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Hunt Law Blog


Florida's Criminal Sentencing Guidelines
If you’re facing felony charges in Florida, one of the most important, and often misunderstood, factors in your case is the Criminal Punishment Code (CPC) scoresheet. This document plays a critical role in determining the sentence you may face if convicted.

J. Ruffin Hunt
15 hours ago3 min read


Understanding Criminal Fines in Florida
If you’ve been charged with a crime in Florida, the potential consequences extend beyond jail or probation. Under Florida Statute 775.083, courts are authorized to impose significant financial penalties, often in addition to other punishments. These fines can quickly add up, and understanding how they work is critical to protecting your rights and your future.

J. Ruffin Hunt
17 hours ago3 min read


"Marcy's Law" - Understanding Article 1, Section 16 of Florida's Constitution
Article I, Section 16 establishes constitutional rights for both criminal defendants and crime victims in Florida, with Marcy’s Law (subsection b and related provisions) significantly expanding and enforcing victims’ rights.

J. Ruffin Hunt
2 days ago2 min read


A Guide to Criminal Restitution Hearings in Florida
This is designed to be a comprehensive guide for defendants and practitioners, providing an in-depth look at the law and procedures surrounding criminal restitution hearings in Florida.

J. Ruffin Hunt
2 days ago8 min read


Case Analysis: State v. Scott (No. 2D2025-0446) (Fla. 2nd DCA - April 17, 2026)
In State v. Scott Florida's 2nd DCA held that an information for resisting an officer without violence is sufficient if it tracks the statutory language and provides basic notice of the charge. Courts should not require excessive factual detail at the charging stage.

J. Ruffin Hunt
3 days ago1 min read


Florida's "10/20/Life" Law - Section 775.087 Explained
Florida’s “10/20/Life” law (codified in section 775.087, Florida Statutes) is one of the toughest sentencing laws in the state. It imposes strict mandatory minimum prison sentences for certain felony offenses involving firearms or destructive devices. If you are charged with a qualifying offense, the consequences can be severe, immediate, and largely non-negotiable without skilled legal intervention.

J. Ruffin Hunt
4 days ago3 min read


Florida's Prison Releasee Reoffender (PRR) Statute Explained
Florida’s PRR statute is one of the harshest sentencing schemes in the state. It strips judges of most discretion and requires maximum mandatory sentences for certain defendants who reoffend shortly after release from custody.

J. Ruffin Hunt
4 days ago2 min read


Case Analysis: Page v. State (Fla. 2nd DCA Case No. 2D2023-1850) - March 25, 2026
In Page v. State, No. 2D2023-1850 (Fla. 2d DCA Mar. 25, 2026), Florida’s Second District Court of Appeal addressed sentencing errors arising from a drive-by shooting prosecution.

J. Ruffin Hunt
4 days ago2 min read


Case Analysis: Jordan v. State (2nd DCA Case No. 2D2024-1440) - March 25, 2026
On 03/25/2026 the 2nd DCA reversed Jordan's convictions, holding that the trial court abused its discretion by denying a motion for continuance after the defendant retained private counsel and committed reversible error by failing to conduct a required faretta inquiry after the defendant unequivocally invoked his right to self-representation.

J. Ruffin Hunt
4 days ago3 min read


Florida's Sex Offender Registration Laws
If you are facing sex offender registration requirements or have been charged with failure to register in Tampa or the surrounding areas, you need immediate legal guidance.
These cases move quickly, and early intervention can make a significant difference in the outcome.

J. Ruffin Hunt
5 days ago4 min read


Florida's Stand Your Ground Law - Non Deadly Force
When you’re charged with a crime involving force, such as battery or assault, Florida law provides a powerful defense: the justifiable use (or threatened use) of non-deadly force. Understanding how this defense works can make the difference between a conviction and an acquittal.
Here’s a clear breakdown of how Florida juries are instructed to evaluate this defense—and what it means for your case.

J. Ruffin Hunt
5 days ago3 min read


Florida's Stand Your Ground Law - Deadly Force
Florida’s Stand Your Ground law provides powerful legal protections for individuals who are forced to defend themselves or others. However, these protections are not automatic, and they are often misunderstood.

J. Ruffin Hunt
5 days ago4 min read


Verdict Alert! Not Guilty of Solicitation to Commit Human Trafficking.
Client found not guilty of Solicitation to Commit Human Trafficking based on successful presentation of Florida's entrapment defense.

J. Ruffin Hunt
Apr 71 min read


The "Entrapment" Defense in Florida
This breakdown of Florida's "entrapment" defense is means to be a resource for both defendants and practitioners dealing with criminal cases in Florida in which an entrapment defense may apply.

J. Ruffin Hunt
Apr 34 min read


Case Analysis: Williams v. State, 421 So. 3d 809 (Fla. 2nd DCA 2025)
In October of 2025, Florida's Second District Court of Appeal sent shockwaves through the criminal law community by changing course on the longstanding precedent that the odor of cannabis alone was sufficient to establish probable cause.

J. Ruffin Hunt
Mar 283 min read


Verdict Alert - Not Guilty on all Felony Charges (03/27/2026) - 25CF017267
Verdict Alert - Not Guilty on all Felony Charges (03/27/2026) - 25CF017267

J. Ruffin Hunt
Mar 271 min read


Florida Violation of Probation Laws
This is a breakdown of criminal violation of probation laws and procedures in the State of Florida.

J. Ruffin Hunt
Mar 257 min read
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