Imagine returning home after a long day to find your front door ajar and your belongings scattered. Or being confronted by an armed assailant demanding your wallet while walking down the street. Both scenarios are frightening and can leave lasting emotional scars. But did you know that these incidents are classified as two different crimes?…
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When facing the criminal justice system, it’s crucial to understand the differences between an arrest and an indictment. These two legal processes serve distinct purposes and have varying implications for the accused. In this blog post, we’ll explore the nuances of “indictment vs arrest” in Florida, discuss their legal processes, and offer guidance on navigating…
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The legalization of marijuana has raised many questions, one of which is how to detect impaired drivers. Traditional breathalyzers can easily detect alcohol, but what about marijuana? Do breathalyzers detect weed? Is there a reliable and efficient way to determine if someone is under the influence of marijuana while driving? In this blog post, we…
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Imagine the panic of being detained at the airport, unsure of what’s happening or what to do next. Airports are high-security environments, and getting arrested can be a nightmare scenario for anyone. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about getting arrested at the airport, from the common scenarios…
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The Florida Court of Appeal has issued a groundbreaking decision extending the interpretation of the state’s “stand your ground” law. The court’s ruling, involving defendant Richard Burns, held that loading and openly carrying a gun in one’s own yard does not constitute criminal use of deadly force. Burns, represented by Ari S. Goldberg and Lawrence…
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Understandably, we all find police encounters nerve-wracking, even if the situation finds you minding your business and abiding by the law. Such complicated situations require understanding your civil rights and how to defend them. Fortunately, you’re in the right place. This comprehensive piece will dive into what every citizen should know about their rights during…
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Human trafficking is the illegal use of coercion, force, or fraud to obtain labor, commercial sex, and services from unwilling participants or underage victims. Prosecutors, law enforcement agencies, and lawmakers regard human trafficking as modern slavery. Persons are guilty of human trafficking charges if one has participated in harboring, recruiting, soliciting, or transporting human beings for…
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When you use confidential or nonpublic information to trade stocks, bonds, or other securities, it’s called insider trading, which is illegal in the United States. Potential penalties are heavy fines, imprisonment, or both. Since the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) punishes illegal insider trading harshly, you need to defend yourself when facing these charges. With…
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Truthful court testimonies are the backbone of the American justice system. Without the truth, there can’t be justice. Even so, there are several cases of witnesses lying under oath. In Florida state, perjury, or simply lying under oath, is a serious offense that comes with severe punishments and hefty penalties. And while in most cases,…
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If you’ve been charged with assault, you should know you’re dealing with a severe crime. Unfortunately, most of the people in Florida may not be conversant with the law, which makes it challenging for them to understand the possible outcome of their cases. The situation might aggravate when you’re charged with the assault of a…
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Any report of domestic violence is taken very seriously in the State of Florida, but so is lying about domestic violence. Any reported crime of domestic violence is acted upon swiftly, and officers are allowed to make an arrest based on a single accusation because of the ‘preferred arrest policy.’ In most criminal cases, the…
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Aggravated assault in Florida occurs when a person intentionally causes or attempts to cause serious physical injury to another. Learn about state laws and your legal options when accused of aggravated assault. When facing criminal charges in Florida, it’s difficult to understand the charges and the potential penalties you face. That’s particularly true when you face aggravated assault…
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Underage drunk driving is a critical concern in Florida. Anyone under the age of 21 is forbidden from drinking alcohol, although several young people drink anyway. People over the age of 21 are already severely punished for driving under the influence of alcohol, and the state is even less forgiving with underage drunk drivers. So…
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Florida’s stand-your-ground law has been a controversial issue since its adoption in 2005. The legislation provides guidelines for when and how an individual can defend themselves against an imminent physical threat. Most recently, the extensive coverage of the Trayvon Martin case has brought a resurgence of attention to Florida’s stand-your-ground law and how it can…
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Let’s face it; no one deserves to sustain life-threatening bodily injury or have their life ended by another person prematurely. But sometimes, that is the only option available when dealing with a dangerous situation. It may not be your intention to hurt or end another person’s life, but you may be justified if the circumstances…
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The tension can be traumatic for the entire family when a minor is accused of a juvenile crime. Parents are often terrified of what will happen next as their children’s fate and future hang in the balance. What should you do when your child has been arrested or charged with an offense? Get legal advice…
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Citizens are required to file a police report when an incident involving a violation of the law occurs. However, the report should be factual and, at the same time, should be free of biased opinions or hearsay. This is because a police report is one of the court documents that are the foundation of a…
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The sanctity of life has been recognized in most if not all jurisdictions all over the world. In fact, the right to life is considered a fundamental freedom that is guaranteed to all without discrimination. For this reason, the government, through the criminal justice system, has put in place all measures to ensure this right…
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Assaulting a police officer is considered a violent felony, no matter the type. Usually, probation isn’t an option, putting you in prison from two years to life imprisonment. The court of law takes all kinds of assault seriously. But, those against police officers are considered horrific. The court won’t support you, making you risk many…
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Often, people fail to tell apart the crimes that are murder and manslaughter. While both of these crimes are felonies, murder is considered homicide with a malicious afterthought, while manslaughter involves the absence of malice afterthought. Therefore, manslaughter removes the moral blame equation that is usually associated with murder. Although manslaughter is still considered a…
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White-collar crime refers to a wide range of offenses committed within the corporate setting. These offenses entail fraudulent activities and similar corporate crimes. They are serious indictments that can see you locked up for many years and even for life. They also attract heavy fines and restitution costs. Many white-collar crimes are considered felonies. A…
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If you’ve been arrested in Florida for a second DUI, you’re probably wondering whether it will be treated as a misdemeanor or felony. Well, to get you started, here’s what a second DUI is defined as under Florida Statute 316.193(1) and (2)(a): A second DUI occurs when a person; Has actual physical control or drives…
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Driving under the influence is a grievous offense in the United States. The offense attracts possible imprisonment, penalties, and license suspension. For example, in Florida State, a 4th or subsequent conviction is treated as a third-degree felony. It attracts a fine of up to $5000, 5 years jail term, and vehicle immobilization for 90 days….
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According to the CDC, auto deaths are the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S. If you or your loved one has been arrested for vehicular manslaughter in Palm Beach County, FL, it’s in your best interest to get a seasoned lawyer as soon as possible. This will give them enough time to analyze…
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Sex crime allegations are taken very seriously in West Palm Beach, and in addition to facing social stigma, you also risk harsh criminal penalties. Such offenses lead to hefty crimes, incarceration, and long-lasting impacts such as being registered on the sex offenders registry. Most sex crime cases go to trial because they are usually associated…
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If you’re facing charges for manufacturing a controlled substance in Florida, your fate depends on the ability of your defense attorneys to fight the charges. The magnitude of the offense also determines the outcome to a great extent. Generally, unauthorized manufacturing of controlled substances is a criminal offense in Florida, attracting harsh sentences and fines….
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The solicitation of a minor is a serious offense in Florida and the United States. Any attempt to entice a child to engage in a sexual act is a serious criminal offense, and the federal government has strict punishments for convicted offenders. While many people think physical touch is the only way to get convicted…
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Rape charges are traumatic. If the charges are not defended effectively, the defendant can suffer jail terms and wind up in a sex registry. If false allegations are not dismissed quickly, they may have devastating effects on the accused’s family and career life. Think of Kobe Bryant. Talk of his death in the plane crash…
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The state of Florida has some of the busiest roads and highways. The transport sector contributes a significant portion of state revenue. Millions of vehicles pass through Florida’s roadways daily. For most Florida residents, a car is necessary, and it’s impossible to move from point A to point B without one. Whether it’s running errands,…
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Have you or your loved one been accused of rape or any other sexually motivated crime? If so, read on to learn about the ramifications, challenges, and defenses as it pertains to rape charges in Florida. Rape accusations can be one of the most challenging things to deal with and live with, especially if you…
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You may have heard about the terms accomplice and accessory to murder and wondered if they mean the same thing. The two terms stand for different types of crimes. They are connected to helping a principal offender but in different ways. Let us explore them to help you understand who an accomplice is and who…
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Due to the detrimental health and social effects of drugs and controlled substances, you may face harsh penalties if you are involved in such a case. Though there are various drug-related charges one may face, drug trafficking is the most serious one. Although it’s a serious offense, drug trafficking is arguably the most misunderstood crimes….
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When you’re accused of drug trafficking in West Palm Beach, Florida, you may feel the need to speak up for yourself and try to arrive at a resolution without thinking of hiring an attorney. While you’re rightfully worried about the situation’s outcome, you must take the necessary steps to ensure a better result in the…
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As a defendant in a felony case, you’ve probably heard stories that the court process may take ages, right? Well, nothing can be furthest from the truth! Whereas the period varies from case to case and the state you reside in, you can expect the court process to last at least several months, usually 90-180…
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While shoplifting and petty theft might seem similar from the outlook, they are technically regarded as dissimilar charges under Florida criminal law. Despite being treated as minor crimes, these offenses usually carry significant penalties upon conviction. The Florida Legislature has put punitive measures on petty thieves and shoplifters, especially if it is a repeat action….
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It can be very scary to be charged with a serious crime in Florida. You’re worried about what this means. Will you have to serve time behind bars? Do you need to pay expensive fines? Will you have to go on probation? Will your life ever be the same? Though you’re worried right now…
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Assault with a deadly weapon is a very serious crime. If you are accused of assault with a deadly weapon in the state of Florida, then you could face severe consequences, such as several years behind bars, hefty fines, and a permanent stain on your record, which could affect you for the rest of your…
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When a driver hits a person with their car or hits a vehicle or object and then flees the scene of the accident, they’re committing what’s called a hit and run. In these situations, drivers are supposed to get out of their car, exchange information with the pedestrian or other driver they hit, or leave…
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Some states have recently rolled back their drug possession charges and legalized certain drugs. For instance, Oregon became the first state to decriminalize drug possession for personal use in November of 2020, and cannabis is fully legal for medical and recreational use in many states including California, Colorado, Maine, Nevada, and Washington. Florida, however,…
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If someone is accused of or charged with committing larceny in Florida, they may be worried about the consequences. They might also be confused about what larceny is and how it differs from similar crimes. By determining exactly what larceny in Florida entails and what could happen to someone who is found guilty of…
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When you’re charged with DUI manslaughter in Florida, you may be wondering what that means and scared about the possible penalties you could have to face. Could you go to county jail or state prison? Will you have to pay thousands of dollars worth of fines? What would this do to your future plans? Could…
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When you drive under the influence in Florida, you could face many consequences including time in jail and hefty fines. It’s also possible that you’ll lose your car when law enforcement impounds it. Hiring a DUI lawyer with hundreds of wins in Florida will give you the best shot at coming out on top. …
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Whether or not you committed a crime, you may want to plead guilty for a number of reasons. You think that if you plead guilty, it could help your case and you may be able to get your charges reduced. Perhaps you believe that other charges may be dropped if you just said that you…
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If you’re charged of a sex crime, you could be confused out about the exact charges you’re facing. Of course, you’re probably worried about what kind of consequences may lie ahead. Are you going to get sent to prison? Will you have to pay thousands of dollars in fines? Are you going to be…
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You’ve just found out that you’re being charged with a felony, and you’re worried about what it means for your life going forward. You definitely don’t want to go to prison, have to pay fines, go on parole, or attend court-ordered classes. If you lose your case and are formally charged with a felony,…
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Getting hit with a DUI or driving under the influence charge can be incredibly devastating. If you have a DUI on your record, you could potentially go to jail, have to pay fines, get your license suspended, and get points on your license. If you’re a repeat offender, the consequences could be even worse. …
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Being charged with a crime is incredibly stressful. You’re worried about the third degree felony charges you’re facing and don’t know what to do or who to turn to at this point. So many questions are racing through your head. What happens when you’re charged with a third degree felony in Florida? Are you…
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If you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence in the Sunshine State, one of your first questions may be, “Is a DUI a felony in Florida?” The short answer is “sometimes.” To fully answer that question, it’s important to understand the larger picture of Florida DUI law. Defining Driving Under the Influence of…
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If you’ve been charged with driving under the influence in Florida, you know that you need the assistance of a DUI lawyer, but you may not know how to go about selecting one. When considering how to pick a DUI lawyer, you may not feel comfortable asking friends, coworkers, and acquaintances for referrals. That’s understandable….
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If you’ve been arrested in Florida for driving under the influence, you may ask yourself, “How can a lawyer help with DUI?” You may even be tempted to plead guilty, accept the consequences, and move on with your life. That would be a huge mistake. Take a moment and recognize that a DUI conviction has…
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If you’re facing domestic violence charges, you may be asking yourself, “Is domestic violence a felony in Florida?” The short answer is that there are times when domestic violence is a felony in Florida and other times when it is not. Before taking a deep dive into Florida felony domestic violence charges, it’s important to…
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On January 22nd, Palm Beach County commissioners voted 7-0 requiring masks to be worn in public indoor spaces or outdoor spaces where social distancing isn’t possible. The commissioners passed the ordinance despite the unrelenting crowd of constituents without masks. The vote was met with outrage as people hurled insults, threats and claimed the board had…
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The U.S. Constitution’s Sixth Amendment promises every American citizen the right to an impartial trial. When it comes to serious crimes, many would assume that a unanimous jury decision would make a trial impartial. Although this is true for 48 states, in the U.S. there are two states, Louisiana and Oregon, who permit non-unanimous verdicts…
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Ari Goldberg has officially been announced as a new partner with Meltzer & Bell, P.A. He has been working for years in the West Palm Beach, FL area.
The Reynolds Wrap Heir, Cornelious Florman, has been convicted of a 20-year sexual assault cold case. Attorneys at Meltzer & Bell attempt to dismiss the plea deal.
Meltzer & Bell, P.A. are proud to announce they have become sponsors of an upcoming art show by the Wellington Art Society in FL.
The prohibition against cannabis is quickly eroding in the United States to the point that law enforcement agencies are now having problems arresting people for marijuana crimes. While marijuana remains illegal at the federal level, hemp has been recently legalized across the country which makes Palm Beach’s police’s strategy of making ‘sniff and search’…
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Patient brokering at drug treatment centers has become an ongoing issue in the state of Florida. Investigations led by several news outlets have uncovered the real crooked nature of these centers such as the practices at Whole Life Recovery. This has led to numerous legislative attempts to deter large patient-brokering operations, which is a type…
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Cellphones and other electronic devices have become a staple in our daily lives. The majority of the time these instruments help us navigate the world around us. However, many people use their electronic devices recklessly while they’re driving. This has become a dangerous growing trend for the state of Florida. The Florida Highway Safety and…
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In 2016, Amendment 2 or the Florida Medical Marijuana Legalization Initiative was approved into law by voters. The legislation allows Floridians to use medicinal cannabis for certain conditions such as glaucoma, epilepsy and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Although Amendment 2 legalized medical marijuana, it still doesn’t allow patients to smoke it. Currently, Florida law only…
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Robert Kraft along with 300 other people have arrest warrants issued for them for soliciting prostitution in Florida’s Treasure Coast. Florida police in multiple counties conducted coordinated sting operations to arrest men who visited massage parlors for illicit sexual services. Kraft was arrested in Jupiter, in Palm Beach County, an area known for its affluent…
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It is an honor to announce that Lawrence Meltzer and Steven Bell have committed to being Life Members of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL). Founded in 1958 the NACDL prides itself on protecting the rights of Americans. The NACDL believes in a fair and just judicial system that caters to every economic…
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Law Firm 500 is organization that celebrates the fastest growing law firms in the United States. The year 2017 marks the second annual Law Firm 500 Conference and Gala, where Law Firm 500 celebrated the fastest growing law firms in the country. The law firms were evaluated and ranked in order based on gross revenues…
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Prescription fraud, commonly known as doctor shopping, is a huge problem throughout the United States, including Florida. In 2009 the Federal Centers for Disease Control labeled Florida as the epicenter of prescription drug abuse epidemic. Nationwide, the prescription drug abuse epidemic has been attributed to lack of prescription monitoring programs and medical personnel oversight. In…
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U.S. Supreme Court will consider similar cases, but will the Kansas decision affect Florida? Isn’t a person who is suspected of drunk driving entitled to the same rights related to police searches as anyone else? In many states, the answer is NO. Ordinarily, the police need a warrant in order to conduct a search, but…
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Florida’s implied consent statute creates a legal fiction that anyone who obtains a Florida driver’s license or drives on the roads of this state will “consents” to a lawfully requested blood, breath, or urine test when an officer has probable cause of DUI. Despite this legal fiction, when a person is actually arrested for DUI,…
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ESPN.com is reporting that nearly $3 million transferred from golfer Phil Mickelson to an intermediary was part of “an illegal gambling operation which accepted and placed bets on sporting events,” according to two sources and court documents obtained by Outside the Lines. Mickelson, a five-time major winner and one of the PGA Tour’s wealthiest and…
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Make no mistake about it. This will go down as the biggest scandal to hit professional sports since the Black Sox Scandal and the throwing of the 1919 World Series. Major League Baseball is not going to summon a Ted Wells-like figure to come out with a blue-ribbon fact finding report and issue suspensions and…
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During the jury selection process, a judge may dismiss a prospective juror “for cause” if he or she believes that juror will be unable to decide the case impartially. However, both the prosecutors and the defense attorneys are also given a limited number of “peremptory challenges,” which are the right to strike certain prospective jurors…
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In four separate rulings, the Florida Supreme Court handed down decisions last week that set new limits on the sentences a juvenile can face for a serious offense. The Court ruled that a sentence so long that it “ensure(s) these offenders will be imprisoned without obtaining a meaningful opportunity to obtain future early release during…
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At least three bills have been prefiled for the upcoming session of the Florida Legislature that pertain to the use of mobile devices while operating a motor vehicle, indicating that the Legislature, or at least some factions, are interested in making the penalties for offenses surrounding distracted driving more severe. Current law prohibits using any…
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Last month’s defeat of an initiative to allow medical marijuana was a devastating blow to efforts for more sensible policy on drugs in Florida. Amendment 2 came just over 140,000 votes short of hitting the necessary 60 percent, out of more than 5 million votes cast. The loss was the only one in the nation…
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In an society of social networking, media events, marketing opportunities, social media events and events which are purposely structured to occur at night and occur with cocktails and food, it is natural and obvious that professionals and the like will attend these events, have something to drink and ultimately possibly operate a motor vehicle. It…
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