Articles Posted in Criminal Law

If you or a loved one has been arrested on federal charges, one of the first — and most critical — court appearances is the detention hearing. In many cases, this hearing determines whether you’ll be released before trial or remain behind bars for weeks, months, or even longer. At The Bonderud Law Firm, we…

If you’re facing criminal charges in federal court, you’re up against a different system — one with stricter rules, harsher penalties, and prosecutors backed by massive government resources. Defending a federal case is not like defending a state court DUI or theft charge. The stakes are higher. The process is more complex. The consequences are…

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…

When someone is convicted of a crime in Florida, the next question is: What sentence will the judge impose? The answer isn’t always straightforward. Florida uses a structured Criminal Punishment Code (CPC) that assigns point values to offenses — and those points determine what sentencing options are available. At The Bonderud Law Firm, we help…

If you’re on probation in Florida and get arrested or charged with a new offense, you’re facing a double legal threat — not only do you have to fight the new case, but you could also face a violation of probation (VOP), which can result in harsh consequences, including incarceration. At The Bonderud Law Firm,…

If you’ve been charged with a crime in Florida, one possible defense is that you were set up by law enforcement — that you were induced to commit an offense you wouldn’t have committed on your own. This is known as entrapment, and while it’s difficult to prove, it can be a powerful defense when…

If you’ve been charged with a crime in Florida, one of the most common — and important — questions is: Can I travel? Whether it’s for work, family, or a planned vacation, leaving your city or the state while your case is pending can lead to serious consequences if not handled correctly. At The Bonderud…

If you or a loved one has been arrested in Florida, one of the first questions is: how do we get out of jail? That usually means posting bail or securing a bond — but what’s the difference, and how does the process work? At The Bonderud Law Firm, we help clients navigate the bail…

Florida takes repeat offenders seriously — and under its “Three Strikes” law, individuals with multiple felony convictions may face harsh, mandatory sentences, including life in prison. If you have prior felony convictions and are now facing new charges, your entire future could be at stake. At The Bonderud Law Firm, we defend individuals accused of…

When it comes to criminal sentencing, what others say about you can matter just as much as what the charges say about you. One of the most effective tools for influencing a judge’s sentencing decision is the submission of well-crafted character reference letters. At The Bonderud Law Firm, we help clients collect impactful letters that…