What is Alimony?

When someone pays alimony their former spouse pays a portion of their income.  This payment could come in the form of a lump sum or a temporary payment.  Of course, in most cases it takes the form of a regular monthly payment that continues until the ex-spouse remarries or one of the formerly married individuals passes away.

Alimony is an ever-changing dynamic.  It is important not to get caught up in the customs of the past.  Nowadays women are the breadwinners in about one out of every three marriages.  This statistic would have been unheard of just a generation ago.  Many states are changing their laws to keep up with the constantly changing culture.

Before you assume whom is responsible for all or most of the alimony payments in the state of Florida make sure that you have an attorney on your side.  Contact St. Petersburg divorce attorneys Kidder and Bennett.  Nat Kidder and William Bennett have been resolving a wide range of family law issues for over 25 years each. Call their office located at 275 96th Ave. North in St. Petersburg at (727) 821-8000.

What to Know About the Appellate Process.

If you are unjustly convicted of a criminal offense the consequences are devastating.  It is important to understand what your options are to appeal such a decision.  Each level of the appellate court may only review arguments addressed by a lower court.  If there is any issue that may be appealed you cannot afford to miss the opportunity.

Appellate judges only consider the record of the trial court.  Most of the time it all hinges on the written briefs.  Successfully appealing the proper issues requires significant trial-level experience and substantial knowledge of legal issues that are extremely complex.  Upon that knowledge lies the necessity of being able to present a written brief precisely to the court.

If you feel that you have received an unfair conviction in your particular case please immediately contact Pinellas County Appellate Attorneys Kidder and Bennett.  They will discuss your case in detail to discover how they will appeal a bad decision by the court.  Call Nat Kidder and William Bennett today at (727) 821-8000.

Child and Elder Abuse in the St. Petersburg Area.

There is nothing more insidious than the physical or psychological abuse of someone who is unable to defend themselves.  Injury to a child or a senior citizen triggers strong emotions and anger toward the alleged perpetrator.  Fingers may be pointed too quickly by the adults who believe that their minor or parent has been abused.

Being erroneously accused of harming a child in any way is horrific and can leave the accused scarred for life.  Crimes involving a child may carry a heavy punishment of life in prison.  Abuse in the case of a child younger than age 12 is considered a capital crime in the state of Florida.

You may need a defense team that includes a death penalty qualified lawyer and two former prosecutors to fight on your side.  Kidder & Bennett serving the St. Petersburg area for more than 25 years is just such a firm.  If you have been accused of abusing a child or a senior citizen every minute counts.  For aggressive defense, contact Kidder & Bennett today at (727) 821-8000.  

What to Do When You Are Charged With a Drug Offense.

Drug offenses are exceptionally complicated because they often accompany other forms of illegal activity as a result of the abuse.  Burglaries, violent crimes, and fraud among other crimes may be directly or indirectly tied into one’s drug abuse.  Then there is the fine line between illegal use and actual drug trafficking, which someone may be caught up in without even realizing that they have gone from user to trafficker.

The fastest growing type of drug abuse in this country is that of prescription drugs.  Just because a drug has been prescribed by a physician does not make it safe.  If you engage in drug fraud or visit multiple doctors so that you can support your own habit and help others by distributing your excess drugs you have committed a serious crime.

Your friends at Kidder and Bennett have more than 25 years of experience helping people who have been accused of drug crimes.  For instance, when it is in YOUR best interest, we negotiate with the state attorney to include admission into the drug treatment court.  Successful completion of the intervention program may result in a complete dismissal of all charges.  Call Kidder and Bennett immediately at (727) 821-8000 so that we may discuss your options.

What Happens When You Get a DUI?

Impaired driving can lead to a myriad of serious consequences.  In a worst-case scenario someone is accused of killing others because of their drunkenness.  What about other possible repercussions?  We all know that DUIs are costly and can result in jail time as well as follow you through the rest of your life with a negative social stigma.

Here’s what to do if you are pulled over on suspicion of driving under the influence:

1.  Cooperate with the officer

2.  Don’t lie or be intentionally difficult.  Do not withhold requested information.

     Know your rights, but DO NOT resist arrest.

3.  Submit to blood alcohol and/or drug testing when requested by an officer. 

     You cannot avoid a DUI by refusing to comply with testing.

If you are charged with driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol in Pinellas County Florida you need aggressive representation.  The next step you take may influence the rest of your life.  Call Kidder & Bennett immediately at (727) 821-8000.  Stay safe and play safe, but if you make a mistake we will be here to help.