In 2014, the Florida Supreme Court protected privacy by ruling that it is a violation of the Fourth Amendment to track cell phone location data without a warrant. Police departments in Florida and around the country have been using metadata from cell phones to track a person’s location in real time without obtaining warrant. The ruling also covered the use of StingRays, a technology often used by law enforcement to Read More
Co-Parenting: For the Sake of Your Children
Divorce is a heart-wrenching experience. I am speaking not only as an attorney, but also from personal experience. It is even harder when you are undergoing it with children involved. You tend to think that you know what is best for your children and that you are the parent that is doing things the “right way” for them. It can be hard to remember that your children, in most cases, have another parent that loves Read More
Ways to Sabotage Your Own Criminal Defense
It may seem like common sense to not want to sabotage you own criminal case, but people frequently do things than can damage their own defense. Below are the top issues that I have seen to cause problems for clients’ cases: Party Like a Rock Star Your goal during your criminal case is to remain free of any drama. If you are out drinking, you can end up in a situation which may lead to activities or situations Read More
“Sexting” and Florida Law
Yes, “sexting” has been defined by Florida law and can been found in Florida Statutes section 847.0141. Sexting is when a minor uses an electronic device to transmit a photo or video which depicts nudity and is considered harmful. It is against the law to solicit and to be the recipient if the recipient does not report specifically to the minor’s legal guardian or to a school or law enforcement official within 24 Read More
What is Pretrial Diversion?
Pretrial Diversion programs are available usually only to first-time offenders to resolve their cases and successful completion results in the State dropping the charges. The qualifications for these programs do differ from county to county. First and foremost, the crime the defendant is accused of usually must be a misdemeanor. In Polk County, the most common charges that defendants are offered diversion for Read More
Body and Dash Cameras
One of the first conversations I usually have with my clients that hire me for their criminal case here in Polk County usually involves something like, “get the body camera or dash camera footage; it will show you what happened.” Unfortunately, here in Polk County, there are no body cameras or dash cameras. Our Sheriff has made it abundantly clear that he does not support such technology. However, the National Read More
Top 10 Things NOT To Do During A Divorce
A divorce is one of the most significant and emotional experiences that a person can go through. Not only are you going through this life-changing event, but you have concerns about your finances, moving, belongings, and most importantly your children. It is important not let this process turn you into a person that you don’t want to be—a person that you don’t even recognize. Be the better person, even if your Read More
Why I Do What I Do
I am often asked one of several questions by people with no understanding of what I do: Why do you defend criminals? How can you do it when you know they are guilty? Don't you feel bad winning when you know you got them off on a technicality? I am very proud of what I do. I work each and every day to protect people and their Constitutional rights. I protect them from an overzealous government. I protect innocent Read More
Common Offenses With Driver’s License Suspensions and Revocations
If you have been given a citation or charged with a crime, or need help getting a hardship license, you need the help of an experienced attorney to stand beside you. Contact Heather Bryan Law today for your confidential consultation, at 863-825-5309 Read More
You Have A Right To Remain Silent…Use It!
Our founding fathers very specifically crafted the protection against self-incrimination located in the Fifth Amendment with a purpose. The protection dates back to English common law when the courts sought to prohibit the use of inquisitorial methods of interrogation. By the late 1700's, Parliament had begun to recognize the presumption of innocence. Of course, these ideas were carried over into colonial America Read More
