Domestic Partnerships in Florida.

What are your legal options if you are in a same-sex or heterosexual relationship, but not officially married?  There are certain limitations and responsibilities that arise from domestic partnership in the Sunshine State.  There is no reason to approach the subject with a negative impression.  There are certain benefits that domesticity carries.

1.  Shared rights to parent your children whether they be adopted or born to the two of you.

2.  Public benefits.  You are entitled to many of them about which you may not even know.

3.  Being able to obtain YOUR health insurance through your partner and/or children.

4.  Property rights which may include different types of goods and land.

All of this and more must be sorted out by attorneys that have experience in this area.  You need to contact Kidder and Bennett.  For over a quarter of a century they have been the choice of those that live in the Ft. Lauderdale area.  They are experienced domestic partnership lawyers in Pinellas County.  Call them at your first opportunity at (727) 821-8000. 

Dealing in Stolen Property.

In the state of Florida, you may be accused of dealing in fencing stolen property.  Even if you purchase, let alone sell stolen goods that have resulted in the rightful owner being deprived of those possessions you could be accused of this crime.  The way that the state looks at it the purchaser creates the incentive to sell the goods so they are prosecuted very aggressively.

There are some specific elements that must be present to convict you of dealing in stolen goods-

1.  The property MUST be considered as actually stolen.

2.  The property must have been received and in the possession of the buyer.

3.  The receiver actually knew they were receiving stolen goods.

4.  There must be intent to deprive the rightful owner of his or her possessions.

Many times an accusation and arrest for this crime is an honest mistake and a true misunderstanding.  Remember, it is not a crime to buy what you KNOW to be a stolen good, then immediately turn it over to the police!  With so many gray areas, you need to contact Kidder and Bennett.  They are experienced stolen property defense lawyers in Pinellas County.  Call immediately at (727) 821-8000. 

Don't Miss First Fridays in St. Pete!

First Friday St. Pete

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"On the first Friday of every month, the heart of downtown becomes St. Pete’s biggest block party. First Friday St. Pete is a showcase for the great bands, great drinks, and great food that make us Florida’s most exciting city."

Settling Divorce Cases.

Are you aware that many divorce cases are settled through mediation?  The family court of Pinellas County is specifically designed to protect YOUR rights during divorce.  Make sure that you take every advantage of that fact.  It is easy to become intimidated by the court process.  Don’t let that be your guidepost.  The confident ones are those that prosper in family court.

The first thing to do is find an attorney in the St. Petersburg area with a client-focused approach.  Having the procedures explained to you in a careful and complete manner will give you the confidence that you need to proceed to family court.  After the explanation process, you need to be sure that the attorney will stay with you through every stage all the way to the finish line.

For decades the law office of Kidder and Bennett has been doing exactly that!  They are your choice for a St. Petersburg divorce mediation or litigation lawyer.  If you reside in Clearwater, St. Petersburg, or anywhere around Pinellas County retain the assertive divorce representation that will shape the rest of your life.  Call Kidder and Bennett for a free consultation today at (727) 821-8000.

Degrees of Murder.

Just as there are degrees of burns there are degrees of murder - a great deal more harsh, of course.  When it comes to being accused of this ultimate crime whichever one you are being tried for will determine your entire future.  Each type has its own set of circumstances and penalties with which you need to be familiar.

1.  Third degree murder.  This is considered a second degree felony in legal terms.  The punishment may include up to 15 years in prison.  It is known as murder without premeditation.

2.  Second degree murder.  This may be a murky area which should be properly explained by your attorney.  Just know that it can be punishable by up to 30 years in state prison.

3.  First degree murder.  This is the type with which most of us are familiar.  It is a capital offense in which you could be put to death or spend your life in prison if found guilty.

As you can plainly see the degrees within which you may be charged will affect how you should be defended.  You must not trust that defense to just anyone.  Call on the services of Kidder and Bennett.  They are St. Petersburg’s murder defense attorneys serving all of Pinellas County with a combined 50 years of experience.  Call for a free consultation today at (727) 821-8000.

Protect Your Retirement During a Divorce Proceeding.

Pensions, 401Ks…these and more become points of contention during divorce proceedings.  Divorcing couples need to be cognizant of how these aspects are handled.  Too often the parties just want to get out of the union and they are not thinking about what is important down the road.  A secure path to retirement is something you will work years to attain.  Don’t give it up in a few months!

Consider military retirement.  Veterans are subject to special rules and need to consider those exemptions during divorce.  Private pension plans also come into play.  Retirement plans such as ERISA may very well be part of the outcome.  If couples contribute substantial amounts of their incomes to retirement plans then those comingled pensions are considered marital property.

You see, there is much to be considered during this contentious time.  It is much more about making sure that you get what is fair and equitable than just “getting out”.  To ensure that happens rely on the 50+ years of combined experience of Kidder and Bennett.  We are St. Petersburg’s Divorce retirement protection attorneys serving all of Pinellas County.  Call us today at (727) 821-8000.

Assault and Battery in Florida.

Happy 4th of July from everyone at Kidder and Bennett law firm in St. Petersburg!  Let’s get down to the nuts and bolts for a moment.  The hot, sticky summer weather often brings out the worst in some of Pinellas county’s residents.  Violent crime is more prevalent.  All of a sudden regular law-abiding citizens are pushed to the edge resulting in the accusation of assault and battery.

Assault is defined as a second degree misdemeanor.  It may actually involve a “hands on” act, but it can even be charged against someone who, in the opinion of another is acting in a threatening manner.  Battery is a very serious first degree violation.  This involves the actual touching or striking of another individual with the intent of doing harm.

There are many other variables that complicate the issue.  You must do damage control for yourself, your future, and your loved ones.  You also need to know that the issue is exacerbated if the alleged victim is over 65 years old.  For vigorous defense immediately contact St. Petersburg assault and battery attorneys Kidder and Bennett bringing a combined half-century of experience at (727) 821-8000.