What TV And Movies Get Wrong About Drug Charges

Drugs have always been an attractive topic in American media. Many mainstream movies and TV shows have depicted drug use and abuse to varying degrees of accuracy. As with most topics, movies and TV are not always the most realistic representation of real life. Due to these discrepancies, there are many common misconceptions about what happens when one is charged with a drug-related offense. Here at Esposito Law Firm, we care about the well being of the people, and we want you to have the knowledge you need to avoid unnecessary legal trouble. 

Many TV shows and movies depict police planting evidence on suspects and then making an arrest. This can make for very entertaining and dramatic television, but rarely happens in real life. While there have always been allegations and some real cases, the overwhelming likelihood is that if you are arrested for drugs, there was enough evidence to warrant an arrest. In most states, they just need to prove that you had an illegal substance in your possession or intent to sell an illegal substance.

Many drug-related movies and TV series’ can also depict police brutally interrogating suspects, and occasionally using torture. This doesn’t usually happen in real life. Suspected criminals do in fact have legal rights, and the police know this. They also know that if they respect your rights, they are much more likely to get a conviction than if the suspect’s rights are violated. The police are more aware of your rights than you are, but the legal team at Esposito Law Firm knows your rights even better than the police. We look for any violation of your rights as leverage in your case because you deserve the utmost respect from the law.

What you need to do if you are arrested is to follow any instructions you are given and cooperate to the best of your ability. However, cooperating does not mean you are required to incriminate yourself. You do not have to answer any questions relating to your drug charge, and can instead wait to have an attorney present to guide you through the process. 

Call Esposito Law Firm P.A. as soon as possible to receive legal representation. We will fight for your rights as a Tampa citizen and ensure you receive fair, just legal action for any drug charge against you. 

Arrested for Possession in Florida? Here’s What To Do

Drug use has been on the rise in recent years all over the United States. With several states decriminalizing and even legalizing drugs that were once illegal, it is much more common for people to use these substances for both medical and recreational use. In Florida, for example, marijuana is an approved drug for some medical conditions, but it can still get you into trouble if you’re caught without a license. Other illicit substances can incur harsher penalties, including jail time, if you do not have a lawyer by your side. 

If you are pulled over for any reason with drugs in the car you may end up arrested for possession. Being arrested can be very scary and in some cases, it can induce panic. Here at Esposito Law Firm, P. A., we believe knowledge is power. Knowing how to handle being arrested can play out heavily in your favor.

The first step for you if you are arrested for possession is to stay calm. It is not the end of the world. You must remember that you are innocent until proven guilty without a shadow of a doubt. This means you should avoid giving the police anything else to charge you with such as obstruction of justice or resisting arrest. Your best course of action is to comply with anything they tell you to do and remain silent. It is your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You should then contact your attorney at the first opportunity so they can help you through the rest of the process. 

Once you are taken to the police station, you may be placed in a holding cell. You’ll have a phone call first, and you need to use this phone call to contact Esposito Law Firm., P. A. Our team of legal professionals will fight hard for you in court. We can assess your case and determine the right course of action for you. Whatever the case may be, Esposito Law Firm, P. A. cares about you and your wellbeing. We can give you excellent advice and help you navigate the legal system with ease. Call us today for more information.

How Your Attorney and Insurance Company Work Together in A Car Accident Claim

Anyone involved in an auto accident will be dealing extensively with both lawyers and their insurance company. Both parties are there to help you, and it is important that you work with both parties to get your compensation. Most people do not fully understand the role of their attorney or insurance company, and definitely are not aware of how these parties work together. If you or a loved one are involved in an auto accident, call Esposito Law Firm P. A., today. Our team of experienced legal professionals will work tirelessly to secure your compensation. 

Attorneys are important in an auto accident case because they understand how to navigate the labyrinth that is the legal system. This means your attorney knows what needs to happen and will not be fooled by any legal jargon. A big role the attorney plays is the middleman between you and the other party’s insurance. Since the other insurance company is most likely responsible for your compensation, your lawyer will know how to develop a relationship with them, get that information to you, and communicate effectively to your insurance company.

Your lawyer can also visit the scene of the accident, and acquire more information regarding liability. Your lawyer will know what to look for and how to document it. Your attorney will be able to send the best information to your insurance company and work with them to get your compensation. Your attorney can also be a huge help with getting any documents that you need. Medical documents can be very hard to get your hands on, especially during the chaos of an auto accident. Your attorney can make sure that you have the completed records and get them to your insurance company.

Your attorney will also play a vital role as a negotiator. They will be able to negotiate better deals than an average person and get you more compensation. They do this by negotiating with lien holders, other insurance companies, and your insurance company, and ensuring you get the compensation you deserve. 

For more information contact Esposito Law Firm, P. A. today. Our team of legal professionals is ready and willing to work day and night on your behalf. Don’t wait and lose money.

How To Determine What Your Car Accident Case is Worth

Car accidents happen extremely often and can be very stressful to deal with. Many times, the parties involved are dealing with strong emotions and are not in the best shape for dealing with the legal process. However, keeping a level head in the aftermath of your accident can play a major role in the outcome of your case. The sooner you can acquire legal representation, the better your chances of getting the most compensation for your accident. Esposito Law Firm, P. A. cares about your well being, and we want to make the legal process easier for everyone. Here are some factors that will directly affect home much your car accident case is worth. 

Acquiring a copy of any police report can affect the outcome of your auto accident case. Insurance companies are going to do anything they can to avoid paying you. Having a copy of the police report allows the insurance companies to contact the police that responded to your accident and make sure any statements made are true. Always ask for a copy of the police report. 

It is also imperative that you seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you are not in immediate pain, you should still go see a doctor. Any injuries caused by the accident can affect your claim, and failure to seek medical attention within fourteen days of the accident can drastically decrease the compensation you receive. If you have pre-existing conditions, before and after scans can prove whether or not the accident made your condition worse or caused additional damage. This can also affect the outcome of your claim.

If there are witnesses, make sure to talk to them and get their contact information. If they help your case you will want to stay in touch. However, if the witnesses will hurt your case, you will want to know how to counter that. You should also avoid any admittance of fault. Saying things like “I can’t believe I did that” or even something as simple as “my bad” could be used against you in court. If the other driver makes this mistake though, you can use this to your advantage to prove fault and get more compensation. 

Your attorney can help you use all of this information to get the best settlement from a personal injury lawsuit. Call Esposito Law Firm, P. A. today for more information.

Types of Car Insurance Coverage in Florida

Florida is one of the most visited, and one of the most attractive states to retirees. The sun and beaches draw people in from all over the United States and from all over the world. With more people flocking to Florida every day, the roads are becoming more crowded. This also means your risk of being in an auto accident goes up. While Florida drivers are required to have basic insurance, there are many different types of auto insurance in Florida. Here at Esposito Law Firm, P. A., we care about your safety and want you to be aware of your options. 

Florida law requires all drivers to have personal injury protection coverage and property damage liability coverage. Personal injury protection coverage (PIP) is there to cover injuries to you and your immediate family. PIP also covers lost wages, but will only pay for 80% of your medical bills and 60% of lost wages up to ten thousand dollars. Florida is also a no-fault state, which means your coverage will cover you regardless of who is a fault. The only catch is that you must seek medical treatment within fourteen days. 

Property damage liability coverage (PD) is there to cover any property damage caused by an accident. Your PD coverage will not cover damage to your car, however, it will cover damage to any property. Usually, the property damaged is another person’s vehicle, but PD also covers damage to buildings or anything else you damage in an accident. If someone hits your vehicle with theirs, their PD coverage will likely cover the damage.

Bodily injury liability coverage (BI) Is not required in Florida. BI exists to pay for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering of any person injured by you. If you injure someone and you do not have BI coverage, you could be held liable for their medical expenses. Uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist coverage also are not required by Florida law but can save you a lot of money if you are in an accident. 

Call Esposito Law Firm, P. A. today for more information.

Legal Rights in a Rideshare Accident

Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have revolutionized travel, and made it easier for people to get where they need to be. These services are great for those living in big cities, and for those without a vehicle. The popularity of ridesharing services has been on the rise since their inception, and more people use these services now than ever. 

Ridesharing is great, but what happens when your driver gets into an accident? Most users don’t ask this question, but it is important to consider before you get in the passenger seat. Below is a brief synopsis of your options when involved in a ridesharing accident.  

If you are in an accident while riding with a rideshare driver, there are several things you need to be aware of. Ridesharing services have various stages for every pickup. For example, if your uber driver has agreed to give you a ride, they are considered “en route”, but if that uber driver is waiting for requests, they are considered “available”. The stage that the driver is at in the process will affect your options for receiving compensation. If you are in the vehicle with the driver on the way to your destination, you have the best chance of receiving compensation.

Uber and Lyft both offer one million dollars for liability and underinsured/uninsured motorists. This is only available to you if the driver is on the way to get someone or on the way to drop someone off. If the driver is waiting for a job, both Uber and Lyft offer compensation. The compensation for an accident with a driver that is waiting for jobs is far less than that offered to passengers that are on the way to their destination. 

Claims get complicated when you are driving a car that is struck by a rideshare driver. Different services handle this situation differently, so you’ll want to contact both the service, your insurance, and your attorney as soon as possible. 

If you or a loved one are involved in any type of automotive accident, call Esposito Law Firm, P. A. as soon as possible. We will fight diligently for the legal compensation you deserve.