Every October 1, a new batch of Florida laws takes effect. This year's list includes several changes that matter to anyone facing a criminal charge in Jacksonville or Northeast Florida. Here is a plain-English look at the ones we expect to see most often in Duval, Clay, St. Johns and Nassau County courtrooms.
When someone is arrested for a violent offense, the judge often orders them to have no contact with the alleged victim as a condition of release. Until now, breaking that order (outside of domestic violence cases) usually meant losing your bond, not a new charge. Starting October 1, a willful violation is a separate crime: a first-degree misdemeanor the first time, and a third-degree felony after that. Police can also arrest without a warrant, and the person must stay in jail until first appearance.
Drivers now have to report a crash to police when property damage appears to be $2,000 or more, up from $500. The law also expands the state's ability to send driver license suspension and revocation notices by email when the driver has authorized it. That matters because many driving-while-suspended cases turn on whether the driver knew the license was suspended.
Xylazine, a veterinary sedative often found mixed with fentanyl, now has its own trafficking offense. Possessing or selling 28 grams or more is a first-degree felony with a mandatory minimum prison sentence that starts at 3 years. The same law makes it a felony for tobacco and vape shops to sell nitrous oxide.
New laws are often applied aggressively at first, and the details of how they are charged can be challenged. If you or someone you love is facing a charge under one of these laws, call Rainka Law at (904) 329-7245 for a free case evaluation.
This post is for general information and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Michael is a dedicated Jacksonville Criminal Defense Attorney and Florida TCPA Attorney who approaches every case with the utmost skill and effort. Michael is exceptionally skilled in the areas of criminal and traffic matters.
