Are Creditor's harassing you? What are your rights under Florida law?

Did you know that collection agencies in Florida must be registered with the State in most cases?  If an unlicensed creditor calls you and tries to collect on a debt, you may be entitled to compensation.  It's important to know what company is attempting to collect on your debt and to document everything.  You only have two years to file an action against these agencies.  So call me today if you would like to discuss your matter.  I don't change any fees to call me and discuss your case. While I'm in Tampa, I can handle cases from all over the State in most cases.

Are you being harassed by creditors?  Call me today and lets discuss what can be done. Call Zonald at 813 413-5352 or email Zonald@zonaldlaw.com.  


Here are the rules in which the creditors must play by in the state of Florida.    


More after the jump.

Customer Sues Chase, Says Bank Ruined Her Credit By Declaring Her Dead

This is almost an unbelievable story. We all know how important your credit score can be, affecting your mortgage, employment and even your automotive insurance. I feel it is very important for every consumer out there to pull their credit often, especially before applying for a new loan. 

The only truly free credit report out there is on www.annualcreditreport.com/ .  This was started under law so that consumers can obtain their credit report, once per year, at no cost.  Keep in mind you can not get your credit score here, but you will get a full transcript about what is being reported on your credit.  For a credit score, you can go to a site like www.myfico.com.  Typically a consumer will pay about $20 to see their score and read the report as well.

This story, out of Orlando, is about a woman who had a mortgage with Chase Bank.  Chase, for some unknown reason, reported her to the credit agencies as deceased.  This ruined her credit rating.  No lender would loan money to a dead woman.

Has a bank or another institution erronuslly ruined your credit?  Has a company reported incorrect information to the credit agencies?  What are your rights?  Call an attorney in Tampa, Florida call me.  Call Zonald Spinks, Esq. at 813 413-5352 to discuss your legal options.  It's free to talk to me anytime. 

Story after the jump.

Know Your Rights For Tampa DUI

If you are stopped by the police on suspicion of DUI, you need to know what your rights are under Florida state law:

Right to remain silent – under Florida law, you have the right NOT to answer any questions that could possibly incriminate you.  If you really have had something to drink, tell the officer that you would like to speak with an attorney before questioning.  You don't have to be rude, just ask politely. When asked how much you've had to drink, ask to speak with your attorney first.  Don't say "a couple," it never works, you're probably going to jail anyway.  You need to accept that and not give them any additional reasons to be found driving under the influence.


Right to refuse field sobriety test – under Florida law, you do not have to take a field sobriety test.  However, you should know that this will lead to your arrest.  One you’re arrested, you have a right to legal counsel.  The refusal to take a field sobriety test can be used against you at trial by prosecutors – which is why it is important to speak with a Florida DUI attorney as soon as possible.  Better to refuse than have video of you falling all over the place.

Right to refuse a chemical test – while you can refuse to provide a sample for chemical testing (blood, urine, breath), taking the test is usually not in your best interest if you have had too much to drink.  However you must keep in mind that refusal could result in your losing your driver’s license for one year, even if you are not convicted of a DUI.  However, Florida DUI law does give you the right to consult with a lawyer before submitting to any chemical (breath, blood or urine) test.  Also keep in mind everything you say and do is on video when they are asking permission to do a breath test.  Just say "yes" or "no" and stand up straight. That video will be used against you along with anything else you talk about during your jail visit. Exercising your right to remain silent is golden. Again, don't be rude, but you do have this right.

Understanding these basic rights – and calling a Florida licensed DUI attorney as soon as possible – can help you protect yourself from the legal consequences of a DUI offense.

If you’ve been arrested for a Florida DUI, you need a DUI defense attorney with the experience to ensure you get a fair hearing.  When your freedom is on the line, contact a Florida licensed DUI attorney and criminal defense attorney Zonald E. Spinks at 813 413-5352.

This blog is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice, nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Persons accessing this site are encouraged to seek independent counsel for advice regarding their individual legal issues. The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely on advertisements. Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications  

Bad review online leads to lawsuit

 Has your business been under attack online from an unhappy customer?  Are their false claims disrupting your business? Here's an idea...

Details After the break

Lawyer Responds to Kids’ Video Dissing His Daughter with Cease-and-Desist Letters, Lawsuit

 This is an interesting approach on Facebook bullying.  Will it be the new commonplace?

Details after the break

Sealing or Expunging records in Florida

I have had many people ask me what is the difference between sealing past criminal records, or expunging those records.

The basic difference is how the Clerk of the Court handles those files.  With Expungement, the criminal records are destroyed.  Therefore, they no longer exist in any form. When records are sealed, the records still exist in a physical form, but no one can look at the records without authorization from the court.

Details after the break...