Scott T. Moorey highlights how defendants require robust representation to protect themselves against harsher penalties and prison sentences.

Fort Myers, Florida, United States, November 13, 2026 -- The Law Firm of Scott T. Moorey is warning Southwest Florida residents that stricter criminal penalties have come into effect for various crimes since October 1 this year. Conduct that was previously treated as minor can now be prosecuted under felony charges.

Various new laws have come into effect in the state. For example:

• HB 1293 transforms false records on rental applications into third-degree felonies.
• HB 429 lowers the thresholds for gang membership or association.
• SB 432 makes possession of 28 g or more of xylazine a first-degree trafficking offense, with sentences ranging from 3 to 25 years.

Scott T. Moorey, founder of the Law Firm of Scott T. Moorey, said the following:

“Politicians in Florida seem to believe they have a directive from voters to make more laws criminalizing activities as well as increasing penalties for all types of existing crimes. Every year these changes are implemented and affect the way criminal cases are prosecuted and sentences are imposed. These new laws never favor the accused. An experienced criminal defense lawyer makes all the difference, one whom is aware of the changes in the laws and able to think outside the box when preparing a defense.”

For people living in Southwest Florida including Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda and surrounding areas, simple charges can now carry significantly harsher consequences. Even a few months ago, many defendants could expect the state to take relatively benign actions against them, but that is no longer the case. Law enforcement and authorities are imposing heavier consequences, increasing the need for the accused to speak to professional attorneys as early in the process as possible.

The Law Firm of Scott T. Moorey has been helping the people of Southwest Florida for nearly 30 years. They offer free consultations, and team members are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for urgent calls. The firm provides comprehensive criminal defense for felony charges, DUIs, drug charges, violent crimes, white-collar cases and more.

For more information about Law Firm of Scott T. Moorey use the contact details below:

Contact Info:
Name: Scott T. Moorey
Email: Send Email
Organization: Law Firm of Scott T. Moorey
Address: 1430 Royal Palm Square Blvd #101, Fort Myers, FL 33919
Phone: (239) 361-4513
Website: https://goodpeopledogetarrested.com/

Release ID: 89209568

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