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...
White Collar Crime Defense: Beyond Securities Fraud
White collar crimes are nonviolent offenses that often involve financial transactions, computer systems, or public trust. But make no mistake—the consequences can be just as serious as violent crimes. A single allegation of financial wrongdoing can cost you your job, destroy your reputation, and lead to years in prison.
What Happens After Your First DUI in Florida?
Getting arrested for a DUI can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time dealing with the legal system. In Florida, the process moves quickly, and it’s easy to feel like everything is happening at once. We’re here to walk you through what happens after a DUI arrest and explain how we...
Different Types of Civil Lawsuits
When a legal dispute arises between individuals, businesses, or organizations, it usually falls under civil law. Unlike criminal cases, which focus on punishing wrongdoing, civil lawsuits aim to resolve disagreements and provide compensation or other remedies. Whether you're dealing with a contract issue, an injury, or a property conflict, knowing your rights...
Should You Plead Guilty to Simple Assault?
You’ve been charged with simple assault—now what?
Maybe the prosecutor has already offered you a deal. Maybe you’re thinking about pleading guilty just to put the situation behind you. But before you make any decisions, take a step back. Pleading guilty might feel like the fastest way out, but...
How Serious Is a Shoplifting Charge?
Getting arrested for shoplifting—even for something worth just a few dollars—can carry long-term consequences in Florida. Whether it was a misunderstanding, a moment of poor judgment, or a false accusation, a retail theft charge can seriously affect your record, your job prospects, and your future.
Florida law treats retail...
Defenses for Murder Charges in Florida
Facing a murder charge is one of the most serious and frightening situations anyone can experience. Your future, freedom, and reputation are all at risk. If you or someone you care about has been accused of murder in Florida, you need to understand the potential defenses available and how the legal process...
What Is Wire Fraud and What You Should Do If Charged
You get a call from a federal agent—or maybe a letter arrives in the mail. Suddenly, you’re being accused of wire fraud, and you’re not even sure what that means. Did a business deal go wrong? Was it something you said in an email or a payment you processed online? These charges...
Public Intoxication: When Does it Become a Criminal Offense in Florida?
Public intoxication might sound like a minor slip-up—something many people assume is only an embarrassment rather than an actual crime. However, in Florida, being intoxicated in public can sometimes cross the line into criminal behavior. At Van Elswyk Law, we want members of our community to understand exactly where that line...