prosecutor in the case wanted a sentence of 99 years.

According to the report, someone tipped off police to the smell of marijuana coming from a vehicle. He was found with marijuana and a digital scale within a thousand feet of a day care center. The local newspaper noted that the man was convicted of two felonies in the '80s and was accused of possession of marijuana in a drug free zone in 2008.

Some in the local media are astounded at the sentencing. A Houston Press blog said, "We just hope Texas Department of Criminal Justice can free up room for this menace to society; maybe the state can release a child molester or serial arsonist to find a cell for [the accused]."

It has also been noted that the 35-year sentence is identical to that of another man convicted in Del Rio, Texas. However, that man was involved in a multimillion dollar marijuana smuggling ring, and had transported 24 tons of pot into the United States.

Though the convicted had two prior felonies and was within a drug free zone when he was caught, a 35 year sentence seems excessive. It is unclear how the man was defended, as well as why the jury gave him such a long sentence. It isn't as if he murdered anyone.

We encourage anyone who has been charged with drug possession to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney to learn your legal options, and to avoid long prison sentences.

If you are in the Orange County or Orlando, Florida area, please contact the experienced drug offense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm for an initial consultation. We serve clients across the state of Florida.

California State Senator Charged with DUI

noreply@blogger.com (Neil) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:53:00 +0000

A California state senator and family values legislator was arrested March 3 for driving under the influence in Sacramento. California Highway Patrol pulled over the senator after spotting him weaving down the road in his state-issued vehicle. He was allegedly leaving a gay nightclub with an unidentified male passenger, and was stopped at 13^th and L St.

The senator allegedly identified himself when approached by a law enforcement officer. The father of four was then arrested and charged with driving under the influence, and driving with a blood alcohol level higher than .08. He was released after posting a $1400 bond.

After being released, the senator issued a statement that stated his apologies and his acceptance of responsibility.

It goes without saying that if you are famous, or at least well-known, and get into trouble with the law, your name is going to be in the news. If you're a senator and you get into trouble, your name will be known beyond the state where you are from.

Though politicians and sports stars frequently must go before the public and apologize, most people do not have this luxury. We make mistakes that our friends and family know about, and maybe this is for the best. If you are charged with a DUI, you don't necessarily want this fact broadcast to the nation. At the Umansky Law Firm, we offer a confidential consultation so that your name is kept out of the public sphere.

If you have been charged with DUI in the Orange County or Orlando, Florida area, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm. We serve clients across the great state of Florida.

Orange County Deputy Accused of Domestic Violence

noreply@blogger.com (Neil) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:01:00 +0000

The ex-boyfriend of an Orange County sheriff's deputy accuses the man of domestic violence. The accuser said in a petition for a temporary domestic violence injunction that the deputy lived with the man for four years. During that time, he was allegedly beaten by the deputy in 2008 and forced to clean up his own blood at gun point.

The man said the fights he and the deputy had were usually sparked by the deputy's alleged "anonymous sexual encounters and online conversations in gay chat rooms."

The deputy was already disciplined for sex acts with another man while working off-duty security at a hotel. In 2001, the deputy was served with a temporary domestic violence injunction by his ex-wife. She alleged there was physical violence during their five year relationship.

In 2002, the officer was disciplined by investigators for "unbecoming conduct" after his ex-wife reported the deputy had moved $500 of her money into his own account. For that incident, the deputy had 40 hours taken from his pay and he was placed on a one-year disciplinary probation.

For the off-duty security situation, he was docked 150 hours of pay and placed on a one-year disciplinary probation.

If you have been charged with domestic violence in Orange County or Orlando, Florida, or anywhere else in the state of Florida, please contact the experienced criminal defense lawyers at the Umansky Law Firm for an initial and confidential consultation.

Drug Ring Broken Up by Lake County Authorities

noreply@blogger.com (Neil) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 16:22:00 +0000

A large drug ring allegedly operating from Central Florida to New York was reportedly broken up by investigators for the Lake County Sheriff's Office last week. Law enforcement officers say the ring spread from Eustis to New York. Detectives claim they served six search warrants in two days and arrested 12 suspects. They expect more individuals will be arrested in relation to this drug ring.

Police reportedly seized over a kilo of cocaine, with a street value of $35,000 and about a dozen guns. The Lake Sheriff's spokesman said this is only a fraction of the drugs tied to this group of individuals.

These 12 people were charged with various complaints ranging from trafficking cocaine, operating a criminal enterprise, and conspiracy to traffic and purchase cocaine. The alleged ring leaders, both men in their 30s, were arrested and charged. They are alleged to have distributed marijuana, cocaine, and crack cocaine throughout Central Florida and New York City.

The five month investigation reportedly involved agencies and police departments from Clermont, Eustis, Lady Lake, Mount Dora and Tavares.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a drug offense in the Orange County or Orlando, Florida area, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm for an initial free and confidential consultation.

Olympia Mayor Pro Tem Charged with Selling Pot

noreply@blogger.com (Neil) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 16:04:00 +0000

Olympia, Washington's Mayor Pro Tem and incoming Thurston County Treasurer was arrested last weekend and charged with selling marijuana on Feb. 19. The 37-year-old was arrested after a two-month investigation. Local media reports an undercover informant allegedly bought marijuana twice from the accused.

Police allegedly found several small amounts of marijuana packaged in the accused man's home. He posted a $20,000 bond and was released late on the evening of the 19^th.

The future Olympian government official was just sworn in last week to succeed another individual as county treasurer. He was appointed to a City Council position in 2004 and reelected in both 2005 and 2009.

When asked by a reporter to respond to the allegations, he responded he hadn't read them yet and did not understand them. This occurs often when individuals are arrested for different infractions.

Understanding the charges is paramount to your defense when you go before the judge. An experienced criminal defense attorney like those at the Central Florida Umansky Law Firm can explain the charges to you and defend you against them.

This man is innocent until proven guilty, no matter what the public and local media have to say about it. It's easy to forget this is the case, until it happens to you or someone you know. Furthermore, being charged with selling drugs, although extremely serious, is a subjective issue with most people – including the jury. The type of drug, the location (drug laws vary from state to state), and the circumstances surrounding the case will all be at play.

If you have been charged with selling drugs in the Orange County or Orlando, Florida area, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm. We also take cases from around the state of Florida.

Man Charged with DUI and Drug Possession after Traffic Stop

noreply@blogger.com (Neil) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 16:39:00 +0000

A 29-year-old man was pulled over after a police officer observed a truck with its hazard lights on swerving from the center to the shoulder of the road in Port Orange on Feb. 7. In addition to the swerving, the truck was allegedly traveling 60mph in a 35mph zone. The truck stopped at an intersection and drove up onto the median to avoid another vehicle.

After the officer initiated the traffic stop in a parking lot and approached the truck, dispatch said they had received a call about a possible DUI with a vehicle matching the truck's description and in the same area. The officer said the driver smelled like alcohol and had blood shot eyes.

While waiting for backup to complete a field sobriety test on the driver, he allegedly volunteered he had consumed two beers and taken half a Xanax. Xanax is used to treat anti-anxiety and panic disorders, but is abused for the increased effect when taken with alcohol.

The driver was arrested based on his reactions both before and after the field sobriety test.

When searching his person, police allegedly found half a Xanax tab in the driver's pocket. The driver then allegedly told police he had several more Xanax tablets in his truck. Police searched his vehicle and found a metal container that contained more of the drug.

He is charged with possession of narcotics, possession of drug paraphernalia, and driving under the influence.

If you have been charged with DUI or drug offenses, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm for an initial consultation. We serve Orange County and Orlando, Florida, as well as the state of Florida.

Ex-Michigan Speaker of the House Arrested for DUI

noreply@blogger.com (Neil) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 15:31:00 +0000

The ex-Michigan Speaker of the House, Craig DeRoche, was arrested for suspicion of drunken driving near Ann Arbor on Feb. 9. Police allege witnesses saw 39-year-old DeRoche park his car, get out, and walk up to a store. Presumably witnesses called police because they suspected the man was intoxicated.

When police arrived, they saw DeRoche stumbling and falling in the snow. Police gave him a breath test, which showed his blood alcohol content to be 0.249, three times the legal limit for driving in Michigan – as well as Florida.

DeRoche says he plans to cooperate, that the incident is "embarrassing," and not simply another "run-of-the-mill drunken driving incident." While it's obviously impossible to read into this statement, and it could be just another case of a politician or ex-politician trying to salvage a career, it may also speak about a man who has more of an illness than simply made a mistake.

While each DUI case has unique circumstances, the end result is that if you are arrested, you may pay fines or see some jail time. Unless you have an experienced DUI defense lawyer, you may wind up paying because you didn't know your options.

The experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm can help you if you have been charged with driving under the influence. Don't attempt to deal with this event on your own.

If you are in the Orange County or Orlando, Florida area, or anywhere else in the state of Florida, please contact the Umansky Law Firm today for a free consultation.

Driver Charged with DUI Manslaughter after Hitting Cyclist

noreply@blogger.com (Neil) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 16:28:00 +0000

Outside of Umatilla in late September, 2009, a man driving a Toyota Prius struck and killed a 49-year-old woman while she was riding her bike. The accident occurred around 8:00am.

The driver, an unemployed construction worker, told the police the sun was in his eyes when he hit the cyclist. He was travelling east and hit the cyclist from behind. According to investigators, the driver said he held up his hand to block the sun, and then heard a "boom." He looked in his mirror and saw the cyclist lying in the middle of the two-lane road. The cyclist was not wearing a helmet and died later at the hospital of her injuries.

A witness said they saw the driver make a U-turn after the crash and come back to the accident. The driver then told the witness to dial 911.

So far, so good. However, the driver was given a toxicology test that revealed his blood alcohol content to be 0.186, double the 0.08 allowed for drivers under Florida law. He also tested positive for marijuana. The driver admits he consumed five or six beers the night before and assumed he was able to drive.

Police gave him the test after they noticed he was unsteady on his feet, had bloodshot eyes, and alcohol on his breath. They also determined he was driving with his passenger side tires off the side of the road, where a bicyclist would be riding. As a result, the man was charged with a DUI. It then took police four months to charge him with manslaughter.

The driver now faces up to 15 years in prison if he is convicted of the second-degree felony.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime in Orange County or Orlando, Florida, or anywhere else in the state of Florida, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm for an initial case consultation.

Rapper Lil Wayne to be Sentenced Today for Weapons Charge

noreply@blogger.com (Neil) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:14:00 +0000

Grammy award-winning rapper Lil Wayne is expected to be sentenced this afternoon for a gun possession charge he pleaded guilty to In New York. His plea agreement calls for Lil Wayne, born Dwayne Carter, to serve one year in prison. However, with good behavior, he could be out in eight months.

He pleaded guilty in October to attempted criminal possession of a weapon. He admitted he loaded a .40-caliber semiautomatic on his tour bus in July 2007. The weapon was found when the bus was stopped by police after a Manhattan concert.

Carter claimed in a Rolling Stone magazine interview that he was looking forward to prison. However, his plea deal means that he will be spending his time in New York's city jail system rather than state prison. This is the same system rapper Foxy Brown spent eight months in for a probation violation.

Though Carter's jail arrangements are not being discussed, he may be separated from the general population due to his fame. The rapper performed at last week's Grammy Awards ceremony, won best rap solo performance in 2008, has had several No. 1 hits, and sold millions of copies of his albums.

Still, he'll be spending a year of his life in jail. While this may build cred due to his fame, if a normal everyday Joe is charged with the same crime, he should not expect the same treatment. Almost every single person who pleads guilty to this kind of charge will do their time in the prison system and not come out to thousands of adoring fans and a large bank account like Lil Wayne. However, by hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney, you may have your sentence reduced, or even have the case thrown out.

If you have been charged with a crime in Orange County or Orlando, Florida, or anywhere else in the state of Florida, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm for an initial case consultation.

Orlando Woman Arrested for Check Copying Fraud

noreply@blogger.com (Neil) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:21:00 +0000

A 28-year-old woman who worked for a company that processes E-PASS payments was arrested after she allegedly photocopied customer checks and sold them to others who stole money from the compromised accounts. She has been charged with conspiracy to commit organized fraud and fraudulently using personal-identification information, both felonies.

Authorities say the woman worked as a customer service representative and took the bank account numbers of people, and sold them to others who then put their own names on the checks and cashed or spent them. About three dozen people were affected by this.

An investigation began in September 2008 when Orange County Sheriff's Office stopped a woman in a traffic stop and found copies of Expressway Authority customer checks on her. She and several others were arrested for cashing counterfeit checks throughout Florida. During the investigation, investigators allegedly found checks, drivers licenses, and bank account numbers for dozens of people who were not customers of E-PASS.

The worker at the center of the investigation is currently being held in Orange County Jail on $50,150 bail.

If you have been charged with fraud or theft in the Orange County or Orlando, Florida area, or anywhere else in the state of Florida, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm. We offer a free initial and confidential case evaluation.

Actor Rip Torn Charged with Burglary in Connecticut

noreply@blogger.com (Neil) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 21:44:00 +0000

Elmore Torn, better known to the world as actor Rip Torn, was arrested last Friday in Connecticut after allegedly breaking into a bank after hours. Making things worse for Mr. Torn are that he was extremely inebriated and carrying a loaded gun. The 78-year-old actor allegedly broke a window of the Litchfield Bancorp in Salisbury, according to police.

Torn appeared in court on February 1st and pleaded not guilty to the burglary and gun charges. He was shackled at the wrists and ankles to several other prisoners. Torn was allegedly so drunk at the time of his arrest that he believed he was in his own home when he was arrested.

Torn posted $100,000 bail and agreed to enter alcohol rehab as soon as he is released.

The actor has had several run-ins with the law over the last few years, all of them alcohol related. He has two past DUI arrests in New York, and was given probation in a DUI case in Connecticut last year.

In the inevitable statement from "sources close to the actor," his family has attempted multiple interventions to get him to stop drinking with very little to show for it. He apparently believes he has made progress in cutting down from four pints of alcohol a day to one pint.

If you have been charged with theft or burglary in Orange County or Orlando, Florida, or anywhere else in the state of Florida, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm for an initial and confidential consultation.

Soldier Arrested for Stealing Humvee

noreply@blogger.com (Neil) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:52:00 +0000

A 23-year-old US Army private is being held without bail in the Volusia County Branch Jail in Daytona Beach for allegedly stealing a military Humvee. He is charged with grand theft for the theft from Fort Stewart in Georgia.

Authorities claim the private ran out of gas and was pulled over on the side of I-95 early Tuesday morning. An officer approached what he believed to be a stranded motorist. The private was found sitting in the Humvee and had only his military identification card and no driver's license. He claimed he was taking the Humvee to Fort Lauderdale.

The officer alleges he became suspicious because the private did not have orders, a government fuel card, and was dressed in civilian clothing. The private was taken to a hotel and the Humvee towed until the story could be verified.

When authorities received word that the vehicle was stolen from the military base, the private was arrested. He is also going to be charged with absent without leave (AWOL) by the army.

It seems a bit harsh to hold this young man without bail over a stolen vehicle. Perhaps the local authorities are waiting for the military to come get him, but it is not as if he murdered someone. Rather than treating all those who allegedly break the law the same, there are degrees and everyone has the right to be treated as innocent until proven guilty.

If you or a family member has been charged with grand theft, please contact the experienced criminal defense lawyers at the Umansky Law Firm. We serve clients in the Orange County and Orlando, Florida area, as well as the state of Florida.

State Correctional Officer Recruit Charged with Burglary

noreply@blogger.com (Neil) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:42:00 +0000

A 26-year-old man in training to become a state correctional officer was arrested and charged with burglary and criminal mischief in Celebration last Saturday morning.

Authorities were called to a home burglary and found the alleged burglar nearby. He told deputies a confusing story, in which he was having problems with his girlfriend, was insecure and was looking for another "lady friend." Allegedly, he was lost in Celebration, so he knocked on three different doors.

He said his hormones were confusing him, and was hoping a woman answered the door so he could "seduce her." The alleged burglar also told deputies he returned to one house to watch the woman inside and allegedly thought about sexually assaulting her. He said he had broken into homes in the past and stolen items from them.

After explaining and confessing all of this to the deputies, the alleged burglar recanted everything, claiming he was nervous about losing his job.

Residents inside one of the homes allegedly heard someone knocking on their front door early in the morning. When they answered the door, they said a man claimed he was lost in Celebration. They gave him directions out, but later heard loud noises, described as someone attempting to open the door. The residents then set off the home alarm and called 911. When deputies found the alleged burglar nearby, he was apparently very cooperative with their investigation.

He is being held at the Osceola County Jail on $100,000 bail for burglary and $250 for the criminal mischief charge.

If you have been charged with burglary or theft in the Orange County or Orlando, Florida area, or anywhere else in the state of Florida, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm.

Father and Former Stepmother of Missing Girl Arrested for Drug Trafficking

noreply@blogger.com (Neil) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 15:52:00 +0000

Authorities say the father and former stepmother of Haleigh Cummings have been arrested and charged with trafficking prescription drugs in Putnam County. Haleigh Cummings' disappearance from her father's doublewide trailer last year when she was five made national headlines. There has been no sign of her since she was reported missing.

Twenty-six-year-old Ronald Cummings, who made several television appeals for his daughter's return, and 18-year-old Misty Croslin were among five people arrested in a drug sting. They face a minimum-mandatory sentence of 25 years in state prison for multiple counts of trafficking medical prescription drugs. The month long investigation involved the Putnam County Sheriff's Office, as well as other federal officials.

According to deputy sheriffs, an undercover detective allegedly purchased almost $4000 worth of drugs from Cummings and Croslin, as well as three other people. Croslin faces six counts of trafficking in prescription medication and is being held on $950,000 bail. Cummings faces three counts of the same charge and is being held on $500,000 bail. The other three each face one count and are also being held on bail.

Last October, Croslin was allegedly robbed while attempting to buy drugs in Palatka. After Haleigh Cummings disappearance, she and Ronald Cummings got married, but soon divorced.

If you have been arrested on a drug charge in the Orange County or Orlando, Florida area, or anywhere else in the state of Florida, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm for an initial consultation.

Burglary Suspect Tasers and Handcuffs Self Before Arrest

noreply@blogger.com (Neil) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:52:00 +0000

A 19-year-old man is under arrest, charged with multiple counts of burglary and grand-theft. He has been linked to at least nine car burglaries in the Clermont and Minneola area.

In one burglary, an unmarked Ocoee Police vehicle door was opened by the suspect who took a Taser from a police belt. The suspect then allegedly discharged the Taser into his foot and shocked himself. However, this apparently didn't dissuade the man from then removing two sets of handcuffs, a nightstick, two magazines and a digital camera.

Later, the hapless suspect locked himself up with the stolen handcuffs and had to call authorities to get him out of them.

Police learned the suspect of the police vehicle break in was staying with friends. At an apartment they found some of the stolen objects, but not the suspect. However, he was apparently taken into custody shortly after that. On the way to the police station, the suspect allegedly asked police if his arrest was about the Taser incident.

The suspect allegedly told authorities that he was supposed to meet someone in Clermont and saw a light on in a car. He looked inside and saw the police belt and took the Taser and the other objects. He then allegedly entered several other cars and took cameras and an iPod. He alleges that others were also involved in "car hopping," or going around and pulling on door handles.

If you have been charged with theft in the Orange County or Orlando, Florida area, or anywhere else in the state of Florida, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm for a free and confidential consultation.

78-Year-Old Woman Left in Jail for 15 Days

noreply@blogger.com (Neil) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 17:30:00 +0000

A 78-year-old Florida grandmother spent 15 days in jail after she was arrested for driving with a suspended license in November. She was initially pulled over in September for driving too slowly and given a ticket then for driving with a suspended or revoked license. A judge then issued an arrest warrant for her when she did not show up for a court appearance. The criminal charge carried a penalty of $1000 fine and up to a year in jail.

However, ten days after the woman was given her ticket, she received a letter from the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles that stated her driving privileges were being restored upon further review. The problem is that this letter was referring to another incident the woman was involved in. Why should she have gone to court when she received a letter saying everything was okay?

In November, police came to her house and arrested her. She told the Miami Herald that they treated her as if she had killed someone. At her initial court appearance, public defenders failed to show and there was not assistant public defender to meet with her at the Broward County Jail. The pretrial services division found she was eligible for pretrial release on her own recognizance on the morning of her initial court appearance; she never let the judge know this, though.

Fifteen days after she was arrested at her December 2 arraignment, charges were dropped against her by the prosecutors. The judge saw a 78-year-old woman handcuffed and chained and released her and reportedly said, "I think she's suffered enough at our system's mistakes."

If you have been pulled over and given a citation, but you are unclear about what it means, or if you have been arrested on a warrant, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm for an initial free consultation.

Daughter of Joe Namath Faces Drug Charge

noreply@blogger.com (Neil) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 16:24:00 +0000

Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Namath's 19-year-old daughter, Olivia, was pulled over for speeding in Jupiter, Florida on Sunday, January 10. The law enforcement officer allegedly smelled marijuana when checking her ID and, when another officer arrived, Namath and two men with her were pulled from the vehicle.

When the officers searched the Mercedes, they allegedly found a bag on the driver's side floor board that tested positive for marijuana. A search of the trunk revealed over 200 more grams of marijuana in baggies. Also found was an open bottle of rum and several cans of beer.

Namath has denied any knowledge of the marijuana, but claims no one else had access to the trunk of her car. She has been charged with two counts of possession of marijuana, with one count of intent to sell, and one count of possession of alcohol by a minor.

Namath was released on a $3000 bond.

If you or a loved one is facing a drug charge or a minor in possession charge in the Orange County or Orlando, Florida area, or anywhere else in the state of Florida, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm for an initial confidential and free consultation.

Two Plead Guilty in Mortgage Fraud

noreply@blogger.com (Neil) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 17:10:00 +0000

Two men who were charged with mortgage fraud pleaded guilty in Orlando court on Tuesday, January 5. The two were swept up as part of a federal crackdown that began two months ago in Central Florida. Prosecutors claim this was in response to a large number of complaints of mortgage fraud in the area.

One of the men owned a company and the other was a loss-mitigation negotiator. The loss-mitigation negotiator was part of a short-sale scheme with a fellow employee. The two worked with legitimate lenders, title agents, real estate agents, and home buyers on short sales. The homes were negotiated with mortgages for nearly 90 percent of the mortgaged value of the property. The sales were then reported as being approved at 80 percent of the value. The payoff checks were endorsed by the defendant's coworker, and then his girlfriend would retain any amount over the 80 percent of the closing value.

The second defendant was charged for recruiting people, including his relatives, to allegedly buy homes in Florida with fraudulent loan applications. The loans allowed the group to buy nine properties and obtain nearly $4 million. All loans were defaulted on.

Each of these men faces five years in prison and $250,000 fines.

Authorities say that over 100 people have been charged for mortgage fraud in the area stretching from Fort Meyers to Jacksonville, including 20 in the Orlando area alone.

If you have been charged with fraud in the Orange County or Orlando, Florida area, or anywhere else in the state of Florida, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm for free and confidential case consultation.

Polk County Deputy Charged with DUI

noreply@blogger.com (Neil) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 20:14:00 +0000

A Polk County sheriff's deputy was found passed out behind the wheel of his vehicle and charged with allegedly driving under the influence. The deputy was off-duty at the time and was found in his Jeep with the engine running.

The 37-year-old deputy was given field sobriety tests and then arrested when he failed them. He was taken to the Polk County Jail where he refused to submit to a breath test. As a result of these actions, he has been suspended pending what the internal investigation concludes.

It can be argued that people tend to hold police officers to a higher standard than others and, in many ways, people hold them up as models for decency and justice. However, it can also be argued that police officers are simply human. More media reports might bear this out, as well.

What this only means is that they are as likely to make mistakes as anyone else. Sure, they might be seen as role models for kids to follow, but they also have incredibly stressful jobs and studies have shown they carry those jobs off duty as much as they do while they're on. All this leads to classic self-destructive behavior. Bear in mind that this obviously does not affect all police officers.

Rather than judge the fact that a sheriff's deputy, who may know the laws about drinking and driving better than his neighbors do, got caught in a situation that smacks of irony, it might be best to understand this is simply a man who made a mistake. If the DUI charge sticks, this man may lose his job, as well as his standing among his family, friends and neighbors. This is something quite a few people from all walks of life can understand.

If you have been charged with driving under the influence in the Orange County or Orlando, Florida area, or anywhere else in the state of Florida, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm for an initial case consultation.

DUI Punishment in Florida

noreply@blogger.com (Neil) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 21:27:00 +0000

During the holidays, people go to parties that they might otherwise avoid. Or they might go to too many parties. The result is often the consuming of several cocktails and the sudden realization that you have no way home except to drive. However, before getting into your car, remember you can be pulled over and arrested for driving under the influence. In Florida, the legal limit is 0.08 (first tier). This is enough to get you arrested. If your blood alcohol level is 0.20 or higher, you’re going to be in even more trouble, as this is considered something called a second tier violation.

Here are the rules governing Florida when it comes to DUI:

First Conviction

A first conviction for a first tier DUI will net you a fine of $250-$500 and a mandatory sentence of 50 hours community service. A second tier conviction means 50 hours community service, but the fine is increased to $500-$1000. You may have a combination of prison and probation for up to one year with prison not to exceed six months at the first tier and nine months at the second. Your vehicle may be impounded for ten days, unless your family has no other transportation. On top of all this, your license may be revoked from 180 days to one year.

Second Conviction

If you receive a second DUI within five years of your first, the fine is increased to $500-$1000 and imprisonment to nine months. You must also do a mandatory ten days of imprisonment. Second tier offense increases the fine to $1000-$2000 and imprisonment to as much as 12 months. Your vehicle may be impounded for 30 days and your license revoked for up to five years with no chance for reinstatement before a year has gone by.

Third Conviction

Within ten years of your other DUIs, a first tier conviction may mean a fine of $5000; second tier offenses are not less than $2000. Mandatory imprisonment of 30 days is required, but you may face as many as five years in prison. Your vehicle will be immobilized or impounded for 90 days and your license revoked for ten years.

Fourth Conviction or More

A fourth DUI, or any past this, means a fine of $1000 for the first tier. The second tier will be at least $2000. You may face five years in prison and your license will be permanently revoked.

DUI Accidents Involving Injuries or Death

If you cause an accident under the influence in which people are injured or killed, you will face penalties in addition to the ones stated above. The least punishment is a first degree misdemeanor, meaning an additional $1000 and year imprisonment. More serious injuries mean a $5000 fine and five years in prison. If you have been found guilty of DUI manslaughter, you may face a fine of $10,000 and be sentenced to 15 years in prison. If you leave the scene, the sentence can increase to 30 years.

Think about this before you get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol. Your best bet is to get a ride with a sober driver, get a taxi, walk – anything but drive.

If you have been charged with a DUI, please contact the experienced DUI defense lawyers at the Umansky Law Firm for an initial case consultation.

Alleged Suspect Caught in Theft of Video Games

noreply@blogger.com (Neil) — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 19:53:00 +0000

Just in time for Christmas, Orlando police uncovered an alleged suspected retail theft ring that began when a witness spotted someone stealing a hubcap from a parked car in the parking lot of a Babies R Us. Police then stopped the vehicle the suspect was in and allegedly found over $4500 in stolen video games and a list of Toys R Us locations from Miami to Gainesville. Four hubcaps that were allegedly stolen were on the backseat of the vehicle. Also found was a purse lined with tape and a metallic material, as well as other devices police believe were used for retail theft.

Three men were arrested on multiple charges, including retail theft and grand theft.

Grand theft is a serious offense to be charged with. In addition to fines, you may find yourself spending time in prison. First time offender have a better chance than repeat offenders of being given probation. Having an experienced criminal defense lawyer may even have the fine or probation time reduced. Two of the individuals who were arrested for the stolen video games made bail and were released less than two days later. Hiring a criminal defense attorney should be their next step.

If you have been charged with theft in the Orange County or Orlando, Florida area, or anywhere else in the state of Florida, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm for an initial case consultation.

Man Arrested for Allegedly Stealing Sarasota Library Books

noreply@blogger.com (Neil) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:56:00 +0000

A 27-year-old Bradenton man was charged with allegedly stealing library books from a Sarasota library last weekend. According to police, they caught him breaking into the Fruitville Public Library after it had closed. They watched him climb over a wall from the reading garden and arrested him.

The alleged thief had one book in his hand, but a dozen more were in his possession. Also found was a homemade tool used to smash a glass door pane to get into the library.

The man was charged with burglary, possession of burglary tools and criminal mischief for damage done to the library books.

Though there is no word on which library books were taken, it is highly unlikely the Fruitville Public Library contains any rare copies of books worth risking the chance of getting caught if stolen. Not to mention that these books are free, if you have a library card (also free).

The number of library books that make their way into the hands of people who then turn around and sell them on eBay or through Amazon.com is certainly a possibility. It may even be tempting to do this if you need the money. However, getting caught and charged for stealing library books carries the same weight in the eyes of the law as if you shoplifted something from a store. The consequences can affect your life for years to come.

If you have been charged with theft in Orange County or Orlando, Florida, or anywhere else in the state of Florida, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm for an initial and free case consultation.