What Happens After Your Third DUI Charge?
A third DUI in Florida within ten years of a prior DUI conviction is treated as a felony, and the penalties reach far beyond higher fines. You face a mandatory jail sentence, long-term license revocation, and strict ignition interlock requirements. Many people also experience job instability and professional licensing issues. Understanding what...
What Is a Defamation Lawsuit and Do You Have a Case?
When someone makes a false statement that harms your reputation, Florida law allows you to pursue a defamation claim. Defamation occurs when a person publishes or shares information that damages your standing in the community, affects your career, or harms your personal relationships. Whether you have a case depends on what was...
Is Claiming Insanity a Legitimate Defense?
A claim of insanity is one of the most misunderstood legal defenses. In Florida, it can apply in rare cases where a person was so mentally impaired at the time of the crime that they could not understand the nature of their actions or that those actions were wrong. While this defense...
Professional Consequences of a Criminal Conviction
A criminal conviction can affect far more than your freedom or finances. It can alter your career path, professional reputation, and eligibility for future opportunities. Many professions require background checks, proof of good moral character, or state licensing, all of which can be jeopardized by a criminal record. Understanding these consequences is...
How Does Resisting Arrest Impact Your Defense?
When someone is arrested in Florida, emotions often run high. Fear, confusion, and anger can lead to split-second decisions that carry lasting consequences. One of the most common and damaging reactions during an arrest is resisting. Whether it’s pulling away from an officer’s grasp or verbally refusing commands, resisting arrest can create...
Out-of-State DUI Arrests in Florida: Defense Strategies for Visitors
Getting arrested for DUI while visiting Florida can be overwhelming, especially if you’ve already gone home. Whether you were here on vacation, visiting family, or staying seasonally, a DUI charge doesn’t disappear just because you leave the state. At Van Elswyk Law, we help out-of-state drivers understand what’s ahead and work toward...
What Is Considered Prescription Drug Fraud?
Being accused of prescription drug fraud can leave you facing uncertainty and stress, and unsure of what comes next. Whether you're a patient, caregiver, or medical professional, being accused of fraud involving prescription medication is a serious matter. However, in many cases, it may start with a misunderstanding. In this post, we’ll...
Civil and Criminal Implications of Business Contract Fraud
Not every broken contract is a crime, but some disputes can cross that line. In the business world, contracts form the backbone of professional relationships. Most of the time, when something goes wrong, it’s handled as a civil matter. But if there’s suspicion that one party intentionally lied to gain an advantage,...
Protecting Your License in Commercial Vehicle DUIs
If you're a commercial driver in Florida, a DUI arrest isn’t just a legal problem—it’s a career threat. With lower legal limits and higher penalties, your livelihood is often on the line from the moment you're pulled over. At Van Elswyk Law, we help professional drivers fight DUI charges and take swift...
Field Sobriety Tests: Common Police Errors That Can Help Your DUI Defense
Have you ever been asked to walk a straight line or stand on one leg during a traffic stop? These field sobriety tests are meant to help officers decide whether to make a DUI arrest. But they’re far from foolproof. In fact, many people fail these tests for reasons that have nothing...