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Enhanced Penalties During State of Emergency

In the wake of Hurricane Ian, it is critical that you remember that in the State of Florida, penalties are enhanced for certain crimes that are committed during a State of Emergency.

Crimes like Contracting without a License, Burglary, Robbery, and Grand Theft, are elevated one degree if committed under conditions arising from the emergency.  For instance, if a gas station is closed due to a hurricane, and you break in to steal money and property, what would normally be third-degree felonies (Burglary of a Structure, Grand Theft) will now become second-degree felonies.

If you have been arrested in Miami-Dade, Broward, or Palm Beach for crimes that occurred during a State of Emergency, contact me to discuss your options.  

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