Becerra Law, P.A. Legal Blog
Federal charges raise the stakes
If local authorities believe someone has committed a crime, they may go through the proper channels of investigation, arrest and prosecution through the state of Florida’s judicial system. Trial court judges may have some leniency with sentencing, and prosecutors may...
Man faces charges for selling fake insurance policies
When individuals purchase insurance, they expect their policies to protect them. They are willing to pay premiums, sometimes for many years, for the comfort of knowing the policy will be there if they need it, such as after a motor vehicle accident, the death of a...
Packing materials result in customs seizures, costly delays
Importers bringing items into the United States from other countries have many regulations with which to comply. Knowing their items must pass the watchful eyes of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection should evoke a sense of caution about the types of cargo they...
Homeless couple success story now accused of embezzlement
A rags-to-riches story is often compelling, especially when the subjects of the story use their gifts to give back to a community that helped them when they were down. One such story involves a family living in their minivan who received help from a nonprofit...
CBP seizes hundreds of drugs, cosmetics and medical devices
Frequently, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency in Florida and other states team with other government agencies in efforts to prevent illegal or dangerous items from entering the country. Often, this involves intercepting street drugs, but it may also mean...
Drug sniffing dogs not as sharp as you think
Drug detection dogs are a common sight in Florida and across the country. Authorities may use them in schools, airports and traffic stops to detect drug crimes. The dogs are supposedly trained to recognize the smell of various drugs and alert their handlers to their...
The right defense essential if charged with a white-collar crime
When a Florida defendant is facing criminal charges, he or she knows that a conviction could come with the potential for time behind bars and other penalties. Even in non-violent cases, such as white-collar criminal cases, the potential penalties include jail time,...
FINCEN renews Geographic Targeting Orders for 12 Metropolitan Areas
FinCEN reissued a Geographic Targeting Order ("GTO") requiring title insurance companies to collect and report beneficial ownership information for certain residential real estate purchases. The renewed GTO applies when a legal entity purchases residential real estate...
Customs seizure order issued against disposable glove maker
Recent health concerns and public safety measures have driven many in Florida, nationwide and around the world to employ personal protection products such as gloves and masks. Manufacturers have capitalized on this growing demand, adding these products to their...
Police operation leads to 27 arrests for drug crimes
Zealous members of law enforcement dedicate many hours to keeping neighborhoods safe. This often includes attempting to reduce the consequences of drug crimes by targeting those whom police suspect of trafficking and dealing drugs in their communities. The drug trade...