No one should have to be penalized an entire lifetime for making one bad choice. Under Florida law, you may be eligible to expunge your criminal record if you meet certain qualifications. A records expungement can greatly improve your professional and educational opportunities. This is because a criminal records expungement amounts to the physical destruction of the files that make up your criminal record. Consequently, it is no longer visible to the general public.

Moreover, if your criminal record is expunged, you will not need to report to a prospective employer or educational institution that you have a criminal record. The experienced St. Petersburg expungement lawyers at Khonsari Law Group can review your criminal record and determine whether or not you are eligible for a criminal records expungement.

Records Expungement

After a period of time passes, an individual may petition the court to have his or her criminal record expunged. In order to have your criminal record expunged, you must generally: 

  • Not have been adjudicated guilty of a criminal offense or comparable ordinance violation 
  • Not have had any prior sealing or expungement of a criminal record elsewhere 
  • Not have any open sealing or expungement petitions open or pending 
  • Not have sustained an indictment, information, or other charging documents in your case. If one was issued, you must have obtained a dismissal or the State must have “nolle prossed” your charges. 

Educational Opportunities

College admissions and admissions to graduate programs and professional schools, such as law schools and medical schools, are competitive. In addition to having strong academic records and test scores, applicants are oftentimes subject to character and fitness reviews. During this process, the educational institution will usually perform a criminal background check on all applicants prior to making an admissions decision.

Performing background checks on current and prospective students is easier now than ever. A criminal record of any kind will usually have a negative impact on an admissions decision. In some cases, depending upon the educational institution, an applicant may be denied admission altogether if he or she has a criminal record – regardless of the charges and when they were sustained. Moreover, current students who sustain a criminal record may be at risk of losing scholarship funds.

If a person’s criminal record has been expunged, then the educational institution will not have access to this information online or elsewhere.

Employment Opportunities

Criminal background checks on prospective employees are becoming more and more common. Some employers will not hire a person if that individual has a criminal record of any kind. Moreover, depending upon the nature of the criminal charge, upon conviction, an offender may be fired from his or her job or may lose a professional license. If a person’s criminal record is expunged beforehand, it will not be visible to prospective or current employers, significantly increasing the chances of obtaining a job or keeping a current position.

Call a St. Petersburg Expungement Lawyer Today for a Free Legal Consultation


It is important to understand that even an arrest record without a conviction is a criminal record. Anyone who wants to see it can view that record online. These active criminal records can pose all sorts of problems for individuals when it comes to getting an education or getting (and keeping) a job. The expungement lawyers at Khonsari Law Group can review your case and determine whether or not your record is eligible for expungement.

If you have a criminal record that you would like to have expunged, schedule a free case evaluation with one of our lawyers by calling (727) 269-5300 or sending us an email through our online contact form.

The legal DUI limits in Florida are 0.08 percent for most drivers ages 21 and older, 0.02 percent for drivers under the age of 21, and 0.04 percent for commercial drivers.

Being found guilty or convicted of a DUI in Florida can have serious legal and personal consequences, including heavy fines, loss of employment, limited job prospects, and even jail time. However, some DUI cases are thrown out when people’s constitutional rights are violated at a traffic stop, or when other serious violations occur.

If you have been charged with a Florida DUI, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney in your corner representing you every step of the way. The knowledgeable DUI defense lawyers at Khonsari Law Group can meet with you to discuss your charge and may be able to help you formulate a good legal defense to help you beat your charge in court.

Challenging a DUI Charge

The first step to getting a DUI case thrown out in court is to challenge the charge. You challenge a DUI charge by raising a valid legal defense. You can challenge a Florida DUI charge on constitutional, legal, or administrative grounds. The St. Petersburg DUI defense lawyers at Khonsari Law Group may be able to raise some or all of the following legal defenses on your behalf:

Illegal traffic stop. A criminal defense attorney may be able to contest the traffic stop if the condition of the testing instruments (i.e. the breathalyzer testing equipment) is questionable.

Improper field sobriety test. You may be able to challenge a field sobriety test if you have certain physical disabilities or limitations, such as a bad back or bad knees, which could have affected your ability to perform the field sobriety test properly. If the officer failed to consider your physical condition, the evidence obtained during a field sobriety test could be suppressed. 

Improper breathalyzer test. Although Breathalyzer machines are supposed to be very carefully maintained, that does not always happen. If you can prove that the machine was not properly maintained, that fact could be used as a basis for suppressing damaging breathalyzer evidence obtained during the traffic stop. Moreover, if the police officer who stopped you failed to follow the proper protocol when administering the breathalyzer test, then the evidence obtained may be suppressed.

Challenging the traffic stop. In order for the evidence obtained during a traffic stop to be deemed legally admissible, the stop itself must have been proper. In order for an officer to legally pull over a vehicle, he or she must first have reasonable suspicion to believe that criminal activity is afoot. This suspicion could result from something as a simple as failing to use a turn signal, speeding, or running a stop sign. However, if the officer engaged in a random traffic stop without any basis, whatsoever, for pulling the vehicle over, then any evidence obtained during the stop could be suppressed.

Call a St. Petersburg DUI Defense Attorney Today

If you have been charged with a Florida DUI, you need experienced legal representation on your side throughout your case. The criminal defense lawyers at Khonsari Law Group can review your case with you and may be able to help you obtain a dismissal or a favorable plea deal with the State.

To schedule a free consultation and case evaluation with a St. Petersburg, Florida DUI defense lawyer, please call us at (727) 269-5300 or contact us online.
How Losing Your License Can Affect You


How Losing Your License Can Affect You
Losing your license can have a negative impact on your ability to work, to develop your career, and with other aspects of your life. While it is important to remain proactive in avoiding behavior that may compromise your ability to maintain your license, mistakes are sometimes made.

How Can You Lose Your License?

There are several ways to lose your license. It’s important to be aware of the different ways you can lose your license and to avoid those behaviors. Some examples include:

Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol

In 2016, nearly 6,000 Florida drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It is illegal for Florida drivers to drive while under the influence of recreational drugs as well 
as those prescription drugs that impair one’s ability to operate a motor vehicle. Although you can consume alcohol and drive at a later time after it’s out of your system, it is illegal for you to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher. (For those under 21, Florida has a zero-tolerance policy, and a blood alcohol concentration over 0.02 is considered driving under the influence.)

Failing to Maintain Insurance

Florida drivers and vehicle owners are required to maintain minimum insurance in case of an accident. Failing to maintain this insurance can result in suspended driving privileges in addition to costly fines. A first-time offense can result in a loss of driving privileges for up to three years.

Accumulating Points Against License

Committing too many moving violations can cause you to lose your license. Points are assessed against your license for each moving violation you receive. Accumulating too many points can result in the temporary suspension of your license and driving privileges.

How Can Losing My License Impact Me?

The repercussions of losing your license can be both professionally and financially damaging. Some ways that losing your license can negatively impact you include:

You Can Lose Your Job

Many individuals rely on their driving privileges in order to get to work. Others, however, must be able to drive in order to perform daily job duties. Thus, losing your license can mean that you are either unable to get to work, to carry out your job duties, or both.

An employer is likely to terminate your employment if you are unable to perform your job duties. Truck drivers, mail carriers, and other driving-intensive professionals are at great risk of being terminated.Losing your job will undoubtedly have a negative impact on your finances, but it may also make it…

More Difficult to Find Another Job

Losing your license can make it more difficult to find future employment. Today, many employers conduct criminal background checks before hiring prospective employees. Crimes on your record, such as driving under the influence, may keep future employers from hiring you.

Contact a St. Petersburg Criminal Defense Attorney Today

Do not allow your life to be negatively impacted because you have lost your license. You have a right to defend yourself and avoid losing your driving privileges. The skilled and experienced criminal defense attorneys at Khonsari Law Group are available to help. We will evaluate your case and develop a strong legal defense. Schedule your initial consultation with us by calling (727) 269-5300 or writing us online today.
Voting Rights for Felons Are Up for Debate in Florida


It is your right as an American to vote, right? Well, once you are a convicted felon, that can be debatable. If you have committed a crime and served your time, then you should be able to vote; that is the way many Americans see the issue. Why should this burden follow you for eternity? It is almost as if your past is on your shoulder all the time. Why can’t the past be left in the past?

There is a proposal in Florida that could restore voting rights to most convicted felons who have served their time and are now back in the public. The proposal includes an exception for felons who have committed sex crimes and murder. Many felons’ rights advocates would like to see this become law.

However, not everyone is sympathetic to the plight of felons. Tampa attorney Richard Harrison believes this restoration will be taken too far and he opposes it for many reasons. He believes some people should be able to vote after getting out of jail, but he also argues that the Constitution is very broad when it comes to this topic. Harrison points out that felony offenses can range from bouncing a check to committing murder, and felons should not be lumped into one group when it comes to restoring voting rights. Harrison argues that the system currently in place in Florida is adequate. The current law requires felons to seek approval to vote after a waiting period of five years after the conclusion of their sentence. He feels this process works well enough and that no changes are needed.

However, this process is not enough for many people who believe that it takes too long and is too expensive for most ex-convicts who have served their time and are trying to better their lives and participate fully in their communities.

If you are a citizen of the United States, voting is your right. If you have a felony in your past and would now like to be able to vote again, consider finding an attorney to help you get your criminal record expunged. Expungement means your criminal record will be erased and you will be able to legally say that you have never been convicted of a crime when applying for jobs and filling out paperwork.

Call a St. Petersburg Expungement Lawyer to Restore Your Rights

Here at the Khonsari Law Group, we have helped many people move on with their lives by helping them get an expungement and giving them a clean slate. If you feel you are a changed person, will do good in the community, and deserve a new beginning, our lawyers may be able to help. Our goal is to support you tostart over with a clean slate so you can get a job, gain an income, and, importantly, vote. Call us today at (727) 269-5300 to talk about your options. You can also contact us anytime through our website.

St Petersburg Criminal Defense and DUI Lawyer



                                             

Mr. Khonsari founded and is principal/partner of the Khonsari Law Group. With experience in both criminal and civil law, Mr. Khonsari built the law firm with the standard of doing everything possible for each and every client. With over forty jury trials, he has used his trial advocacy in successfully representing clients charged in criminal court and also those who have cases in the civil realm.

Mr. Khonsari obtained an undergraduate degree from Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and his law degree from Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana. After graduating from law school and being admitted to the Florida Bar, Mr. Khonsari relocated to the Tampa Bay area.

Mr. Khonsari began his career in criminal law as a prosecutor in Pinellas County. In the Pinellas County State Attorney’s Office, Mr. Khonsari handled and tried a broad range of felony cases.

He handled some of the office’s more high profile cases, including several DUI manslaughters and the senseless stabbing of a homeless man. He participated in a specialized DUI manslaughter/vehicular homicide team with the Pinellas County State Attorney’s Office, which allowed him to respond to crime scenes and assist law enforcement in some of their investigations. As a member of this team, he was recognized in 2007 by a local DUI advocacy group as a top prosecutor in Pinellas County in the field of DUI’s and DUI manslaughters.

The trial experience and skills Mr. Khonsari developed while with the State Attorney’s Office give him an innate ability to anticipate positions and actions taken in criminal cases by the government. He has integrated those skills and added insights to his tireless and tenacious defense of criminal matters.

Following his employment with the Pinellas County State Attorney’s Office, Mr. Khonsari accepted a position at The Cohen Law Group (formerly Cohen, Foster, & Romine). The Cohen Law Group, founded by Barry Cohen, provided Mr. Khonsari with invaluable experience in the criminal field. While at the Cohen Law Group, Mr. Khonsari was instrumental in the successful resolution of many cases for clients. These include representing a local bank executive charged with sexual battery (later to be dismissed), numerous cases of DUI manslaughter, representing a local police officer who was arrested for leaving scene of an accident and DUI charges, and a client charged in a nationally publicized case involving teen-aged girls and a videotape beating of another girl.

Mr. Khonsari’s knowledge in the field of criminal law has led to appearances on various media outlets. One high profile case was featured on the national television show “20/20″. Since his initial appearance on 20/20, Mr. Khonsari has been consulted by ABC News, 20/20, and the New York Post on other stories involving criminal charges. Additionally, he has appeared as a legal expert on radio and the local news, most recently in the Trayvon Martin/George Zimmerman case.

Since joining private practice, Mr. Khonsari has also extensively practiced in civil law. He has worked actively on cases involving personal injury, medical product liability, premises liability. He has also litigated contracts, business transactions, and employment/labor law matters. Through the personal injury and product liability cases, he has battled insurance companies and national medical surgical equipment companies on behalf of his clients. In the field of business litigation, he has handled numerous mergers, asset purchase agreements, and other business related matters. Mr. Khonsari has also negotiated contracts on behalf of many of his clients and has defended local businesses in employment/labor matters. Presently, he is in-house legal counsel for several local businesses. As a member of AILA (American Immigration Lawyers Association), Mr. Khonsari has also handled family and criminal related immigration matters on behalf of his clients.

Mr. Khonsari is known for his work ethic and his determination in the representation of his clients. He takes a great deal of pride in making sure that everything that can be done is being done for each of his client’s cases. Mr. Khonsari is also passionate and dedicated to his charitable work with the Children’s Dream Fund, a local organization benefiting children with terminally ill diseases. Within the organization, he is on the Board of Directors and President of the First Team, a group of young professionals who promote and organize events for the charity. Mr. Khonsari is admitted to practice in the State of Florida, the District of Columbia, and the Middle District of Florida (federal).

EDUCATION:
JD from Tulane University School of Law 2004
BS from Wake Forest University 1999

WORK EXPERIENCE:
Khonsari Law Group (Principal/Partner) 2011 - Present
Cohen,Foster, & Romine (Attorney) 2007 - 2011
Pinellas County State Attorney's Office (Assistant State Attorney) 2004 - 2007

AWARDS:
Pro Bono Service Award Finalist (Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division)
DUI Manslaughter Prosecutor of the Year (RID - Remove Intoxicated Drivers)

ASSOCIATIONS:
First Team - Children's Dream Fund ( President)
Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (Member)
Florida Bar
American Immigration Lawyers Association

CONTACT:
Khonsari Law Group
150 2nd Avenue North Suite 970
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: (727) 269-5300
Fax: (727) 269-5275
Business Email: rohom@klgflorida.com


















St Petersburg DUI Lawyers


The Khonsari Law Group is dedicated to providing powerful advocacy for those in need of representation and our top priority is ensuring our clients’ rights and interests are protected under the law. Founded in 2011, we pride ourselves on our ability to provide an experience that is both personalized and as relaxed as possible for every client. Our attorneys are easily accessible and prepared to put forth substantial time and effort into every client’s case. Our firm is proud to represent you as well as medical practices, medical facilities, advanced surgical centers and various businesses in the Tampa Bay area and nationwide.

At Khonsari Law Group, our team has the experience and resources to ensure your rights are protected and give you peace of mind throughout the legal process. When you choose the KLG team, you can be confident that we will do absolutely everything necessary to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

CONTACT:
Khonsari Law Group
150 2nd Ave N #970
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: (727) 269-5300
Fax: (727) 269-5275
Business Email: rohom@klgflorida.com




















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