Being arrested can be overwhelming for anyone, but for a University of Florida student, the consequences often extend far beyond the criminal courtroom. A criminal charge may affect your education, housing, scholarships, student organizations, future employment opportunities, graduate school admissions, and professional licensing.

Many students and parents assume that a first-time offense will simply "go away" or that the University of Florida will not become involved. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Even relatively minor criminal charges can trigger separate disciplinary proceedings through the University.

If you or your child has been arrested in Gainesville or anywhere in North Florida, understanding what happens next is critical.

A recent Florida appellate decision serves as an important reminder that seemingly minor vehicle equipment violations can provide law enforcement with a lawful basis to stop a vehicle—and that stop can quickly escalate into a serious criminal investigation. And remember - don't put any blue lights on your vehicle no matter what.

In Cadet v. State, Florida's Second District Court of Appeal affirmed the denial of a motion to suppress after police stopped a vehicle because the driver displayed an illuminated blue Uber sign on the dashboard. The stop ultimately led to the discovery of fentanyl and cocaine and resulted in convictions carrying an eight-year prison sentence.

For drivers who work in rideshare services such as Uber or Lyft, the case highlights an often-overlooked provision of Florida traffic law: blue lights are generally reserved for law enforcement vehicles.

In criminal trials, jurors—not police officers, forensic interviewers, prosecutors, or government witnesses—decide who is telling the truth. That principle is fundamental to Florida criminal law. But in a recent appellate decision, a Florida court reversed a conviction after prosecutors repeatedly introduced testimony and argument improperly endorsing the credibility of the alleged child victim.

The opinion serves as an important reminder that prosecutors and law enforcement cannot personally vouch for the truthfulness of a witness or place the “prestige of the government” behind testimony. This issue is especially significant in child molestation and sex offense prosecutions, where cases often turn almost entirely on witness credibility rather than physical evidence.

One of the most important principles in Florida criminal law is also one of the most overlooked: the State must prove the identity of the accused beyond a reasonable doubt.

A recent Florida appellate decision re-stated a principle which is assumed in every case but infrequently discussed. Suspicion, assumptions, or a victim’s “hunch” cannot legally replace actual proof of identification. In the case, Florida’s Fourth District Court of Appeal reversed multiple convictions after finding the evidence failed to sufficiently establish who committed the alleged crimes. For the full case see Baker v State 4th DCA.

For anyone accused of a crime in Florida, this issue can become critically important in cases involving surveillance footage, nighttime observations, masked suspects, unclear video, or circumstantial evidence.

The right to a public trial is one of the most fundamental protections in the American justice system. It’s designed to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability. But what happens when that right collides with another powerful interest—like protecting a child victim from trauma?

A recent Florida appellate decision answers that question clearly: the right to a public trial is not absolute. In certain circumstances, courts can limit who is allowed in the courtroom—and still comply with the Constitution. For the full case see Cordon v State 3rd DCA.

When everything is on the line, the smallest words can carry the biggest consequences. In Florida criminal cases, we often see defendants who thought they were protecting themselves—only to learn later that what they said wasn’t legally enough. This case is a perfect example. A man sits in an interrogation room, admits involvement in a shooting, and says he “needs advice.” Most people would assume that’s a clear signal to stop questioning. Under Florida law, it isn’t. And that misunderstanding can turn a conversation into powerful evidence for the State. Here’s what this case teaches—and why knowing exactly how to invoke your rights matters more than you think.

When you look closely at the details of the Tiger Woods DUI arrest, what you actually see is not a simple or automatic case, but a series of legal steps that must each be proven by the State. From the initial crash investigation all the way through chemical testing, every part of the process raises important legal questions that apply to everyday drivers here in Florida.

At Landsman Law, we regularly challenge traffic stops that lead to criminal charges. A recent Florida appellate decision highlights a critical reality for drivers: even a brief “rolling stop”—often called a “Jersey stop” or “California stop”—can justify a traffic stop, and once that stop is deemed lawful, it can open the door to searches, statements, and ultimately convictions.

Florida lawmakers have recently approved new legislation aimed at cracking down on signal-jamming devices—technology designed to block or interfere with wireless communications such as cell signals, GPS tracking, or radio transmissions. If signed into law as expected, the measure will create new criminal penalties for possessing or using these devices in Florida.

The new law is expected to take effect July 1, 2026, as part of broader legislation passed during the 2026 legislative session.

For drivers, businesses, and technology users, the law introduces important restrictions that could easily catch someone off guard.

Florida courts have long held that a probation violation must be both willful and substantial before a person’s probation can be revoked or modified. A recent appellate decision involving Troy Lee Jackson reinforces this principle, emphasizing that a defendant cannot be punished for violating a probation condition that was not clearly communicated or properly implemented. To read the case yourself you can find it here Jackson v State (1st DCA).

Judges have lots of power in the Florida criminal justice system, but that power comes with rules. That's easy to forget on a crowded docket, with time pressure, and emotions running high for everyone involved. But one thing remains clear - a defendant cannot be punished for exercising the right to a hearing. Pickard v State (5th DCA)

In State v. Nealy, the police took a phone, but didn't immediately search it. The defense challenged the seizure arguing it was done without 'exigency' (emergency circumstances excusing the need for a warrant).