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Gainesville, Florida Criminal Defense Law Firm
Jon D. Uman has 19 years experience aggressively defending clients against a variety of state and federal charges. As a former prosecutor, Jon D. Uman has a unique advantage against the state. He knows how the state prepares its case and he knows how to utilize this information to benefit his clients. If you are charged or accused with a crime, protect yourself by following a few simple rules: Exercise your constitutional right to remain silent. Do not speak with law enforcement unless and until an attorney can be present. Do not give a statement or sign any papers. Do not consent to a search without consulting an attorney. If you are charged with a federal crime, read the criminal federal information packet to answer questions about arrest, first appearance, release or detention, trial preparation, plea preparation, cooperation, sentencing guidelines, appeals, designation, and more.
If you or a loved one has been arrested, charged, or accused, contact the Uman Law Firm for a free consultation with Jon D. Uman. Home and jail visits, 24 hours a day 7 days a week, are available if you are unable to travel to the main office in Gainesville.
The Uman Law Firm represents clients located throughout north and central Florida, including the Gainesville, Florida area (Alachua County, Baker County, Bradford County, Union County, Levy County, Gilchrist County, Dixie County), Palatka, Florida area (Putnam County, St. Johns County), Ocala, Florida area (Marion County, Lake County), Tallahassee, Florida area (Leon County), Jacksonville, Florida area (Duval County) and the Orlando, Florida area (Orange County and Osceola County). Please see practice jurisdictions for a more complete list of representative jurisdictions.
Contact us about your legal matter today
Commonly charged state and federal charges include:
CONSPIRACY
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA FEDERAL CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS:
Conspiracy is the most frequently charged crime in federal court because it is the easiest to prove. In order for the government to prove the crime of conspiracy, all that it must show is that two or more persons came together to form a mutual agreement or understanding to achieve an unlawful goal. In drug conspiracy cases, the government need not prove that the charged defendant took any steps or overt acts toward accomplishing that goal. Nor must the government prove the name or identity of any other people with whom the defendant is alleged to have conspired. In other words, all that the government must prove is that the defendant came to some understanding with some unknown person to violate a drug law. Most often, the government proves drug conspiracy cases by putting on "cooperating" defendants from other cases to testify that the defendant in this case bought or sold drugs to them. In return, the "cooperating" defendants often receive a reduced sentence in their own case. These cases are difficult to defend and require the knowledge and skill of an experienced federal criminal defense attorney. Contact the Uman Law Firm for a free consultation.
DUI
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA DUI ATTORNEYS
The consequences of facing charges of drunk driving or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can have a serious impact on your life, work and family. You need the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney to ensure your legal rights are protected. Drunk driving penalties following a DUI conviction may include jail time, fines, license suspension, license revocation, and loss of employment.
If you or someone you know was arrested in north central Florida for DUI, the Uman Law Firm can help. Jon D. Uman was formerly the DUI division chief in the eighth judicial circuit in Alachua County, Florida and his prosecution experience makes him uniquely qualified to challenge police procedure, the accuracy of breath tests, and field sobriety exercises that are commonly used in DUI arrests. As a DUI prosecutor, Jon D. Uman worked regularly with the State=s breath test experts and taught training classes for law enforcement officers conducting DUI stops. Jon D. Uman knows how breath test evidence should be collected as well as the limitations of such evidence. This is often critical to the defense of a DUI because improperly collected evidence may be suppressed and disallowed at trial. Additionally, Jon D. Uman knows that victory often results from aggressive challenges to the probable cause for a traffic stop, detention and arrest, and roadside sobriety tests.
Uman Law Firm employs these and other methods of defense to secure acquittals or reduced charges for their clients
The Gainesville, Florida DUI defense firm, Uman Law Firm represents clients located throughout north and central Florida, including the Gainesville, Florida area (Alachua County, Baker County, Bradford County, Union County, Levy County, Gilchrist County, Dixie County), Palatka, Florida area (Putnam County, St. Johns County), Ocala, Florida area (Marion County, Lake County), Tallahassee, Florida area (Leon County), Jacksonville, Florida area (Duval County) and the Orlando, Florida area (Orange County and Osceola County). Please see practice jurisdictions for a more complete list of representative jurisdictions. Contact us for a free consultation.
STATE AND FEDERAL DRUG CHARGES
Uman Law Firm represents clients charged with serious state and federal drug crimes such as conspiracy and trafficking. Some of the most common charges involve the following illegal drugs and penalties.
Amphetamine/Methamphetamine( Schedule II Substance )
Classification
Stimulant
Other drugs in the same classification:
Cocaine, Ritalin
Street Terms
Meth, Speed, Ice, Crystal Meth, Poor man's cocaine
Appearance
Typically, methamphetamine is a white, odorless powder that easily dissolves in water. Another form of methamphetamine, commonly called, "Ice", is found in clear, chunky crystals. Methamphetamine can also be found in the form of small, brightly colored tablets called by their Thai name, yaba.
Method of Use
Injecting, Snorting, Smoking, Oral ingestion.
Cost
The 2001 national ranges in price for methamphetamine powder were:Pound: $3,000 - $23,000Ounce: $300 - 2,200Gram: $20 - 300The 2001 national ranges in price for crystal methamphetamine, or "ICE", were:Pound: $10,000 - $30,000Ounce: $140 - $400
Consequences of Use
Addiction, psychotic behavior and brain damage.
Signs and Symptoms
Increased alertness, excitation, euphoria, increased pulse rate and blood pressure, insomnia, loss of appetite.
Dependence: Physical Possible
Psychological Possible Tolerance: Yes
Duration: 2-4 hours
Effects of an Overdose: Agitation, increased body temperature, hallucinations, convulsions, possible death.
Withdrawal Syndrome: Apathy, long periods of sleep, irritability, depression, disorientation.
PENALTIES
First Federal or State Drug Conviction
Up to 1 year imprisonment; minimum $1000 fine; cost of investigation and prosecution.
Second Federal or State Drug Conviction
Not less than 15 days imprisonment but not more than 2 years imprisonment; minimum $2,500 fine; cost of investigation and prosecution; sentence cannot be suspended or deferred.
Third Federal or State Drug Conviction
Not less than 90 days imprisonment but not more than 3 years imprisonment; minimum $5,000 fine; cost of investigation and prosecution; sentence cannot be suspended or deferred. NOTE: The term "State Drug Conviction" is defined as any drug, narcotic, or chemical, offense chargeable under the law of any state.
Federal Trafficking Penalties
For Quantity:
5-49 grams or more of methamphetamine, its salts, isomers, and salts of its isomers, or 50 grams or more of a mixture containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, its salts, isomers, and salts of its isomers.
First Offense:
Not less than 5 years and not more than 40 years imprisonment; at least 4 years supervised release; fine not to exceed $2,000,000 if an individual, or $5,000,000 if other than an individual, or both. If death or serious bodily injury resulted from the use of this substance, the imprisonment range becomes not less than 20 years or more than life. This sentence may not be suspended, nor is the convicted person eligible for probation or parole.
Second Offense:
Not less than 10 years and not more than life imprisonment; at least 8 years supervised release; fine not to exceed $4,000,000 if an individual, $10,000,000 if other than an individual, or both. If death or serious bodily injury resulted from the use of this substance, the imprisonment range becomes life. This sentence may not be suspended, nor is the convicted person eligible for probation or parole.
For Quantity:
50 grams or more of methamphetamine, its salts, isomers, and salts of its isomers, or 500 grams or more of a mixture containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, its salts, isomers, and salts of its isomers.
First Offense:
Not less than 10 years and not more than life imprisonment; at least 5 years supervised release; fine not to exceed $4,000,000 if an individual, or $10,000,000 if other than an individual, or both. If death or serious bodily injury resulted from the use of this substance, the imprisonment range becomes not less than 20 years or more than life. This sentence may not be suspended, nor is the convicted person eligible for probation or parole.
Second Offense:
Not less than 10 years and not more than life imprisonment; at least 5 years supervised release; fine not to exceed $4,000,000 if an individual, or $10,000,000 if other than an individual, or both. If death or serious bodily injury resulted from the use of this substance, the imprisonment range becomes not less than 20 years or more than life. This sentence may not be suspended, nor is the convicted person eligible for probation or parole.
Cocaine( Schedule II Substance ) cocaine hydrochloride
Classification
StimulantOther drugs in the same classification: cocaine base ("crack"), diet pills, Ritalin, methamphetamine
Street Terms
Blow, nose candy, snowball, tornado, wicky stick, coke
Appearance
White crystalline powder
Method of Use
Powder cocaine is generally snorted or dissolved in water and injected.
Cost
The 2001 national ranges in price for cocaine were:Kilogram: $10,000 - $36,000Ounce: $400 - $1,800Gram: $20 - $200
Consequences of Use
Cocaine is powerfully addictive. Smoking crack can cause severe chest pains with lung trauma and bleeding. The mixing of cocaine and alcohol create cocaethylene while increasing risk of sudden death. Cocaine-related deaths are often a result of cardiac arrest or seizures followed by respiratory arrest.
Signs and Symptoms
Excitation, euphoria, increased blood pressure & pulse, insomnia, loss of appetite, agitation, depression, irritability, coma, death
Dependence: Physical Possible
Psychological Possible Tolerance: Yes
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Effects of an Overdose: Agitation, increased body temperature, hallucinations, convulsions, possible death
Withdrawal Syndrome: Apathy, long periods of sleep, irritability, depression, disorientation
Medical Uses of Cocaine
Local anesthetic
PENALTIES
First Federal or State Drug Conviction
Up to 1 year imprisonment, minimum $1,000 fine, costs of investigation and prosecution.
Second Federal or State Drug Conviction
Not less than 15 days imprisonment but not more than 2 years imprisonment, minimum $2,500 fine, costs of investigation and prosecution, sentence cannot be suspended or deferred.
Third Federal or State Drug Conviction
Not less than 90 days imprisonment but not more than 3 years imprisonment, minimum $5,000 fine, costs of investigation and prosecution, sentence cannot be suspended or deferred. NOTE: The term "State Drug Conviction" is defined as any drug, narcotic, or chemical, offense chargeable under the law of any state.
Federal Trafficking Penalties
For Quantity:
500 to 4,999 grams of a mixture containing a detectable amount of cocaine hydrochloride.
First Offense:
Not less than 5 years and not more than 40 years imprisonment; at least 4 years supervised release; fine not to exceed $2,000,000 if an individual, or $5,000,000 if other than an individual, or both. If death or serious bodily injury resulted from the use of this substance, the imprisonment range becomes not less than 20 years or more than life. This sentence may not be suspended, nor is the convicted person eligible for probation or parole.
Second Offense:
Not less than 10 years and not more than life imprisonment; at least 8 years supervised release; fine not to exceed $4,000,000 if an individual, $10,000,000 if other than an individual, or both. If death or serious bodily injury resulted from the use of this substance, the imprisonment range becomes life. This sentence may not be suspended, nor is the convicted person eligible for probation or parole.
For Quantity:
5 kilograms or more of a mixture containing a detectable amount of cocaine hydrochloride.
First Offense:
Not less than 10 years and not more than life imprisonment; at least 5 years supervised release; fine not to exceed $4,000,000 if an individual, or $10,000,000 if other than an individual, or both. If death or serious bodily injury resulted from the use of this substance, the imprisonment range becomes not less than 20 years or more than life. This sentence may not be suspended, nor is the convicted person eligible for probation or parole.
Second Offense:
Not less than 20 years and not more than life imprisonment; at least 10 years supervised release; fine not to exceed $8,000,000 if an individual, or $20,000,000 if other than an individual, or both. If death or serious bodily injury resulted from the use of this substance, the imprisonment range becomes life. This sentence may not be suspended, nor is the convicted person eligible for probation or parole.
Cocaine Base( Schedule II Substance )
Classification
StimulantOther drugs in the same classification: Amphetamine, Methamphetamine
Street Terms
Crack, rock, cookies
Appearance
Off-white, chunky material
Method of Use
Crack cocaine is usually smoked.
Cost
The 2001 national ranges in price for cocaine base were:Ounce: $500 - $1,500Rock (between 1/10 and 1/2 gram): $5 - $100
Signs and Symptoms
Increased alertness, excitation, euphoria, increased pulse rate and blood pressure, insomnia, and loss of appetite.
Dependence: Physical Possible
Psychological Possible Tolerance: Yes
Duration: 1-2 hours
Effects of an Overdose: Agitation, increased body temperature, hallucinations, convulsions and possible death.
Withdrawal Syndrome: Apathy, long periods of sleep, irritability, depression and disorientation.
PENALTIES
First Federal or State Drug Conviction
If the amount of mixture or substance containing cocaine base exceeds 5 grams, the term of imprisonment shall be not less than 5 years and not more than 20 years and a minimum fine of $1,000.
Second Federal or State Drug Conviction
If the amount of mixture or substance containing cocaine base exceeds 3 grams, the term of imprisonment shall be not less than 5 years and not more than 20 years and a minimum fine of $1,000.
Third Federal or State Drug Conviction
If the amount of mixture or substance containing cocaine base exceeds 1 gram, the term of imprisonment shall be not less than 5 years and not more than 20 years and a minimum fine of $1,000. NOTE: The term "State Drug Conviction" is defined as any drug, narcotic, or chemical, offense chargeable under the law of any state.
Federal Trafficking Penalties
For Quantity:
5-49 grams of a mixture or substance which contains cocaine base.
First Offense:
Not less than 5 years and not more than 40 years imprisonment; at least 4 years supervised release; fine not to exceed $2,000,000 if an individual, or $5,000,000 if other than an individual, or both. If death or serious bodily injury resulted from the use of this substance, the imprisonment range becomes not less than 20 years or more than life. This sentence may not be suspended, nor is the convicted person eligible for probation or parole.
Second Offense:
Not less than 5 years and not more than 40 years imprisonment; at least 4 years supervised release; fine not to exceed $2,000,000 if an individual, or $5,000,000 if other than an individual, or both. If death or serious bodily injury resulted from the use of this substance, the imprisonment range becomes not less than 20 years or more than life. This sentence may not be suspended, nor is the convicted person eligible for probation or parole.
For Quantity:
50 grams or more of a mixture or substance which contains cocaine base.
First Offense:
Not less than 10 years and not more than life imprisonment; at least 5 years supervised release; fine not to exceed $4,000,000 if an individual, or $10,000,000 if other than an individual, or both. If death or serious bodily injury resulted from the use of this substance, the imprisonment range becomes not less than 20 years or more than life. This sentence may not be suspended, nor is the convicted person eligible for probation or parole.
Second Offense:
Not less than 20 years and not more than life imprisonment; at least 10 years supervised release; fine not to exceed $8,000,000 if an individual, or $20,000,000 if other than an individual, or both. If death or serious bodily injury resulted from the use of this substance, the imprisonment range becomes life. This sentence may not be suspended, nor is the convicted person eligible for probation or parole.
GHB( Schedule I Substance ) gamma hydroxybutyric acid
Classification
Depressant
Other drugs in the same classification: Valium, Xanax, Rohypnol, Quaalude
Street Terms
Liquid X, Liquid Ecstasy, Scoop, Easy Lay, Georgia Home Boy, Grievous Bodily Harm, Goop
Appearance
Odorless, colorless liquid or a white powder
Method of Use
Usually ingested in a liquid mixture; most commonly mixed with alcohol
If you or someone you know is under investigation, under arrest, or otherwise involved in a case involving controlled substance offenses, it is important that you consult with a lawyer before making a statement to police, investigators, or federal agents. Contact our Gainesville law firm if you would like a free consultation with a criminal defense attorney about your situation.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
If you have been charged with or arrested for spousal abuse or domestic violence, it is important to remember that everything you say to a law enforcement officer will be used against you. You should not answer questions or make any statement without an attorney present. Any explanations are better made by your lawyer on your behalf, rather than in the emotionally charged setting of an interrogation or arrest.
Often claims of domestic violence, including domestic battery, stalking, child abuse, and charges of violating restraining orders, are the result of false accusations made by a party involved in a divorce or child custody action. In such cases, our attorneys show the prosecution does not have the outside witnesses or independent evidence needed to prove the case against our client. In other cases, we negotiate for a favorable plea bargain or reduced charges to ensure against the adverse consequences of a conviction for domestic violence.
If you or a loved one has been arrested, charged, or accused, contact the Uman Law Firm for a free consultation with Jon D. Uman. Home and jail visits, 24 hours a day 7 days a week, are available if you are unable to travel to the main office in Gainesville.
The Uman Law Firm represents clients located throughout north and central Florida, including the Gainesville, Florida area (Alachua County, Baker County, Bradford County, Union County, Levy County, Gilchrist County, Dixie County), Palatka, Florida area (Putnam County, St. Johns County), Ocala, Florida area (Marion County, Lake County), Tallahassee, Florida area (Leon County), Jacksonville, Florida area (Duval County) and the Orlando, Florida area (Orange County and Osceola County). Please see practice jurisdictions for a more complete list of representative jurisdictions.
Contact our Gainesville, Florida criminal defense law office if you would like a confidential, free consultation with a lawyer experienced in defense against domestic battery charges. At that time you can discuss the allegations of abuse, the evidence being used against you, and your options. We are results oriented, always aiming for dismissal of charges or acquittal at trial.
The Uman Law Firm represents clients located throughout north and central Florida, including the Gainesville, Florida area (Alachua County, Baker County, Bradford County, Union County, Levy County, Gilchrist County, Dixie County), Palatka, Florida area (Putnam County, St. Johns County), Ocala, Florida area (Marion County, Lake County), Tallahassee, Florida area (Leon County), Jacksonville, Florida area (Duval County) and the Orlando, Florida area (Orange County and Osceola County). Please see practice jurisdictions for a more complete list of representative jurisdictions.
Contact us about your legal matter today
FRAUD
Fraud is a very serious, and very broadly defined, criminal offense. Criminal fraud is a charge that can be brought against a business, as well as against an individual (a business cannot be put in prison, but substantial fines can be imposed). Fraud charges alone can destroy reputations, creditm, and good faith in business dealings. Zealous legal representation is critical in fraud cases, as in all criminal cases. It is critical for an accused to seek help from a criminal defense attorney experienced in defending fraud cases.
What is "Fraud?"
Fraud is usually defined as an intentional deception, or false statement, with the intent of depriving another of money or property. Fraud crimes are classified according to the type of transaction in which the deception occurred. Examples of fraud crimes include:
- Bankruptcy fraud
- Credit card fraud
- Securities fraud
- Tax fraud
- Telemarketing fraud
- Wire fraud
- Mail fraud and
- Fraud against the United States
In the federal system, the fraud charge may depend on how the deception or false statement was communicated to the alleged victim. If any part of the fraudulent plan involved or contemplated the use of the mail, the charge could be mail fraud. If the fraud involved the use of a telephone, cell phone, fax machine, or computer, wire fraud will be charged.
Additionally, the government may secure an indictment charging conspiracy to commit fraud, even though no fraud had been committed. To bring such an indictment, the government need only show that the defendant and some other person, known or unknown, formed a tacit understanding or agreement to commit fraud.
If you or a loved one has been arrested, charged, or accused, contact the Uman Law Firm for a free consultation with Jon D. Uman. Home and jail visits, 24 hours a day 7 days a week, are available if you are unable to travel to the main office in Gainesville.
The Uman Law Firm represents clients located throughout north and central Florida, including the Gainesville, Florida area (Alachua County, Baker County, Bradford County, Union County, Levy County, Gilchrist County, Dixie County), Palatka, Florida area (Putnam County, St. Johns County), Ocala, Florida area (Marion County, Lake County), Tallahassee, Florida area (Leon County), Jacksonville, Florida area (Duval County) and the Orlando, Florida area (Orange County and Osceola County). Please see practice jurisdictions for a more complete list of representative jurisdictions.
Contact us about your legal matter today
WHITE COLLAR CRIME/FRAUD
Gainesville Florida White Collar Crime Attorneys
White collar crimes are financial crimes such as bank fraud, credit card fraud, embezzlement, tax fraud, social security fraud, immigration fraud, mail fraud and wire fraud. Typically, businesses, entrepreneurs, public officials, accountants, and other professionals are the subject of such prosecutions and investigations. Uman Law Firm represents individuals and companies involved in state and federal investigations, grand jury proceedings, and criminal courts in all Florida and United States District Courts. If you, your company, or someone you have done business with is under investigation by a state or federal agency, investigators may approach you, suggesting that by responding to questioning and producing documents you will appear cooperative and be treated favorably. However, any material you provide or statements you make later can be used as evidence against you.
It is extremely important that before making any statement to federal investigators, prosecutors, or the media, you consult with a lawyer experienced in the defense against white collar crime. Our attorneys can make statements on your behalf in a way that best protects your rights and interests in the event you are later indicted or become the subject of allegations of misconduct. If you feel you may need legal counsel, contact our office in Gainesville, Florida. A white collar crime attorney from our office will be happy to give you a complimentary, confidential consultation about your situation.
Effective defense against charges of white collar crime, often conducted in the public light of corporate scandal, requires research and analysis of volumes of complex data, which then must be used to draw a clear and understandable picture for a judge and jury. Our attorneys work as a team with trained staff, experts, and investigators, always making it a point to know more than the opposition. State and federal cases the firm handles include:
- Tax Fraud, IRS tax violations, Income tax evasion, Tax Controversies
- Social Security fraud, credit card fraud, identity theft, mortgage fraud, bankruptcy fraud, internet fraud, computer crimes
- Sarbanes-Oxley Act violations, accounting fraud, money laundering, bank fraud, mail fraud, wire fraud, embezzlement
- securities fraud, SEC violations, insider trading
- healthcare fraud, including double billing, Medicaid / Medicare fraud, claims for unnecessary medical procedures
- police corruption, conspiracy, public corruption
Contact our Gainesville, Florida criminal defense law office if you would like a confidential, free consultation with an experienced lawyer. We are available 24 hours a day and make home and jail visits.
The Uman Law Firm represents clients located throughout north and central Florida, including the Gainesville, Florida area (Alachua County, Baker County, Bradford County, Union County, Levy County, Gilchrist County, Dixie County), Palatka, Florida area (Putnam County, St. Johns County), Ocala, Florida area (Marion County, Lake County), Tallahassee, Florida area (Leon County), Jacksonville, Florida area (Duval County) and the Orlando, Florida area (Orange County and Osceola County). Please see practice jurisdictions for a more complete list of representative jurisdictions.
Contact us about your legal matter today! |
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