Smartphones contain everything from text messages and photos to banking apps and location history. So, what happens if the police want to search yours? In Florida, law enforcement generally cannot search your phone without a warrant — and if they do, the evidence may be thrown out. At The Bonderud Law Firm, we protect clients…
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In January 2025, Florida enacted the “Halo Law,” introducing a 25-foot buffer zone around law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel. This legislation aims to enhance the safety of first responders by limiting public proximity during active duties. However, it has sparked debates concerning potential conflicts with First Amendment rights, particularly regarding freedom of…
Continue reading ›Introduction The Fifth District Court of Appeal of Florida recently issued its opinion in Brandon Robert Holifield v. State of Florida, affirming the trial court’s decision to deny Holifield’s motion to suppress evidence obtained during an inventory search of his vehicle. The case centered on whether law enforcement used the inventory search as a pretext to conduct…
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Florida has recently enacted sweeping new immigration legislation, imposing stricter penalties on undocumented immigrants accused of crimes. The law, which is among the most severe in the country, increases criminal penalties, mandates automatic deportation in certain cases, and even introduces the possibility of a mandatory death sentence for first-degree murder convictions involving undocumented immigrants. These…
Continue reading ›The Bonderud Law Firm and the ACLU of Louisiana successfully defended the First Amendment rights of a Louisiana journalist who was sued for defamation in Jacksonville, Florida. The case was Nicholas Dean v. Charles Easterling and Advance Local Media, LLC, case no. 3:19-cv-566-TJC-JK. The plaintiff had filed a complaint, alleging defamation, intentional infliction of emotional…
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