Blog - The Sombathy Law Firm

How Out-of-State Drivers Are Handled in Florida DUI Cases

Posted on July 17, 2026

A Florida DUI does not stay in Florida. Most home states treat the conviction as their own.

Florida treats out-of-state drivers the same as residents in DUI cases. You can be arrested, charged, and prosecuted under Florida law regardless of where your driver's license was...

Domestic Battery in a Bar: Public Intoxication and Venue Factors

Posted on June 8, 2026

In Florida, a domestic battery charge can arise from an altercation with a family or household member in any location, including a bar, and voluntary intoxication is not a legal defense.

The argument at the bar ended hours ago, but the consequences are just beginning....

How Drug Addiction Impacts Domestic Violence Defense Strategies

Posted on June 1, 2026

Drug addiction does not excuse domestic violence under Florida law, but it can shape the defense strategy an attorney builds around your case, from challenging witness credibility to pursuing treatment-based alternatives.

A domestic violence case in Florida can carry a court-ordered intervention program, potential jail...

Can You Get a DUI for Marijuana in Florida?

Posted on May 11, 2026

Florida law treats marijuana DUI the same as an alcohol DUI. A medical marijuana card does not protect you from criminal charges if your normal faculties are impaired behind the wheel.

Yes, you can get a DUI for marijuana in Florida. Under Florida Statute §316.193,...

Defending Against Domestic Violence When Both Parties Were Fighting

Posted on May 4, 2026

In Florida, the fact that both parties were fighting does not automatically cancel out the charges. Officers must identify a primary aggressor. While dual arrests are discouraged, they are permitted when officers cannot clearly determine who initiated the violence.

The argument is over, but the...

What Happens if You Have Open Alcohol in Your Vehicle During a Traffic Stop?

Posted on April 15, 2026

Most drivers who get pulled over with an open container in the car are focused on the ticket. The bigger concern is what happens next. Under Florida Statute § 316.1936, possessing an open container of alcohol in a vehicle on a public road is a noncriminal traffic infraction for both drivers...

Marijuana Laws in Florida: Possession vs Trafficking Amounts

Posted on March 11, 2026

In Florida, understanding the distinction between possession and trafficking is crucial; even small amounts can escalate charges from misdemeanors to felonies. Stay informed about weight thresholds to navigate potential legal consequences effectively.

Florida marijuana laws draw a sharp legal line between possession and trafficking, with...

What to Do in the First 24 Hours After a Felony Arrest

Posted on March 3, 2026

Most people make their biggest legal mistakes in the first hours after an arrest—talking to police, posting on social media, or waiting too long to call an attorney. What you don't do matters as much as what you do.

The handcuffs click. The squad car...

Warrant Out for Your Arrest: Should You Turn Yourself In?

Posted on February 19, 2026

Florida arrest warrants never expire. Whether you turn yourself in voluntarily or are arrested during a traffic stop, the warrant will follow you until it is resolved.

You check your mail and find a notice, or maybe a friend mentions they heard police were looking...

What Happens After a Criminal Conviction?

Posted on February 8, 2026

A Florida criminal conviction triggers sentencing, potential appeals within 30 days, probation requirements, and long-term consequences for employment and housing, but eligible defendants may eventually seal or expunge their records.

After a criminal conviction in Florida, defendants face sentencing, potential incarceration or probation, and long-term...