The Umansky Law Firm

Alleged Drug Ring Used Restaurant for Sales

2009-07-02T14:28:00.000-07:00

In Colorado Springs, Colorado, a police operation ended an alleged drug ring using a chicken restaurant as its base. In addition to the local police, the FBI and other law enforcement agencies were involved in arresting two brothers. They are looking for eight others they allege had some involvement. Police seized over $30,000 worth of crack and powder cocaine and $21,000 in cash.

It is alleged that the drugs were filtered through a street gang and then sold out of one of the suspect’s restaurant to people posing as customers. The two brothers are alleged by police to be the source of the drug-trafficking operation that involves several other people.

The sting was the result of an operation in which a police source gave the cell phone numbers to officers. Calls were intercepted and information gathered. The two brothers were allegedly caught in the act.

Technology is great, but what many on the other side of the law fail to remember is that this technology, such as cell phones, is often the reason for their downfall. Intercepting and tracking calls is only part of what authorities can do to find those who are eventually charged with drug trafficking. This isn’t an activity only seen on television shows.

If you have been charged with a drug offense in the Orange County or Orlando, Florida area, or anywhere else in the state of Florida, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm for an initial consultation.

Alleged Shoplifter Hits International Drive Outlets

2009-06-30T15:28:00.000-07:00

A man was arrested over the weekend for allegedly stealing thousands of dollars worth of merchandise from shops in the International Drive shopping complex. The man was spotted by mall security leaving with what looked like dresses they allege were stolen.

Orlando police were working a special shoplifting detail and stopped the man’s Escalade. The police report states that they found 20 dresses from GAP, and nearly $2000 worth of Bebe and Lacoste, as well as a device known as a “Booster Bag” the police say is used by shoplifters. In this case, it was a Dillard’s shopping bag lined with aluminum foil covered by tape. This is designed to allegedly help get merchandise out of the store without setting off the alarms at store exits.

The man allegedly admitted that he stole around $6000 worth of merchandise from GAP, Bebe, Lacoste, and Ralph Lauren. He was charged with grand theft and possession of an Anti-Shoplifting Control Devise Countermeasure, as well as booked for possibly being in the country illegally and a flight risk. His Escalade was also seized by the Orland police.

In addition to this man, the police are looking for two others they claim may have been stealing from International Drive.

A charge of grand theft can have repercussions that put you behind bars for years. However, the experienced attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm do not believe that one mistake should ruin your life. If you have been charged with grand theft or other charges, please contact the Umansky Law Firm for an initial and confidential case evaluation.

Tinted Windows Lead to Arrests on Drug Charges

2009-06-26T15:25:00.000-07:00

Orlando police pulled over a vehicle with illegally tinted windows Tuesday night, which then led to the arrest of two of the four men inside on drug charges. After the police stopped the vehicle, they allegedly smelled marijuana coming from the suspects’ car. The officers then found marijuana inside a console, and the men were arrested for possession.

While the officers were searching the vehicle, they then found a gun hidden in the engine compartment. The weapon was allegedly stolen during a jewelry store robbery at the beginning of May. In addition to this, one of the alleged suspects told the officers that he was out on bail after he was arrested for armed robbery in Seminole County. He and the driver were arrested, while the two men in the back of the car were released.

These two men both face serious charges. If the weapon found was indeed stolen, things may only get worse for these two. However, an experienced criminal defense attorney may be able to help them immensely. By seeking legal representation, both of these men may be able see the charges filed against them lessened or even dropped.

If you have been charged with drug possession or any other criminal offense, please contact the experienced attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm. We serve the Orange County and Orlando, Florida area, as well as the entire state of Florida.

Lindsay Lohan Investigated for Missing Jewelry

2009-06-23T07:32:00.000-07:00

Actress and ubiquitous tabloid fodder, Lindsay Lohan is currently under investigation after $400,000 worth of jewelry disappeared after a London Elle magazine photo shoot. Scotland Yard is currently looking into who may have taken a set of diamond earrings and a necklace from the June 6 shoot. They were reported missing on June 8, which was then reported in the news last week.

While Ms. Lohan was the center of the photoshoot and the last one seen wearing the jewelry, police are quick to point out that several people have been questioned. A spokesperson for Elle U.K. has further stated that the magazine supports Ms. Lohan and that they have no reason to believe she was involved in the theft.

Is it because of Lindsay Lohan’s past very public run-ins with the law that the tabloids, and many people, were so quick to assume she may have had something to do with the theft of the jewelry, or is it simply because she’s famous? Would this even be an issue if it was another actress who hasn’t been in trouble over the last few years?

These questions certainly apply to the ordinary person accused of theft in Florida. If you have made mistakes in the past, you may still find yourself targeted by police for things which you have not done and have no knowledge of. It is another example of how much a person’s reputation can suffer when they are accused of a crime. It can take many years for your life to get back to normal after you have been charged with a crime.

If you have been charged with theft in the Orange County or Orlando, Florida area, or anywhere else in Florida, please contact the experienced defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm for an initial free consultation.

Charge Dropped on Man Facing Mandatory Prison Sentence

2009-06-18T07:14:00.000-07:00

A retired veteran was driving past a young man in a work truck who was speeding through a recent Umansky Law Firm client’s neighborhood. The two exchanged heated words and the truck driver followed our client to his house where he blocked his driveway and advanced on the much older and smaller client. The client pulled his registered gun in an attempt to stop the irate driver’s advance toward him. While the man stopped, the client was arrested for aggravated assault with a firearm, a felony which carries a mandatory prison sentence if convicted.

The attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm were ultimately able to convince the prosecutor that the entire incident was sparked and aggravated by the alleged victim of the crime. As a result, all charges against the client were dismissed.

There may be occasions where people feel safer having a weapon on them. While pulling out that weapon should be the last thing on their mind, a much older and smaller person may feel extremely threatened when approached and cornered by a younger, bigger, and stronger individual. Pulling out a weapon may seem like the only choice.

If you have been charged with threatening someone with a gun, but you feel it was justified, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm. We believe everyone has the right to legal representation. We serve the areas of Orange County and Orlando, Florida, as well as the state of the Florida.

Violation of Probation Ends Up in a Termination of Probation without Further Penalties

2009-06-16T07:48:00.000-07:00

A recent Umansky Law Firm client violated his probation for DUI by failing to complete his community service and his recommended treatment. The client hired the experienced DUI attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm prior to his violation of probation hearing where he was facing the possibility of six months in jail. The attorneys were able to get additional time for the client to complete his obligations, and ultimately convinced the judge to terminate the client’s probation early with no additional sanctions.

Many people who have been unfortunate enough to get a DUI believe that they don’t have any options and that their lives are ruined for this one mistake. This can’t be further from the truth. Those who do not obtain legal representation may have a more difficult time, but as this story shows, hiring an experienced attorney can help in many aspects. Violation of the terms of probation is taken seriously, but by speaking to a lawyer, you may feel better about your options.

If you have been charged with a DUI or violating your probation, please contact the Umansky Law Firm for an initial consultation. We serve the Orange County and Orlando, Florida area, as well as the rest of the state of Florida.

Two Allegedly Steal Orlando Magic Tickets and Money

2009-06-11T15:37:00.000-07:00

The NBA finals have much of Orlando fired up as the Magic take on the Los Angeles Lakers. Along with the finals come people looking to make lots of money from scalping tickets. Plenty of people do this and do it well enough to keep them in business for a while. Unfortunately, when people walk around with tickets to these games, some people believe the best way to see the game or make money is to take the tickets from the holders, as well as anything else they can.

On Tuesday, a car pulled up next to a man who was wearing a VIP guest pass around his neck. The passenger asked the man where his seats were, and when he pulled out the four tickets he had to check the seating, he was allegedly grabbed by the lanyard, pulled toward the vehicle, and had his tickets snatched by the man in the car.

Not long after, another man holding a sign that read, “I need tickets” was approached by two men in a car who flashed four tickets. The sign holder pulled out $500 to pay for the tickets and approached the car. The passenger in the car grabbed the money and the driver sped off.

Both men who were stolen from gave the Orlando police detailed descriptions and the car was located a short time later. Two men were charged with robbery by sudden snatching. The police gave the ticket holder back the four tickets, but the other man was not given back his money and has no idea if the two alleged thieves still had it on them when they were arrested.

Though there are easier and safer ways to see the NBA finals than to steal someone’s tickets or money, people sometimes make an egregious error in judgment. This error can seriously impact their future schooling, employment, and more. The experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm don’t believe that a mistake like this should ruin someone’s life.

If you have been charged with theft in Orange County or Orlando, Florida, please contact the Umansky Law Firm for an initial and confidential consultation. We also serve clients throughout the state of Florida.

Four Men Duped and Mugged

2009-06-09T15:08:00.001-07:00

Four men from rural Mississippi were tricked into being mugged in Kissimmee on Saturday morning. The men were eating at a Denny’s restaurant when they were approached by two women who asked if they’d like to go to a party. The men agreed and were told to follow the women to the party’s location. The men followed them to a gas station and then to a home in the Bimini Bay subdivision.

When the four men got out of their car, they were confronted by three robbers with handguns whose faces were covered. The women then walked off. Because the men had no money, the robbers took their vehicle instead after forcing them into a vacant home.

The victims contact police and Denny’s surveillance cameras helped to nab the two women. One of them, a 19-year-old, was turned in by her parents after the Denny’s images were released by investigators. The other girl, who is 20, said that she was approached by her 19-year-old ex-boyfriend who wanted to rob someone. After the fact, the woman’s ex-boyfriend complained to her that all he got out of the mugging was a bag of purple Skittles.

Authorities arrested the 20-year-old woman, the ex-boyfriend and another man and woman on armed robbery charges. The 20-year-old also faces conspiracy to commit armed robbery. The ex-boyfriend has served time for felony battery in the past.

Although this crime may have been the first one for some of these young people, the consequences they face may severely curtail the rest of their lives. All four of them need an experienced criminal defense attorney like the ones at the Umansky Law Firm.

If you have been charged with theft in the Orlando or Orange County, Florida area, or anywhere else in the state of Florida, please contact the Umansky Law Firm for a free consultation today.

Lakeland Couple Charged with Steroid Possession

2009-06-04T07:09:00.000-07:00

A former bodybuilder was arrested during a raid on his Lakeland home last week for allegedly possessing anabolic steroids with intent to sell. Arrested along with the 35-year-old man was his wife.

The man has claimed to be a major steroid dealer whose clients included members of the Washington Nationals baseball team and the Washington Capitals hockey team. However, authorities have said there is no evidence to support the man’s claim. Officials from both sports teams have also issued denials that any of their players were clients of the alleged steroid dealer.

Because the man was charged with a federal charge, the state charges were dropped.

It’s obviously important for athletes to perform at their peak, and it is true that many of them turn to steroids in an attempt to gain a little more power. However, in Florida, just as in the rest of the country, performance-enhancing drugs are illegal, as is their distribution. The public is acutely aware of some of the most well-known athletes in the country being caught up in steroid use, especially record-breaking baseball stars.

If you have been charged with possession or distribution of steroids in Orange County or Orlando, Florida, or anywhere else in the state of Florida, you will need an attorney who can help you through the legal issues you will inevitably face. Please contact the experienced drug offense lawyers at the Umansky Law Firm for an initial consultation.

Kissimmee Drug Sweep Results in Drug Seizures and Arrests

2009-06-02T15:56:00.000-07:00

A man who already has a history of drug related charges was arrested again in a Kissimmee drug sweep. The 25-year-old allegedly sold crack cocaine to an undercover officer from the house he was in. Officers obtained a search warrant and arrest warrant for the man, and the SWAT team came calling at 3:00 pm. The man was not home at the time of the search, and police have not said if he has been taken into custody.

Police seized just over 364 grams (around three quarters of a pound) of marijuana and 16.6 grams of cocaine from the residence.

In another sweep, three people were arrested on warrants after undercover officers allegedly bought drugs several times from residence. One of the arrested individuals was injured by a police dog.

Certain areas and neighborhoods across Florida are known as centers of drug activity. This information is known to dealers, users, as well as the police. Drug users and dealers have a greater chance of being caught by the police in these neighborhoods. If you are using drugs or selling drugs in neighborhoods known for this activity and are caught by the police, you will need an attorney who can help through the legal process.

If you have been charged with a drug offense in Orange County or Orlando, Florida, or anywhere else in the state of Florida, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm for an initial consultation.

Domestic Violence Charge Dropped

2009-05-29T16:13:00.000-07:00

Those who have been in a relationship know it’s hard, or downright impossible, to keep the peace a hundred percent of the time. Bickering and arguing are bound to occur at some point, no matter what your temperament is like. When couples go on vacation tempers can flare even more. Rushing to get in as much fun as possible before returning to work may be more stress than it’s worth for many people. Adding children into the mix in a place like Orlando, home to Disney World, can increase stress even further. A normal argument becomes amplified in ways it never would be elsewhere. Such is the case with a recent Umansky Law Firm client who was in Orlando on vacation with his wife and children.

While in the parking lot of one of the Orlando theme parks, the client, who is an engineer, got into a verbal argument which then became a physical altercation with his wife. The client’s wife called the police, who arrested the client when they arrived and charged him with domestic violence battery.

The client had no prior criminal history. Attorney Zahra Umansky was able to have the prosecutor drop the charges, thereby avoiding any formal charges ever being filed against the client.

If you have been charged with domestic violence in Orange County or Orlando, Florida, or anywhere else in the state of Florida, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm for an initial consultation.

Cocaine Violation Dropped

2009-05-26T15:48:00.001-07:00

A recent client of the Umansky Law Firm was on felony drug offender probation for possession of cocaine. Less than a month after being placed on felony probation, the client was arrested for allegedly violating his probation terms for possessing cocaine again. He was held without bond on the probation violation.

Attorney Zahra Umansky was able to get the judge to grant a bond motion on the violation of probation and the client was released from jail. Attorney Umansky then conducted depositions on the new possession of cocaine charge and was able to convince the prosecutor to drop the new felony charge. Attorney Umansky was also successful in getting the judge to dismiss the violation of probation and have the client’s probation reinstated.

If you have been charged with a drug offense in Orange County or Orlando, Florida, or anywhere else in the state of Florida, please contact the experienced criminal defense lawyers at the Umansky Law Firm. We offer a free and confidential consultation.

DUI Reduced to Reckless Driving

2009-05-21T15:38:00.000-07:00

The Umansky Law Firm recently represented a client who was charged with DUI with property damage with a breath test over .20, as well as reckless driving. These charges are enough to ruin anyone’s life. The client was in school to be a commercial pilot, and a DUI plus these other penalties were enough to derail these plans.

Attorney Zahra Umansky filed motions to suppress the evidence, including the breath test results. At the motion hearing, Attorney Umansky was able to negotiate a plea offer with the prosecutor to drop the DUI charge completely and allow the client to plead to only the reckless driving charge. The client received only probation and no jail time, even though he was initially charged with a DUI with enhanced penalties.

These types of cases often involve people who make a serious error in judgment, but this doesn’t mean that they should have to pay for their mistake for the rest of their life. When someone’s mistake puts them on the wrong side of the law, they will need an experienced attorney to help them navigate the different aspects of the legal system.

If you have been charged with a DUI in Orange County or Orlando, Florida, or anywhere else in the state of Florida, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm for an initial and confidential consultation.

Multiple Aggravated Battery Charges Dropped

2009-05-19T15:33:00.000-07:00

A recent Umansky Law Firm client, a young college student, was out with his friend at Universal Studios City Walk in Orlando. When the two left City Walk and entered the parking garage to leave, they ran into a group of rowdy patrons walking through the lot. The client got into his vehicle to leave and allegedly tried to run over the patrons. Several of them were allegedly struck by his vehicle. The patrons then chased the client, who was eventually apprehended and arrested by the police.

The prosecutor subsequently charged the client with three counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, which carries a possible total maximum sentence of 75 years in prison. Attorney Zahra Umansky handled the case and conducted depositions of all the witnesses and negotiated a plea offer for our client. The client pleaded no contest to one count of misdemeanor battery, with no conviction, and one year of probation.

The experienced attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm may be able to convince the state to drop more serious charges against you down to a misdemeanor. This will allow you to put this mistake behind you and get on with your life.

If you have been charged with a serious crime in Orange County or Orlando, Florida, or anywhere else in the state of Florida, please contact the Umansky Law Firm for an initial and confidential consultation.

Battery Charge Dropped on Day of Trial

2009-05-14T16:53:00.000-07:00

The Umansky Law Firm recently represented a client who was charged with a domestic violence battery charge. He had no prior criminal history and was a first time offender. It was alleged that the client threw his live-in girlfriend into the wall and caused bruising to her arm. He also allegedly fled the scene.

Our client was offered the pretrial diversion program that would include the 26-week Batterers Intervention program. This program is a psychological and educational program in which the attendee is charged a fee. The alleged batterer learns to identify what their abusive behaviors are and learn to react instead with communication. The client decided to reject this offer of diversion and instead his case was set for trial.

On the day of the trial, the state dropped the charges against the client.

Sometimes people who have been charged with a crime will be offered a diversionary program rather than punishment. If they finish the program, they may then have the charges against them dropped. However, this does not mean that they automatically have to accept the diversionary program. Some of them would rather go to trial in order to show they are not the person they are alleged to be in the eyes of the law.

If you have been charged with domestic violence in the Orange County or Orlando, Florida area, or anywhere else in the state of Florida, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm for an initial consultation.

Battery Charge Dropped against Client

2009-05-12T16:47:00.000-07:00

A recent Umansky Law Firm client was employed as a supervisor at an afterschool youth program. These programs are set up to support children in a range of activities, including enrichment programs, schoolwork and athletics. Many of them are government sponsored. The parents who put their children in afterschool programs trust that those in charge will protect them and keep them safe.

The afterschool supervisor was charged with allegedly battering a 13-year-old girl during an altercation at the afterschool facility and arrested. This type of charge can irreparably ruin a reputation and a life. However, attorney Zahra Umansky successfully convinced the prosecutor’s office to drop the charges against the client.

If you have been charged with a crime in Orange County or Orlando, Florida, or anywhere else in the state of Florida, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm for an initial case consultation.

Theft Charge Dropped Against Nurse

2009-05-05T15:00:00.000-07:00

A recent client of the Umansky Law Firm was a nurse with a hospital in Central Florida. While employed there, the client allegedly stole a computer from the hospital valued at approximately $1500. The client was also allegedly seen on surveillance video removing the computer. Finally, the client allegedly confessed to police that he had stolen the computer and was subsequently charged with grand theft.

Attorney Zahra Umansky convinced the prosecutor to refer the client’s case to the Pretrial Intervention program. After successfully completing the diversion program, the prosecutor dropped the felony charge against the client.

One thing the public needs to keep in mind is that a camera is watching them from somewhere virtually all the time. In hospitals the cameras are installed for safety, just as they are in convenience stores and hotels. However, they often catch more than people simply walking by. The problem with video surveillance is that it often does not tell the whole story, but simply captures one moment or second in time.

If you have been charged with grand theft in Orange County or Orlando, Florida, or anywhere else in the state of Florida, please contact the experienced criminal defense lawyers at the Umansky Law Firm for a confidential case evaluation.

Violent Crimes Charge Diverted and Dropped

2009-04-30T14:15:00.000-07:00

A young bank teller with no criminal history was accused of battering his live-in girlfriend and causing over $1000 in damages to her computer, furniture and clothes. The allegations against the young man were extremely serious due to the nature of their violence. After he was charged, he hired the Umansky Law Firm to defend him.

We were ultimately able to show the prosecutor that the young woman was violent, suicidal and mentally unstable. With this information, the State allowed our client into a diversionary program which he completed successfully. After completion, the charges filed against him were dismissed.

Diversionary programs are designed primarily for those who have been charged with minor offenses. The hope is that this type justice, which moves more quickly than the traditional court system, is an answer to those who really don’t belong in prison or should not have some kind of record. For adults, there are first time offender programs, drug treatment programs, and restitution programs, and there are many other programs for youth offenders.

The Umansky Law Firm has the experience to aggressively defend you against any charges and will try to get you into a diversionary program if the case warrants it. If this happens, like it did to our recent client, the charges may be dropped.

If you have been charged with a crime, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm for an initial case consultation. We serve the Orange County and Orlando, Florida area, as well as the state of Florida.

Driving with a Suspended License Charge Reduced to Ticket

2009-04-28T14:19:00.000-07:00

A recent Umansky Law Firm client had his license suspended in 2006 for a DUI conviction. It was suspended for a period of six months, but our client never reinstated his driving privileges, even after the six month penalty had elapsed. Some two years after the DUI, our client was pulled over for driving without a valid license. Our attorneys were able to show the prosecutors that our client’s driving privileges were only suspended because of an oversight by the client – not because of any additional bad driving. As a result, the State agreed to dismiss the criminal case and allow our client to plead to a civil citation without any points being assessed.

This is a perfect example of how we sometimes make mistakes that can come back to haunt us at some point. However, this is also an example of an innocent mistake. People forget certain things due to a variety of circumstances. And just because one part of this mistake was a lapse in judgment does not mean that another part necessarily lead to further punishment.

If you have been charged for a traffic violation that you feel was simply a mistake in the Orange County or Orlando, Florida area, please contact the experienced attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm for an initial consultation.

Theft Case Dropped on Day of Trial

2009-04-24T15:19:00.000-07:00

Small business owners and others who are self-employed have many things to be stressed out about and distracted by these days. Add keeping track of young children, and anything might happen. Such is the case with a recent Umansky Law Firm client.

The client is a young immigrant who started up her own children’s clothing company. She was allegedly seen placing olive oil and body wash into her baby’s stroller and walking out of Publix without paying for the items. However, she did pay for several other items. She was confronted and said that she simply forgot the items were in the stroller, but Publix still wanted her prosecuted.

The young woman maintained her innocence throughout, and even flew back to Florida from New York for a trial. When the day of the trial approached, the prosecution dropped the case.

If you have been charged with theft in Orange County or Orlando, Florida, or anywhere else in the state of Florida, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm for an initial and confidential case evaluation.

Felony Drug Charge and DUI Dismissed

2009-04-21T15:55:00.000-07:00

A self-employed business owner was recently charged with felony possession of hydrocodone and a DUI. Hydrocodone is the generic name of Vicodin. Vicodin is a mild, semi-synthetic opioid derived from codeine and thebaine, and usually combined with acetaminophen. When mixed with alcohol, serious damage can occur to the liver, kidneys, and lining of the stomach. However, this does not usually stop many people who use the drug recreationally.

Zahra Umansky, an attorney with the Umansky Law Firm, was able to get the client’s felony possession charge dropped. After going through a diversion program, the DUI was also dropped.

Using drugs and alcohol together is not recommended for health reasons, but driving while under the influence of drugs and alcohol can get you into serious legal trouble. If you are ever charged with felony possession of drugs or a DUI, you will need an experienced legal team to represent you fairly in a court of law.

If you are in the Orange County or Orlando, Florida area, or anywhere else in the state of Florida, please contact the Umansky Law Firm for an initial and confidential consultation.

Man Allegedly Breaks into Woman’s Room, Steals Lingerie

2009-04-16T15:32:00.000-07:00

A 22-year-old Pasadena, California woman returned to her home to find a man in her bedroom. She and the male friend with her were able to keep the alleged burglar in the room until police could come and take him into custody.

When police arrived, they discovered the intruder was wearing the woman’s lingerie beneath his clothes. The 30-year-old man was then promptly arrested and booked for burglary, and was being held in lieu of $50,000 bail.

While this is certainly odd behavior, and there is no word on whether the lingerie was for him, his significant other, or for sale, what it comes down to is he was caught and charged as a burglar. And this can have serious consequences for the man’s future. But it doesn’t necessarily mean he has absolutely no future left.

The Umansky Law Firm in Orlando, Florida has defended hundreds of people who have been accused of theft. Many first time offenders have seen their charges dropped after completing a diversionary program. Don’t let a burglary charge ruin your life, and don’t believe that there are no options left once you have been charged.

If you have been charged with theft in Orange County or Orlando, Florida, or anywhere else in the state of Florida, please contact the Umansky Law Firm for an initial and confidential case evaluation.

Abandoned Photos Lead Police to Alleged Thieves

2009-04-14T15:41:00.001-07:00

Self-checkout lanes at grocery and retail stores are truly a wonder of technology. How convenient for a world that doesn’t have time these days to wait around while the person in front of you quibbles over the price of each item scanned, or insists on paying for part of their items in cash and the other with a check. And, what’s more, these self-checkout lanes show that the stores trust the people to be honest and scan, and then pay for, everything they’re taking with them. Well, for two Port St. Lucie women, this whole scan-your-items-then-pay concept was allegedly not something they were willing to do.

Authorities say a self-checkout cashier at a Wal-Mart store allegedly saw the two women only scan about $70 of the $200 or so worth of items they had with them. When the cashier confronted them and asked to see their receipt, the two ran.

While this might have been the end of it, the women left some of the merchandise in their cart. Among the items were two packets of pictures the women recently had developed. Through this, the cashier was able to identify the women, and the police were able to track down the alleged thieves from the name and phone number of one of the women on the package envelopes.

Many people have gone to the store and realized only when they got to the cashier that they didn’t have enough to cover everything. These are honest mistakes, and no one who witnesses them really thinks twice about it. However, an error in judgment, as these two women may have had, can land you in jail and paying for far more than unscanned items. These two are facing retail theft charges.

If this has happened to you, you need to find an attorney who will be able to guide you through the legalities of the sometimes confusing world of law.

If you have been charged with theft in the Orange County or Orlando, Florida area, or anywhere else in the state of Florida, please contact the experienced attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm for an initial and confidential consultation.

Homeland Security Employee Arrested on Drugs Charges

2009-04-09T14:24:00.000-07:00

A 41-year-old man working as a security officer at Orlando International Airport was arrested on drug and weapons charges in Palm Bay. Security officers are part of the Transportation Security Administration, which falls under the umbrella of the Department of Homeland Security.

Police allegedly found cocaine, marijuana that was bagged and ready for sale, several pistols, a shotgun, around 100 rounds of ammo, and over $6000. He now faces charges including possession of marijuana with intent to sell, trafficking in cocaine, and possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony.

These are extremely serious charges and may put this individual in prison for a very long time. Florida’s drug laws are known nationally for being very tough. And because Florida is a hub of drug trafficking, many people are caught up in the lure of what seems like easy money. However, the downside is that, if these people are caught and convicted, they may spend many years behind bars.

Missing out on part of your life for a lapse in judgment can be devastating for both you and your loved ones. It does not have to be this way. The Umansky Law Firm defends those who have been charged with drug possession, use, trafficking, importation, and more.

If you have been charged with a drug offense in the Orange County or Orlando, Florida area, or anywhere else in Florida, please contact the Umansky Law Firm for an initial and confidential case evaluation.

Orange County Police Investigating One of Their Own for Solicitation

2009-04-07T14:12:00.000-07:00

Jail officials in Orange County are looking into allegations that a 27-year jail veteran and former major solicited a prostitute near the Florida Mall.

According to deputies, on March 31 the man allegedly stopped and allowed a suspected prostitute into his vehicle. Police followed the man onto a poorly-lit street where he was pulled over.

His side of the story is that he offered to give her a ride, and when she offered her services for $500, he told her to get out. He says he did not make a financial arrangement with her.

Rather than arresting the man, the deputies sent their report to the Orange-Osceola State Attorney’s Office. Prosecutors there will decide whether to charge him. The jail veteran resigned from his position the day after he was stopped.

What this seems to show is that it really doesn’t matter what walk of life you are in, errors in judgment happen. Though it doesn’t happen to the police very often, tourists who come to Florida may be tempted to seek out these situations.

If you have been charged with soliciting in Orange County or Orlando, Florida, or anywhere else in the state of Florida, please contact the Umansky Law Firm. We offer a free and confidential initial case evaluation.