The holiday season is a time when families come together. Unfortunately, it is also a time when tensions can run high, emotions can escalate, and in some cases, law enforcement may become involved. A domestic battery arrest in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, or anywhere in Pinellas County can have immediate and devastating consequences, especially this time of year. One of the most significant impacts is the very real possibility of spending the holidays apart from your loved ones.

The Immediate Impact: “No Contact” Orders

When someone is arrested for an alleged domestic violence offense, Florida law requires that they appear before a judge at an advisory (first appearance) hearing. In many domestic battery cases, judges routinely impose a strict condition of release: “No Contact with the Victim.”

While this may sound straightforward, the order is often far more disruptive than most people realize. A No Contact order typically means:

• You may not have any communication with the alleged victim, including phone calls, in person contact, text messages, emails, facebook, third-party contact, or any other means of communication.
• You may not return to the shared residence.
• You may not retrieve personal belongings without law enforcement oversight.

For many of our clients, this results in the immediate inability to return home, leaving them displaced, separated from their family, and unsure of how long the situation will last.

Our Bifurcated Strategy: Fighting to Get You Home

At the Law Office of Timothy Sullivan, our top-rated Clearwater domestic violence defense team uses a bifurcated approach designed to get our clients home as quickly and safely as possible.

Step One: Filing a Motion to Modify Release Conditions

Our first priority is to ask the Court to modify the No Contact order so that our client may return home and resume contact with the alleged victim. We file a formal Motion to Modify Pretrial Release Conditions and request a hearing before the assigned judge.

If granted, the modification allows our client to return home, sometimes in time for the holidays.

However, the reality is that the Court controls its own calendar. It is not uncommon for hearing dates to be set several weeks out, especially during the busy holiday season. That is why simply filing the motion is not enough.

Step Two: Seeking a Dismissal by the State Attorney’s Office

While we wait for the Court to schedule the modification hearing, our office immediately pivots to the second prong of our strategy:

We prepare persuasive correspondence to the prosecutor requesting that the case be dropped through the filing of a “No Information.”

If the State Attorney’s Office agrees to drop the charges, the No Contact order is dissolved, and our client is free to return home, without waiting for a court date. The State Attorney’s Office considers a number of factors when determining whether to dismiss a “Domestic Battery” charge. These include:

• The conduct alleged (For example, a punch is generally more aggravated than a push)
• Any injuries
• Our client’s prior record, if any
• The alleged victim’s prior record
• Whether alcohol was a factor
• Whether children were present at the time of the incident
• The feelings of the alleged victim
• Whether there are any independent, objective witnesses

Why Choose Us? Experience Matters.

Domestic violence cases are handled differently from nearly any other type of criminal charge. Prosecutors receive specialized training, and the State often pursues charges even when the alleged victim does not wish to prosecute.

Our domestic violence defense team is uniquely equipped to navigate these challenges because:

We are former Pinellas County prosecutors.

We learned the system from the inside.
We know the tactics the State uses.
And we know how to effectively counter them.

Our experience allows us to identify weaknesses in the State’s case early, build compelling arguments for dismissal, and advocate forcefully for our clients’ rights, both in and out of court.

If You Are Facing a Domestic Battery Charge, Act Quickly

A domestic violence arrest does not have to define your future, and it does not have to separate you from your family longer than necessary. The sooner our team becomes involved, the sooner we can work toward:

• Modifying the No Contact order
• Getting you back home
• Seeking a dismissal of the charges

If you or a loved one is facing a domestic battery arrest in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, or anywhere in Pinellas County, call us immediately. The consultation is free, and time is often of the essence, especially during the holiday season.

Contact the Law Office of Timothy Sullivan Today

If you or a loved one has been arrested for Domestic Battery in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, or the surrounding areas of Pinellas County, our team of domestic battery defense attorneys stands ready to help. Our consultations are always free. Contact us today at 727-855-3847.

As of October 1, 2025, a quiet but significant change to Florida’s traffic laws has taken effect, one that gives law enforcement broad new authority to stop vehicles across the state. The amendment to Florida Statute §320.061, commonly referred to as the “Obstructed Tag” law, elevates what was once a civil traffic infraction into a criminal misdemeanor offense. The new law now exposes everyday drivers to arrest, criminal prosecution, and the lasting consequences that come with a misdemeanor conviction.

At The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan, we have already begun educating our clients about these changes, because the reality is simple: a large percentage of Florida drivers are unknowingly committing a misdemeanor every time they get behind the wheel.

What the New Statute Says

Under the amended §320.061, a person may not “alter, obscure, conceal, or place any substance, material, coating, covering, or frame onto or around any license plate if such placement or covering interferes with the ability to record, identify, or discern any feature or detail of the license plate.”

In everyday language, this means:

• Any frame, cover, or material, no matter how common or decorative, that blocks, blurs, tints, or shadows any part of a Florida license plate is a crime.
  
• The statute applies even when the obstruction is minimal or caused by something routinely installed by car dealerships.
  
• The intent of the driver does not matter. The mere presence of the obstructing material completes the offense.
  

This includes:

• Dealership plate frames that cover part of the county name
  
• Clear or tinted plastic license-plate covers
  
• Aftermarket frames sold at auto parts stores
  
• Decorative borders
  
• Metal or plastic frames that obscure a single letter or number
  
• Any covering that affects surveillance or plate-reader visibility
  

If it interferes with “any feature or detail,” it now qualifies as a misdemeanor—punishable by up to 60 days in jail, six months of probation, and a $500 fine.

Why This Change Matters

Before October 1, 2025, obstructed tag violations were handled as minor civil infractions, often resolved by removing the cover and paying a small fine. Now, however, motorists face the threat of an arrest and criminal prosecution.

This change dramatically expands the ability of law enforcement to initiate traffic stops.

To get a sense of the law’s real-world impact, we conducted an informal review right here at our office. A walk through our parking lot revealed that more than 80% of the vehicles had license-plate frames or coverings that would now be considered criminal violations. Most came directly from dealerships. Many drivers had no idea that their vehicles were non-compliant, let alone that the non-compliance could lead to a criminal charge.

If 8 out of 10 cars in a typical office parking lot are technically in violation, that means law enforcement can now justify a stop on virtually any passing vehicle, at any time, almost anywhere in Florida.

For motorists, this raises serious concerns. For prosecutors and defense attorneys, it raises important constitutional questions that will likely be litigated in the years ahead.

How Law Enforcement Will Use the New Law

From a policing standpoint, the amended §320.061 functions similarly to long-standing window-tint statutes or tag-light requirements: it provides a readily available justification for stopping a vehicle.

However, the obstructed tag amendment may go even further. Because:

• Plate frames and covers are extremely common
  
• Many dealership-installed frames obscure some portion of the tag
  
• Even “clear” covers can interfere with automated plate-reading
  

The law essentially arms officers with a lawful basis to stop almost any car they choose, making it a powerful tool in DUI enforcement, drug interdiction, and investigative stops.

Drivers should anticipate an increase in:

• DUI investigations beginning from tag-obstruction stops
  
• Vehicle searches following such stops
  
• Pretextual stops justified by a tag frame or covering
  
• Challenges to these stops in court
  

Florida courts will ultimately have to determine how strictly “interfere” will be interpreted. But until appellate guidance is issued, the statute gives law enforcement broad discretion.

The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan’s Practical Tip for Drivers

Because this law is now in effect statewide, and because the overwhelming majority of drivers are currently in violation, we strongly recommend taking five minutes this weekend to inspect your vehicle.

If you have a dealership frame, decorative border, or any type of plate cover, remove it.

This simple step may prevent:

• A police stop
  
• A criminal charge
  
• A court appearance
  
• A permanent misdemeanor record
  
• Increased insurance rates
  
• Unnecessary legal expenses
  

If you have been stopped or charged under the amended §320.061, our office is already preparing legal strategies to challenge these cases. As with any new law, early cases will shape how strictly the statute is interpreted and enforced.

Need Legal Assistance?

If you or someone you know has been charged with Obstructed Tag, DUI, or any other criminal offense in the Tampa Bay area, the Law Office of Timothy Sullivan is here to help. Our team has extensive experience defending motorists in Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Pasco Counties.

Call us at 727-855-3847 for a free consultation.

Theft charges in Florida are not always as simple as they seem. What can start as a minor misdemeanor can, under certain circumstances, quickly become a felony with far more serious consequences. Understanding how and when petit theft can escalate is crucial because a felony conviction can follow you for life. 

If you have been arrested for any theft charge, the best first step to take is to consult with an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Clearwater with the Law Office of Timothy Sullivan.

Petit Theft Laws in Florida

According to Florida statutes, theft occurs when someone knowingly takes or uses another person’s property with the intent to temporarily or permanently deprive them of it. Petit theft usually involves property valued at less than $750.

Florida divides petit theft into two levels. Second-degree misdemeanor petit theft involves property worth under $100 and carries up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. First-degree misdemeanor petit theft covers property valued between $100 and $750 and can lead to up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.

When Does Petit Theft Become a Felony?

Several factors can lead to a petit theft charge being reclassified as a felony. The most common reason is the value of the property involved, because once it exceeds $750, the charge becomes grand theft, which is considered a felony in Florida. Prior convictions can also make a difference. If a person has previous theft offenses on their record, even a lower-value theft could have the potential to be charged as a felony.

The nature of the property stolen can also elevate the charge. Taking a firearm, motor vehicle, controlled substance, or certain public property, such as a stop sign, can automatically result in a felony. In addition, theft from specific victims, like law enforcement agencies or medical facilities, or committing theft during a declared state of emergency, can also increase the severity of the theft charge.

Penalties for Felony Theft in Florida

Ultimately, the penalties for felony theft depend on how the crime is classified. A third-degree felony can bring up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. A second-degree felony carries up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. The most serious theft charges, first-degree felonies, can lead to as much as 30 years in prison.

And even beyond fines and prison time, courts can order restitution to compensate victims. A felony conviction can also potentially result in the loss of key civil rights, including the right to vote or own a firearm.

Defenses Against Escalated Theft Charges

Being charged with felony theft does not necessarily mean you will be convicted, especially when you work with a top Clearwater criminal defense attorney with the Law Office of Timothy Sullivan. 

Your attorney will research all the nuances and details of the case to determine the most effective defense strategy possible. An example of this can be mistaken identity or a lack of intent to steal. Disputes over ownership, or a genuine belief that the property was abandoned, may also be a valid defense that can lead to a reduction or dismissal of charges. 

Been Arrested for Theft? Contact The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan Today

If you have been charged with theft in Florida, it is important to act quickly. What might seem like a minor offense could carry serious consequences if not handled properly by a criminal defense lawyer in Clearwater with the Law Office of Timothy Sullivan.

If you’ve been arrested, it is not the end for you. To get your complimentary case consultation with a leading criminal defense attorney in Clearwater, call the office at The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan at (727) 291-9717.

If somebody causes a public disturbance and gets arrested by the police, chances are that they will likely be charged with either disorderly conduct or disorderly intoxication. 

Though they sound alike, knowing the difference significantly impacts how your case can be handled by your criminal defense attorney in Clearwater, and what penalties you could potentially be facing.

Disorderly Conduct

Disorderly conduct is defined as behavior that corrupts public morals, outrages public decency, or disturbs the peace and quiet of those nearby. Simply put, it covers disruptive behavior that interferes with public order. Disorderly conduct is a second-degree misdemeanor, and it is punishable by up to 60 days in jail, six months of probation, and a $500 fine. 

Common examples of conduct that sometimes results in an arrest for disorderly conduct include getting into a fight in public, interrupting an event, or using obscene language or gestures in a provoking manner. 

Disorderly Intoxication

Disorderly intoxication involves being intoxicated in public in a way that endangers others or creates a disturbance. Simply being drunk in public is not enough to be arrested. It must be proven by the prosecution that your level of intoxication directly caused a safety risk or significant disruption to the general public.

A typical case of disorderly intoxication might involve someone who becomes aggressive toward others while drinking, damages property, or behaves in a way that puts themselves or others in danger. Like disorderly conduct, disorderly intoxication is a second-degree misdemeanor and can potentially lead to 60 days in jail, six months of probation, and fines of up to $500.

Key Differences Between the Two Charges

While both charges carry the same potential penalties and must concern events that took place in public, the elements that prosecutors must prove differ. In a disorderly conduct case, prosecutors must show that the defendant’s actions offended public morals or disturbed the peace. Conversely, in a disorderly intoxication case, they must also prove the person was impaired and that their intoxicated condition created a risk to safety or property. 

Common Legal Defenses for Disorderly Conduct and Disorderly Intoxication Charges

Defenses often center on a lack of evidence. Prosecutors must prove that a genuine disturbance or danger occurred, not just that someone was loud or intoxicated in a public space. 

For example, your criminal defense lawyer in Clearwater with the Law Office of Timothy Sullivan can argue that your speech, even if it was offensive, may still be protected under the First Amendment. Other defenses may involve challenging whether the person was truly intoxicated or whether police overreacted to the situation. 

How You Can Protect Your Rights After Getting Arrested

Although both offenses are misdemeanors, the impact of a conviction can last far longer than the sentence itself. If you have been charged with either offense, contact the top Clearwater criminal defense attorney with the Law Office of Timothy Sullivan to best understand your charge while helping build the strongest defense strategy possible.

To schedule a complimentary case consultation with a leading criminal defense lawyer in Clearwater, call The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan at (727) 291-9717.