NEWS FEATURES
At our firm, we believe informed clients make stronger decisions. That’s why we’ve built this section to help you understand your rights, responsibilities, and the laws that may affect your case. Whether it’s learning about Florida statutes, clearing up common myths, or staying up to date with legal news, we’re here to keep you informed and protected.
Two Men on a Mission: How a Veteran and Attorney Fight to Leave No Soldier Behind
Retired Army Colonel DJ Reyes and attorney Michael Maddux are working to bring Veterans Treatment Courts into the federal system so justice-involved veterans receive treatment instead of punishment. Their newly approved federal pilot program builds on a state model that has already helped more than 1,000 veterans rebuild their lives.
Tourist Settles False Arrest Lawsuit Against Brevard County Sheriff’s Office
Michigan tourist Jon Schoonmaker settled a false arrest lawsuit against the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office after being arrested for DUI in 2018, even though toxicology tests later confirmed he was not intoxicated. Dashcam video and lab results contradicted deputies’ claims, and the case ended with a financial settlement and a formal apology. Schoonmaker said the resolution helped clear his name after years of legal struggle.
Tampa Police Officer Who Ran Over Man with Squad Car is Denied Qualified Immunity in Wrongful Death Case
In a wrongful death lawsuit over the 2017 death of Dusharn Weems, a federal judge refused to grant qualified immunity to former Tampa Police Officer Brian Kremler, allowing the case to move forward instead of being dismissed. Weems was struck and killed by Kremler’s squad car during a foot pursuit, and the judge found there are factual disputes about whether the force used was reasonable under the Constitution. The decision rejects the police department’s effort to use qualified immunity to block the lawsuit.
Tampa Protester’s Claims of Abuse by Jail Deputies Unfounded, Report Says
Tampa protester Matthew Yampolsky alleged that Hillsborough County jail deputies assaulted him following his arrest in August, citing bruises, scrapes, and a concussion as evidence. An internal investigation by the sheriff’s office concluded the claims were unfounded and found no proof that deputies used excessive force. Yampolsky disputed the findings and has sought financial compensation from the county.
Motorists Say Cops Wrongfully Arrested Them for DUIs When They Were Sober
Some motorists in Florida and Colorado say they were wrongfully arrested for DUI despite being sober, with one Florida man’s urine test confirming no alcohol in his system after his arrest. In another case, a Colorado driver was held for a blood test even after a breathalyzer showed no alcohol. Both drivers later had their charges dropped and are pursuing legal action against the police agencies involved.
An Overdose. A Life Sentence. Brandon Man’s case Denotes Stark Legal Realities.
Christopher Ashley Defilippis, a Brandon man, was sentenced to life in federal prison after being found guilty at trial of distributing drugs that led to a fatal overdose. Because of prior convictions and mandatory sentencing laws, the judge had no discretion to impose a lesser sentence. The case underscores the stark legal risks defendants face in overdose prosecutions, particularly when choosing to go to trial.
2021 Top Lawyers List
As a board certified Criminal Lawyer, it is an honor to be recognized as one of the top Civil Rights attorneys in Tampa. Thank you, Tampa Magazine, for this prestigious acknowledgement!
Hillsborough Deputy Arrested and Fired After Pointing a Gun at a Restrained Suspect’s Head
Former Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Janak Amin was fired and arrested in 2020 after allegedly threatening an unarmed man with his gun during an arrest, but prosecutors later dropped the case due to scant evidence. The subject of that incident, Carl Elkins, later filed a lawsuit against Amin, alleging abuse and seeking damages for what happened.
788: From Prosecutor to Personal Injury with Michael Maddux
Michael Maddux appears on the SharkPreneur Podcast where he discusses his journey from prosecutor to civil rights and personal injury attorney, emphasizing the importance of the lawyer-client relationship, actively listening to clients, and defending individuals in challenging legal situations, including those involving law enforcement. The episode also touches on how connecting with clients improves legal representation and the role of criminal justice in helping people change.
Trauma Counselor Claims Brevard Deputies Wrongly Arrested Him for DUI
Trauma counselor Jon Schoonmaker filed a federal lawsuit against the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, claiming deputies wrongly arrested him for DUI despite test results later showing he was not intoxicated. Schoonmaker says he was held in custody even after evidence contradicted the impairment allegations. His lawsuit seeks punitive damages for what he alleges were civil rights violations.
Michigan Man Sues Florida Sheriff’s Office After False D.U.I. Arrest
Michigan resident and trauma therapist Jon Schoonmaker is suing the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office after deputies arrested him for DUI in Florida even though he wasn’t offered a breathalyzer test and later urine tests showed he was sober. Schoonmaker says the experience was wrongful and is seeking punitive damages while urging changes to law enforcement policies. His lawsuit argues that officers should be required to offer reliable testing before making DUI arrests.
Michigan Man Sues Florida Sheriff’s Office After False D.U.I. Arrest
Michigan resident and trauma therapist Jon Schoonmaker is suing the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office after deputies arrested him for DUI in Florida even though he wasn’t offered a breathalyzer test and later urine tests showed he was sober. Schoonmaker says the experience was wrongful and is seeking punitive damages while urging changes to law enforcement policies. His lawsuit argues that officers should be required to offer reliable testing before making DUI arrests.
Colonel DJ Reyes and attorney Michael Maddux are dedicated to supporting veterans in Florida's Veterans Treatment Court.
Tourist settles false arrest lawsuit against Brevard County Sheriff’s Office
Jon Schoonmaker arrested for DUI in 2018, test results showed he was not intoxicated
Monroe native fights to clear name after Florida arrest
Monroe native Jon Schoonmaker was pulled over in in Orlando, suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol. Urine tests later showed he was not drunk.
Former Tampa cop denied qualified immunity in wrongful death lawsuit
A federal appeals court said it could not overturn an earlier decision to deny immunity
Tampa protester’s claims of abuse by jail deputies unfounded.
Protester Matthew Yampolsky claimed he was assaulted by Hillsborough deputies after his arrest in August and said he had the bruises, scrapes and concussion to prove it. Protester Matthew Yampolsky claimed he was assaulted by Hillsborough deputies after his arrest in August and said he had the bruises, scrapes and concussion to prove it.
Motorists Say Cops Wrongfully Arrested Them for DUIs When They Were Sober
Some motorists in Florida and Colorado say cops arrested them on suspicion of impaired driving, even though they were sober. In one case, a man was kept in custody for a blood test even after a breathalyzer test came back negative for alcohol consumption.
Anti-Defamation League reports 'significant' increase in extremism in Florida last 2 years
Hate crimes against Jews accounted for 80% of religiously motivated incidents in 2020. See Michael Maddux comment on defending individuals charged with Hate Crimes.
An overdose. A life sentence. Brandon man’s case denotes stark legal realities.
Christopher Ashley Defilippis will be in prison for life after being found guilty at trial of causing a man’s death.
2021 Top Lawyers List
As a board certified Criminal Lawyer, it is an honor to be recognized as one of the top Civil Rights attorneys in Tampa. Thank you, Tampa Magazine, for this prestigious acknowledgement!
Man sues ex-Hillsborough deputy 2 years after dropped case against cop
Sgt. Janak Amin was fired and arrested over Carl Elkins’ arrest, but prosecutors found scarce evidence of a crime.
Michael visits the sharkpreneur podcast
In this podcast, Michael talks about the importance of the lawyer / client relationship and the challenges different people face when they come into contact with law enforcement.
Trauma counselor claims Brevard deputies wrongly arrested him for DUI
Jon Schoonmaker files federal lawsuit seeking punitive damages.
Michigan man sues Florida Sheriff’s Office after false D.U.I. arrest
Local therapist says he wants the policy to change after he was not offered a breathalyzer test
THARPE RAPPED FOR BIAS.
An admonition of the judge has heartened attorneys for child porn defendants. One day in September 2012, lawyer Michael Maddux walked out of a Hillsborough courtroom in shock. He couldn't believe what had just happened to his client, a middle-aged man with no criminal record who, prosecutors said…
