Lawyer You Know with Peter Tragos

Episode 128: Criminal Charges for George Floyd Police Officers

Tune into today's episode as we discuss the murder charges against the police officers that were arrested in conjunction with the death of George Floyd. We talk about what the charges are, the facts of the complaint, and what level of proof must be met to convict these police officers.

Episode 127: Paycheck Protection Program (Part 3)

In this week’s episode, we give an update on the latest bill signed by President Trump relating to the PPP. Find out what’s going on, what has changed, what went wrong with previous versions of the bill, and learn about the new aspects of the bill.

Episode 126: Reopening Schools

What’s the latest on schools reopening in Florida and across the country? This week, we explore the restrictions, requirements and guidelines in place for child care, summer school and other school activities in the age of coronavirus. Tune in to hear our thoughts and get the latest information.

Episode 125: First Amendment & Protesting

What are someone’s rights under the Constitution as a legal protestor? Tune into this special segment to find out which type of content and behavior is protected by the First Amendment (and which isn't), where you can legally protest, what you can record, and much more.

Episode 124: Video Jury Trials

Listen to the Florida attorneys at Tragos Law discuss the first jury trial conducted via Zoom, which was held in Texas in May 2020. Learn how that trial went and what it could mean for video-based jury trials going forward.

Episode 123: It Takes a Village - Paralegals and Other Law Firm Staff

What do paralegals do? Tune in as we answer this listener question by describing the important role of a paralegal, as well as what they can and can't do in certain situations. We also discuss other non-attorney staff members in a law office and how they might be involved in your case — including intake specialists, administrative assistants, bookkeepers, office managers, legal assistants, law clerks and more.

Episode 122: Courtroom Etiquette

What can (and can't) you do in court? What happens if you break courtroom etiquette? Tune into this week's discussion in the courtroom of current events to learn what the rules are in court, how to know what to do and more.

Injunctions and Restraining Orders

Peter Tragos discusses the way a judicial order restrains a person from threatening or invading the legal rights of another. A restraining order may be necessary in a situation involving domestic violence, child abuse, assault, harassment, stalking, or sexual assault.

Episode 121: How Do Lawyers Get Paid?

This week on Peter’s Proffer, we answer one of the most common listener questions — that is, how attorneys get paid for their services. We discuss how legal fees are determined and whether it varies depending on the case or lawyer. Tune in to learn about the differences between contingent fees, hourly fees, flat-rate fees and retainers, and what you need to know before hiring a lawyer.

Episode 120: Reopening Florida (Phase 1)

As more states start easing coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions, we explore Florida’s plan to reopen — including what the plan is, how things will start opening, what’s changed, and what it means for residents and businesses in the Sunshine State. We also give our opinions on whether or not we think reopening Florida is a good idea.

Episode 119: Paycheck Protection Program (Part 2)

In this week's episode, we follow up on the Paycheck Protection Program to talk about what went wrong in the first round and how the second federal infusion of small business loans through this program aim to be different.

Paycheck Protection Program (Part 2)

Peter Tragos continues the conversation about loans to help businesses keep their workforce employed during the Coronavirus crisis.

Episode 118: Financial Relief During Quarantine

Are you struggling to pay the bills? You're not alone. Lately, we've received many listener questions asking how to get a financial break during the coronavirus quarantine. In this week's episode, we discuss the various programs, pathways and options for individuals and small business owners who need monetary assistance during this difficult time. This episode is chock full of little-known tips and tricks on how you can stay afloat financially.

Financial Relief During Quarantine

Peter Tragos discusses ways to receive financial relief during quarantine.

Episode 117: Hillsborough County Curfew

On Monday, April 13th, a curfew went into effect for Hillsborough County, FL residents in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. In this episode, we explain what the curfew is, what it means, and the punishment for breaking curfew. We also discuss whether or not we think such a curfew will spread statewide.

Episode 116: Paycheck Protection Program

Clearwater attorneys Peter and George Tragos are back for another episode with special guest Paul Bedinghaus, a local CPA with over 25 years of experience. In this interview, we discuss what small business owners, employers and employees need to know about the new loan opportunity known as the "Paycheck Protection Program" that was passed to provide financial relief to troubled small businesses in light of the coronavirus pandemic. We’ve got the answers.

Paycheck Protection Program

Peter Tragos discusses the loan program from the CARES Act that helps small businesses.

Episode 115: Florida's Stay At Home Order

In this week's episode of Peter's Proffer (home edition), we discuss what Gov. Ron DeSantis' statewide stay at home order means for you, your family and your job. We also answer some of the top questions you might have, such as what's the difference between "Safer At Home" and "Stay At Home" orders.

Episode 114: Support Local - Interviews with Local Restaurant Owners

In honor of National Takeout Day, this week, we interviewed several local restaurant owners to discuss how coronavirus is impacting their business, their employees and their personal lives. Learn about what this difficult time is like for them and find out what you can do to help support these small businesses.

Episode 113: Families First Coronavirus Response Act

New laws and actions keep arising due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. In this episode, we discuss the Families First Coronavirus Response Act aimed at helping businesses that have been impacted by the outbreak. Tune in to learn what this Act is, what it does, and who’s going to pay for it.

Families First Coronavirus Response Act

Peter Tragos discusses the benefits of the legislation to families. 

Episode 112: Presidential Emergency Declarations

What powers come along with presidential emergency declarations? In today's episode, we're going to be talking about past and current events that were declared presidential emergencies, like the coronavirus, and what powers the president can and cannot use.

Episode 111: Injunctions and Restraining Orders

Learn all about injunctions and restraining orders, including when they are needed and whether they are effective. Tune in as we also discuss no contact orders, cease and desist letters, and more.

Episode 110: Child Hearsay

In this week’s episode, we talk about our most popular article which addresses the topic of child hearsay. Tune in to find out what child hearsay is and why it’s important.

Episode 109: China & the Coronavirus

In light of current events and listener demand, we decided to take a temporary break from legal topics and dedicate this week’s episode of Peter’s Proffer to all things China. We’re joined by a special guest and China expert to learn about the Chinese government, the Chinese people, and the coronavirus disease (COVID-2019).

Episode 108: Juveniles & Minors

What are the rights and responsibilities of juveniles and minors? What can they be held liable for? In this week’s episode, we explore how someone’s age affects both the criminal and civil court process. We also answer common questions parents ask us when their teen or child gets wrapped up in the legal system.

Episode 107: Recorded Statements

Have you ever had to give a recorded statement to an insurance company after a car accident? In this week's episode, our team of Tampa injury lawyers answer common listener-asked questions like "Do I have to give a recorded statement?" and "Can an insurance company force me to give a recorded statement?"

Episode 106: Trump Impeachment Conclusion

In this week's episode of Peter’s Proffer: The Courtroom of Current Events, we give a final impeachment update to talk about the trial proceedings and what happens now. We also discuss the recent State of the Union speech. Subscribe to our podcast!

Episode 105: Trump Impeachment

In today’s episode of Peter’s Proffer, we give an update on the latest developments pertaining to the impeachment trial of President Trump. Tune in to learn what’s happened so far, what it all means, and hear our thoughts and opinions.

Episode 104: Special Guest - Judge George Greer (Terry Schiavo case)

In this week’s episode of Peter’s Proffer, we’re thrilled to welcome onto the show retired Pinellas County Judge George Greer to talk about some of his most high profile and controversial cases — including the infamous Terri Schiavo case. Listen in to hear Judge Greer share what it was like to be a judge.

Episode 103: Homeless Empowerment Program

In this week’s episode of Peter’s Proffer, we’re excited to highlight one of the awesome community organizations we support: the Homeless Empowerment Program. We’re joined by founder Barb Green, as well as Ashley Lowery, President & CEO of HEP, to talk about how the organization helps homeless children, families, veterans and other individuals across Clearwater. Tune in to learn about what they do, what events they organize and how you can get involved.

Episode 102: East-West Shrine Bowl

This week, we are thrilled to be joined by Bob Roller, the Executive Director of the East-West Shrine Bowl and the Director of National Sports Management at the Shriner’s Hospital for Children, to talk about what goes on behind the scenes at this highly anticipated annual postseason college football all-star game and the great causes it supports. Bob has over 30 years of experience putting on major sporting events, including being on the Orange Bowl Committee, and we were excited to interview...

Episode 101: Not So United States (Differing State Laws)

Why doesn’t every state have the same laws? Learn how and why there are big differences between state statutes when it comes to things like sovereign immunity caps for suing the government, state income taxes, minimum wage and car insurance requirements. Peter Tragos is joined by George Tragos and Peter Sartes to discuss these differences and the reasons why laws can vary from state to state.

Episode 100: Holiday Road Safety

Statistics show that auto accidents are more common during this time of the year. Why is that, and what makes a holiday-related car accident or drunk driving accident different than crashes that happen throughout the year? Florida attorneys Peter Tragos and Peter Sartes sit down to discuss.

Episode 99: Prison System

In this week’s episode, we answer some of the most common questions about prisons — including the different kinds of prison facilities (federal and state), the classifications of prisoners, and who determines what facility a prisoner is placed in. We’ll also talk about how prison transfers and visitation happens in Florida.

Episode 98: Holiday Pay

On today's episode of Peter's Proffer, we're in the holiday spirit and we're going to be discussing holiday pay. What's required by law? What amount of time off and what kind of pay are required? Tune in to learn more.

Episode 97: Medical Marijuana

As laws surrounding marijuana legalization shift and evolve around the country, the Tragos team sits down to answer frequently asked listener questions about medical marijuana in Florida. Learn what it takes to get a medical marijuana card, as well as what you can (and can’t) do with a medical marijuana card.

Episode 96: Veterans Day

In honor of Veterans Day, we're dedicating the show to veterans. Learn about the history of Veterans Day, some national statistics about veterans, and proper etiquette on what to say to a veteran on Veterans Day.

Episode 95: Census

Listen to the latest episode of Peter’s Proffer. This week, Peter Tragos, Peter Sartes and George Tragos sit down to talk about what the census is and why we do it. In light of the upcoming census, tune in to learn all about this hot topic and the controversy behind it.

Episode 94: Subpoenas

What is a subpoena? What should you do if you get served a subpoena? What are the different kinds of subpoenas? How do you handle a subpoena (including should you hire a lawyer)? Tune into today’s episode of Peter’s Proffer to get answers to these questions and more.

Episode 93: Legal Rules We Hate

What are some of the most frustrating rules of evidence during a trial? Tune into this week’s episode as we each discuss our five least favorites, like what a jury isn't allowed to hear, what legal rules are too restricting, and how we think the rules should be written.

Episode 92: Florida Concealed Carry Laws

Tune into this week’s episode of Peter’s Proffer to learn about Florida’s carry concealed permit program, including what a concealed weapons license is, how to obtain one, what classes you need to take, what the application process is like, what makes you eligible, what the rules are and more.

Mediation and Arbitration

Episode 91: Mediation and Arbitration

In this week’s episode of Peter's Proffer, we discuss mediation and arbitration. Find out about what happens at a mediation, who is a mediator, and more. Learn all about alternative dispute resolution.

Episode 90: Probation

In this week’s episode, Florida criminal lawyers at Tragos Law answer frequently asked questions about probation, including: What is probation? What’s the difference between probation and parole? What does probation entail? What happens if you violate probation? Tune in to learn all about community supervision.

Episode 89: Sanctuary Cities

What is a sanctuary city? Tune into this week’s episode as we answer another listener question about the pros and cons of sanctuary cities, where they come from, state vs. federal law, and more.

Episode 88: Abatement

What happens when a person being prosecuted for a crime dies, either by suicide, murder or an accident? In light of Jeffrey Epstein’s suicide, we devote this week’s episode of Peter’s Proffer to exploring the issue of “abatement" — including what it means, what it does, what’s next, the arguments for and against abatement, and more.

Episode 87: Types of Law

In this week’s episode we tackle a listener question about the many different types of law an attorney can specialize in — from personal injury to criminal defense to immigration. Tune in for a basic overview of what each type of lawyer does on a day-to-day basis.

Episode 86: Criminal Appeals

What are some of the most common claims for appeal? Why are some appeals successful and others not? Are there systems in place to protect the courts from being abused by countless appeals? This week, we answer a listener question by breaking down the appeals process step-by-step. We also discuss how appeals set precedent in future cases.

Criminal Appeals