Thomas C. Grajek | November 18, 2025 | Drug Crimes
Florida has not legalized recreational marijuana, and possession is still a criminal offense under state law. The penalties you’ll face if you’re convicted depend mainly on how much cannabis you are accused of having. Possessing 20 grams or less is typically a misdemeanor, while amounts exceeding that can result in a felony charge. However, additional […]
Thomas C. Grajek | November 11, 2025 | Criminal Defense
The phrase “pleading the Fifth” is probably one of the most misunderstood concepts in American criminal law. Many people believe it’s something only guilty people do to avoid confessing to a crime. However, in reality, the Fifth Amendment protects everyone (guilty or innocent) from being forced to say something that could later be used against […]
Thomas C. Grajek | November 5, 2025 | Criminal Defense
Facing a criminal investigation can be one of the most stressful, life-altering events a person can endure. How you respond from the outset — long before any courtroom drama begins — often plays a key role in safeguarding your rights and shaping the outcome. Below is a guide to how to conduct yourself when you […]
Thomas C. Grajek | October 21, 2025 | Criminal Defense
If you’ve recently checked your Florida court record and noticed that your criminal case (such as one based on a drug crime or weapons offense) status is listed as “disposed,” you may be wondering whether that means your case is completely over. In criminal law, disposed simply means the court has reached a final resolution […]
Thomas C. Grajek | October 13, 2025 | Sex Crimes
In Florida, defendants convicted of most sex offenses have to register with local law enforcement and keep their information updated. This information – like their address, photograph, and charges – goes on the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) online registry, which is open for anyone to see. Sex Offenders Are Generally Not Required To […]
Thomas C. Grajek | September 29, 2025 | DUI
Starting October 1, 2025, Florida drivers face new and tougher consequences for refusing a DUI test. This is because of Trenton’s Law (HB 687). This law is named for seven-year-old Trenton Wilkerson, whose tragic death in 2020 prompted lawmakers to make certain rules tougher for people who were accused of impaired driving. Specifically, it turned […]
Thomas C. Grajek | September 29, 2025 | DUI
Understanding how often DUI cases go to trial is helpful for defendants who are worried about how their case is going to turn out. While most DUI cases in Polk County, FL, resolve through plea bargains, a small percentage do proceed to trial. If this happens, working with an experienced Polk County criminal defense lawyer […]
Thomas C. Grajek | August 27, 2025 | Criminal Defense
Being served with an injunction can be overwhelming, especially if you weren’t expecting it. An injunction is a court order that directs a person either to take specific actions or to stop doing certain things. While injunctions are technically civil in nature, violating one can result in serious criminal charges, leading to you becoming a […]
Thomas C. Grajek | August 22, 2025 | Lakeland Criminal Law
Speeding has always been a traffic violation in Florida. However, under the state’s new 2025 Super Speeder Law, certain high-speed offenses can now lead to much harsher consequences. The update targets drivers who go far beyond posted limits, with penalties that can include steep fines and even criminal charges in some cases. Understanding what these […]
Thomas C. Grajek | July 16, 2025 | Criminal Defense
Being charged with a crime in Florida is a serious matter that can turn your life upside down. Whether you’re facing misdemeanor or felony charges, such as federal crimes or theft crimes, understanding the steps of a criminal trial can help ease some of the anxiety and confusion. Here’s a description of the key stages […]