tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30345266985812352242024-03-13T12:47:57.706-04:00Tampa Criminal Law BlogBlog by Tampa Criminal Defense Attorneys in Hillsborough County, Florida. Blawg focused on criminal justice issues, statistics, and policy. Find out about recent changes in case law, trial strategies, and defenses. As Florida criminal defense attorneys we like sharing information with other attorneys fighting similar battles. Particular focus on Florida DUI defense and drug crimes. Advocates for the legalization of marijuana in Florida. Leslie Sammishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03399316231336533093noreply@blogger.comBlogger148125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034526698581235224.post-67763758821465146902020-11-20T19:41:00.000-05:002020-11-20T19:41:50.534-05:00Bringing a Firearm to the Tampa International Airport<p>What happens if you accidentally bring a firearm to the Tampa International Airport? </p><p>If you pack your bags in a hurry, you might forget about a firearm in a carry on bag. The TSA screener will discover that mistake as soon as you enter the security checkpoint.</p><p>So far in 2020, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screeners have discovered 360 handguns at security checkpoints throughout the airports in Florida. </p><p>The number of people traveling on flights is down about at least half, but the number of firearms being found is about the same as last year. </p><p>Over the last ten years, the attorneys at Sammis Law Firm have represented many clients accused of this crime. We work to get the charges completely dropped. If you didn't realize the firearm was in your carry on bag, then you are not guilty of any criminal offense.</p><p>Even if the charges are dropped, you might still be responsible for paying the TSA civil penalty which does not require that you had actual knowledge that the firearm was in the luggage.</p><p>An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you during each stage of the case as you fight for the best possible resolution.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">How Many Firearms are Seized in Florida Airports?</h3><p>For the guns seized at the airport in 2020 from January 1st through the end of October 31st, TSA seized: </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>65 firearms at the Orlando International Airport</li><li>62 firearms at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport</li><li>57 firearms at the Tampa International Airport</li><li>43 firearms at the Miami International Airport</li><li>30 firearms at the Jacksonville International Airport</li><li>9 firearms at the St.Pete-Clearwater International Airport</li></ul><h3 style="text-align: left;">What Happens After the Firearm is Discovered?</h3><div>As soon as the firearm is discovered, the traveler almost always explains that bringing the gun to the airport was an accident and that they didn't realize it was in the carry on bag. </div><p></p><p>If the traveler has a concealed carry permit, they are often issued a criminal citation for a second degree misdemeanor for carrying a concealed weapon in a prohibited location. </p><p>Otherwise, they might be arrested for a felony charge of carrying a concealed firearm without a permit.</p><p>At trial, either of these crimes requires proof beyond all reasonable doubt that you KNEW you were in possession of the firearm. Not knowing the firearm was in the carry on luggage is a defense to the charges. </p><p>If you are innocent of the crime, then a criminal defense attorney can help you fight for the charges to be dismissed on the merits. After the charge is dropped, then you might be eligible to expunge any record of the arrest.</p><p>In the past few years, officers with the Tampa International Airport Police Department (TIAPD) have arrested 25 people.</p><p>In addition to criminal charges, the traveler might also have to pay a civil penalty to TSA. The notice of the civil penalty might take up to a year to arrive.</p><p>If you need to travel with a firearm or ammunition, you should check with the airline in advance. Depending on where you are traveling to, the firearm can be checked with your luggage if you declare it. </p><p>Different rules apply depending on which state you are departing to or arriving from. For international flights, the website of U.S. Customs and Border Protection explains the requirements. </p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Attorneys for Criminal Investigations at the Airport</h3><p>The attorneys at Sammis Law Firm represent clients accused of accidentally bringing a firearm or ammunition to the airport without properly declaring it. </p><p>We also represent clients after their money is seized by law enforcement officers before a domestic or international flight. </p><p>Law enforcement officers that seize money at the Tampa International Airport might include officers with the Tampa International Airport Police Department (TIAPD), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), or the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).</p><p>Money might be seized before a domestic flight if the officer has "probable cause" that the money is involved in drug trafficking or money laundering.</p><p>Money might be seized on an international flight if you have more than $10,000 and fail to file a FinCEN 105 Form to declare the currency.</p><p>No matter the circumstances, the attorneys at Sammis Law Firm represent clients accused of a crime at the Tampa International Airport. </p><p>Call 813-250-0500.</p>Leslie Sammishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03399316231336533093noreply@blogger.com0Tampa International Airport (TPA), 4100 George J Bean Pkwy, Tampa, FL 33607, USA27.9771524 -82.5311382-0.24993486869804826 -117.68739088220902 56.204239668698051 -47.374885517790986tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034526698581235224.post-12216648537240894952020-05-18T08:30:00.002-04:002020-09-27T10:52:33.472-04:00For Hillsborough County Cases, Do You Have to Go to Court or Appear by Zoom?Over the weekend, we received a message generated by an automated notification system from Pat Frank, Clerk of the Circuit Court, 13th Judicial Circuit of Hillsborough County.<br />
<br />
According to the message, when each defendant receives their court notice, they will also receive a copy of the following document for the COVID-19 court information and process to be utilized prior to coming to the courthouse.<br />
<br />
The attached document provides:<br />
<br />
Prior to coming to the courthouse for your scheduled court date, visit the link below to determine if your case will be rescheduled or heard remotely via Zoom™ (or a similar system).<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.fljud13.org/Home.aspx">https://www.fljud13.org/Home.aspx</a><br />
<br />
• Click on View Latest News for COVID-19 Information and Updates<br />
<br />
• Click on <a href="https://www.fljud13.org/JudicialDirectory.aspx">Judicial Directory</a><br />
<br />
• Click on Individual Judge’s Name/Division<br />
<br />
• Click on Procedures/Preferences (Includes Instructions for appearing and participating electronically including meeting ID’s)<br />
<br />
In order to view the latest case information, visit <a href="https://hover.hillsclerk.com/">www.hover.hillsclerk.com</a><br />
<br />
If the defendant’s address on file with the Clerk of Court has changed, a “Designation of Current Mailing and Email Address” form (available at www.hillsclerk.com under the “Forms”) must be completed and mailed to Clerk of the Circuit Court, PO Box 3360, Tampa, FL 33601.<br />
<br />
In order to further protect the health and safety of others who may interact with you, please review the below questions and if you answer yes to any of them, contact your attorney for further guidance prior to coming to the courthouse:<br />
<ol>
<li>Have you or anyone in your household come in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID19 in the last 30 days? Yes___ No___ </li>
<li>Have you experienced any of the CDC signs or symptoms of COVID-19 such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, or new loss of taste or smell within the last 14 days? Yes___ No___</li>
<li>Have you traveled internationally or on a cruise within the last 30 days? Yes__ No___</li></ol>
<div>
<br /></div>
Leslie Sammishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03399316231336533093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034526698581235224.post-48081288877994130372020-05-07T23:58:00.005-04:002020-09-27T11:08:50.701-04:00COVID-19 Emergency Order from DHSMV Regarding Driver's License and DUI SuspensionsOn March 9, 2020, Governor Ron DeSantis signed Executive Order 20-52 which provides:<blockquote><div>“[e]ach
state agency may suspend the provision of any regulatory statute prescribing the procedures for
conduct of state business or the orders or rules of that agency, if strict compliance with the
provision of any such statute, order, or rule would in any way prevent, hinder, or delay necessary
action in coping with the emergency.”</div></blockquote><div>As a result, the Executive Director of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor
Vehicles (DHSMV) authorized the following COVID-19 Emergency Order 043020 which:</div><div>
<ul>
<li>Extended the effective period of driver licenses and identification cards with expiration
dates on or after May 1, 2020, through May 31, 2020, for thirty (30) days.</li>
<li>Waived the delinquent renewal fees during the extension periods for these driver
licenses/permits.</li>
<li>Waived the “in-person” Driving Under the Influence (DUI) program client interviews,
evaluations, case monitoring, supervision, meetings, and educational courses pursuant to
section 322.292(4), Florida Statutes, and rule 15A-10.027, Florida Administrative Code,
until May 31, 2020. In lieu of “in-person” interactions, DUI programs may use distance
learning methodologies. </li>
</ul>
<div>
The COVID-19 emergency order was authorized pursuant to Executive Order 20-52. The order expires, except to the extent specific dates are provided herein, on the expiration or rescission of Executive Order 20-52. </div><div><br /></div><div>The order was executed on the 30th day of April of 2020, by TERRY L. RHODES, the Executive Director</div>
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.<div><div><div><br /></div><div>Additionally, due to COVID-19, FLHSMV is providing modified in-office services by appointment only. </div>
</div></div></div>Leslie Sammishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03399316231336533093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034526698581235224.post-58546540865470457552020-05-05T00:56:00.004-04:002020-09-27T11:09:41.711-04:00Are the Courts in Florida Open During the COVID-19 (Coronavirus)?According to an amended version of an administrative order issued previously by Chief Justice Charles T. Canady, the Florida Supreme Court just extended the suspension of all criminal and civil jury trials, among other proceedings, from May 29 through July 2, 2020.<br /><br />Although the courts remain open, the goal is too dramatically reduce the number of people reporting to the courthouses each day. Persons who do not have business in the court facilities are requested to refrain from coming into these buildings.<br />
<br />
The administrative order, issued on May 4, extended the suspension of all time periods involving the speedy trial procedure from June 1 through July 6 for all criminal and juvenile court proceedings. <br />
<br />
Read the amended order in its entirety here - <a href="https://www.floridasupremecourt.org/content/download/633282/7195631/AOSC20-23.pdf">https://www.floridasupremecourt.org/content/download/633282/7195631/AOSC20-23.pdf</a><br />
<br />
The amended order reiterates many of the past actions including the suspension of jury trials. The amended order also explains the types of proceedings that must continue despite the pandemic, such as bond hearings.<br />
<br />
The amended order introduces a list of hearing types the chief justice says can be conducted remotely including:<br />
<ul>
<li>Arraignments and pleas in absentia in county court misdemeanor cases;</li>
<li>Status, case management, and pretrial conferences in all case types;</li>
<li>Non-evidentiary and evidentiary motion hearings in all case types;</li>
<li>Hearings in noncriminal traffic infraction cases;</li>
<li>Hearings in juvenile delinquency cases;</li>
<li>Problem-solving court staffings, hearings, and wellness checks;</li>
<li>Non-jury trials in all case types, except for criminal, juvenile delinquency and termination of parental rights petitions in dependency cases unless the parties in an excepted case agree to the remote conduct of a non-jury trial; and</li>
<li>Alternative dispute resolution proceedings, also known as mediation.</li>
</ul>
When conducting these mission-critical proceedings, the courts are using attempting to minimize the spread of COVID-19 by using social distancing. The mission-critical hearings that must be heard in person include:<br />
<ul>
<li>Proceedings related to a violation of quarantine or isolation, a violation of an order to limit travel, a violation of public or private building closures, and a violation of a curfew;</li>
<li>First appearance hearings, where a defendant appears before a judge within 24 hours of their arrest; </li>
<li>Bond motions for individuals in custody; </li>
<li>Criminal arraignments, where a defendant not in custody enters a plea, but only as necessary; </li>
<li>Hearings on petitions for temporary injunctions relating to the safety of an individual;</li>
<li>Petitions by law enforcement agencies for risk-protection orders, where someone allegedly posing a threat to someone else or themselves risks losing temporary custody of their firearms;</li>
<li>Hearings on petitions for extraordinary writs as necessary to protect constitutional rights;</li>
<li>Hearings to determine whether an individual should be involuntary committed under the state’s Baker or Marchman acts;</li>
<li>Hearings on petitions for the appointment of an emergency temporary guardian;</li>
<li>Shelter hearings, when a judge has to decide whether to remove a child from the home; and</li>
<li>Detention hearings, where a judge has to decide whether a child should be held.</li>
</ul>
Leslie Sammishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03399316231336533093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034526698581235224.post-43141113349422421802020-01-20T11:40:00.001-05:002020-09-27T11:11:18.624-04:00Will the Florida Legislature Decriminalize Marijuana in 2020?<br />
Legislation has been pre-filed in Florida <span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br />
</span> <span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Florida's 2020 </span>House Bill 25 / Senate Bill 242 would reduce the penalty for the possession of up to 20 grams of marijuana from a first-degree misdemeanor (punishable by a $1,000 fine and up to 12 months in jail) to a noncriminal violation (punishable by a fine only).<br />
<br />
Specifically, Florida 2020 House Bill 25 and Senate Bill 242 would amend Section 893.13 to:<br />
<ul>
<li>reduce the possession of small amounts of marijuana, less than 20 grams, from a first degree misdemeanor to a "noncriminal violation"; </li>
<li>reduce the possession of more than 20 grams of cannabis or more than 600 milligrams of THC in cannabis products from a third-degree felony to a first-degree misdemeanor; </li>
<li>allow juveniles found in possession of 20 grams of cannabis or more than 600 milligrams of THC in cannabis products, for a first offense, to be eligible for a civil citation or prearrest diversion program as provided in Section 985.12. </li>
</ul>
If passed, the decriminalization of less than 20 grams of marijuana or 600 milligrams of THC in cannabis products would take effect on July 1, 2020. <br />
<br />
The legislation would anyone in possession of a small amount of marijuana from being saddled with a criminal record and the lifelong penalties and stigma associated with it.<br />
<br />
Additionally, the so-called <a href="http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2020/1860" target="_blank">"Adult Use Marijuana Legislation" was filed in SB 1860</a>. The bill creates more regulation to govern the cultivation, processing, and retail sales of both medical and adult-use of marijuana in Florida for those over 21 years of age.<br />
<br />
Florida's 2020 <span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">SB 1860 would: </span><br />
<ul>
<li>create multiple license categories, including growing, processing, and retailing, and establishes a new transportation license; </li>
<li>allow contracting and wholesaling by growers to processors or retailers;</li>
<li>permit adults over 21 access to an MMTC without a medical marijuana card;</li>
<li>allow eligible individuals to petition the court for resentencing or expungement;</li>
<li>prohibit marijuana from being utilized in public spaces</li>
<li>maintain home-rule by allowing counties and municipalities to prohibit or limit the number of MMTCs within their jurisdiction.</li>
</ul>
<div>
Both pieces of legislation recognize that more harm is caused by the prohibition of marijuana than by marijuana itself. The legislation also allows law enforcement officers to focus their time and resources on more important issues that keep us safe.</div>
Leslie Sammishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03399316231336533093noreply@blogger.com0Florida, USA27.6648274 -81.51575350000001720.4803074 -91.842902000000009 34.8493474 -71.188605000000024tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034526698581235224.post-71144934271668644802019-10-14T21:11:00.007-04:002020-09-27T11:14:02.608-04:00Florida's New Rules to Seal or Expunge a Criminal History RecordAs of October 1, 2019, the rules for a court-ordered seal or expunction of a criminal history record in Florida have changed. The biggest changes include:<ul>
<li>out-of-state convictions no longer matter; and</li>
<li>any juvenile arrest that resulted in an adjudication of delinquency will not bar an adult expungement or sealing (assuming the requirements of s. 943.0515, F.S., are met).</li>
</ul>
As a result, more people are now eligible to seal or expunge a criminal record. FDLE is applying these new rules retroactively, as long as the application is submitted after October 1, 2019.<br />
<br />
Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at Sammis Law Firm in Tampa, FL, to see if you are now eligible to seal or expunge your criminal history record.<br />
<br />
We charge $950 for the attorney fees to seal or expunge any criminal record in Florida. We can begin the process today so that it is completed without delay.<br />
<br />
Call 813-250-0500.<br />
<h3>
Determining Eligibility to Seal or Expunge a Criminal History Record</h3>
<br />
When determining if you are eligible to seal/expunge your criminal history record, please answer the following questions:<br />
<ul>
<li>How was the case resolved?</li>
<ul>
<li>You might be eligible to seal your record if: </li>
<ul>
<li>the case was nolle prossed or dropped by the State Attorney’s Office;</li>
<li>the court dismissed the charge; or</li>
<li>you were found "not guilty" by a judge during a bench trial or by a jury during a jury trial.</li>
</ul>
<li>You might be eligible to seal the record if: </li>
<ul>
<li>you received a withhold of adjudication, regardless of whether you entered a "guilty" or "no contest" plea.</li>
</ul>
<li>If you were "adjudicated guilty" of the offense, then you are not eligible to seal or expunge that particular record.</li>
</ul>
<li>Do you have any other "convictions" in Florida that you make you ineligible?</li>
<ul>
<li>you are not eligible if you were ever "adjudicated guilty" in Florida of any felony offense;</li>
<li>you are not eligible if you were ever "adjudicated guilty" in Florida of any misdemeanor offense include:</li>
<ul>
<li>arson under s. 806.031(1);</li>
<li>assault under s. 784.011;</li>
<li>assault on a law enforcement officer, a firefighter, or other specified officers under s. 784.07(2)(a);</li>
<li>battery under s. 784.03;</li>
<li>carrying a concealed weapon under s. 790.01(1);</li>
<li>cruelty to animals under s. 828.12(1);</li>
<li>exposure of sexual organs under s. 800.03;</li>
<li>neglect of a child under s. 827.03(1)(e);</li>
<li>open carrying of a weapon under s. 790.053;</li>
<li>petit theft under s. 812.014(3);</li>
<li>unlawful possession of a firearm under s. 790.22(5);</li>
<li>unlawful possession or discharge of a weapon or firearm at a school-sponsored event or on school property under 790.115; or</li>
<li>unlawful use of destructive devices or bombs under 790.1615(1).</li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul><div>
</div>
<li>If you want to seal a record, be aware that the following offenses are not eligible to be sealed: </li>
<ul>
<li>sexual misconduct, as defined in s. 393.135, s. 394.4593, or s. 916.1075;</li>
<li>illegal use of explosives, as defined in chapter 552;</li>
<li>terrorism, as defined in s. 775.30;</li>
<li>murder, as defined in s. 782.04, s. 782.065, or s. 782.09;</li>
<li>manslaughter or homicide, as defined in s. 782.07, s. 782.071, or s. 782.072;</li>
<li>assault or battery, as defined in ss. 784.011 and 784.03, respectively, of one family or household member by another family or household member, as defined in s. 741.28(3) (often called "domestic violence");</li>
<li>aggravated assault, as defined in s. 784.021;</li>
<li>felony battery, domestic battery by strangulation, or aggravated battery, as defined in ss. 784.03, 784.041, and 784.045, respectively;</li>
<li>stalking or aggravated stalking, as defined in s. 784.048;</li>
<li>luring or enticing a child, as defined in s. 787.025;</li>
<li>human trafficking, as defined in s. 787.06;</li>
<li>kidnapping or false imprisonment, as defined in s. 787.01 or s. 787.02;</li>
<li>any offense defined in chapter 794 (sexual battery);</li>
<li>procuring a person less than 18 years of age for prostitution, as defined in former s. 796.03;</li>
<li>lewd or lascivious offenses committed upon or in the presence of persons less than 16 years of age, as defined in s. 800.04;</li>
<li>arson, as defined in s. 806.01;</li>
<li>burglary of a dwelling, as defined in s. 810.02; </li>
<li>voyeurism or video voyeurism, as defined in ss. 810.14 and 810.145, respectively;</li>
<li>robbery or robbery by sudden snatching, as defined in ss. 812.13 and 812.131, respectively;</li>
<li>carjacking, as defined in s. 812.133;</li>
<li>home-invasion robbery, as defined in s. 812.135;</li>
<li>a violation of the Florida Communications Fraud Act, as provided in s. 817.034;</li>
<li>abuse of an elderly person or disabled adult, or aggravated abuse of an elderly person or disabled adult, as defined in s. 825.102;</li>
<li>lewd or lascivious offenses committed upon or in the presence of an elderly person or disabled person, as defined in s. 825.1025;</li>
<li>child abuse or aggravated child abuse, as defined in s. 827.03;</li>
<li>sexual performance by a child, as defined in s. 827.071;</li>
<li>any offense defined in chapter 839; </li>
<li>certain acts in connection with obscenity, as defined in s. 847.0133;</li>
<li>any offense defined in s. 847.0135;</li>
<li>selling or buying of minors, as defined in s. 847.0145;</li>
<li>aircraft piracy, as defined in s. 860.16;</li>
<li>manufacturing a controlled substance in violation of chapter 893;</li>
<li>drug trafficking, as defined in s. 893.135; or</li>
<li>any violation specified as a predicate offense for registration as a sexual predator pursuant to s. 775.21, or sexual offender pursuant to s. 943.0435, without regard to whether that offense alone is sufficient to require such registration.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
If you believe that you are now eligible to seal or expunge a criminal history record in Florida, then contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at Sammis Law Firm, in Tampa, FL.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We can help you apply to FDLE for a Certificate of Eligibility to Seal or Expunge your criminal history record.<br />
<br />
Obtaining the certificate of eligibility is the first step toward obtaining the court-ordered sealing or expungement of that record under Sections 943.059, and 943.0585, Florida Statutes, and Rules 11C-7.006 and 11C-7.007, Florida Administrative Code.<br />
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Call 813-250-0500.<br />
<br />
<i>This article was last updated on Monday, October 14, 2019.</i></div>
</div>
</div>
Leslie Sammishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03399316231336533093noreply@blogger.com0Florida, USA27.6648274 -81.51575350000001720.4803059 -91.842902000000009 34.8493489 -71.188605000000024tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034526698581235224.post-64374626794331662292019-06-30T16:31:00.002-04:002020-09-27T11:15:17.517-04:00New Law in Florida Increased the Theft Threshold AmountEffective on October 1, 2019, a new law in Florida passed under 2019 CS/HB 7125 increases the threshold amounts for the following theft offenses:<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Offense </span></div>
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</td> <td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) transparent rgb(0, 0, 0) rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid; border-width: 0.5px 0px 0.5px 0.5px; padding: 1px; width: 6.5px;" valign="middle"><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Times; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
</td> <td style="background-color: #3f6caf; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) transparent; border-style: solid; border-width: 0.5px 0px; padding: 1px; width: 194.7px;" valign="middle"><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: white; font-family: Times; font-size: 14.7px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Current Threshold </span></div>
</td> <td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) rgb(0, 0, 0) rgb(0, 0, 0) transparent; border-style: solid; border-width: 0.5px 0.5px 0.5px 0px; padding: 1px; width: 7.3px;" valign="middle"><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Times; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
</td> <td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) transparent rgb(0, 0, 0) rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid; border-width: 0.5px 0px 0.5px 0.5px; padding: 1px; width: 6.6px;" valign="middle"><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Times; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
</td> <td style="background-color: #3f6caf; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) transparent; border-style: solid; border-width: 0.5px 0px; padding: 1px; width: 248.5px;" valign="middle"><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: white; font-family: Times; font-size: 14.7px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">New Threshold </span></div>
</td> <td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) rgb(0, 0, 0) rgb(0, 0, 0) transparent; border-style: solid; border-width: 0.5px 0.5px 0.5px 0px; padding: 1px; width: 7.2px;" valign="middle"><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Times; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
</td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) transparent rgb(0, 0, 0) rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid; border-width: 0.5px 0px 0.5px 0.5px; padding: 1px; width: 6.7px;" valign="middle"><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Times; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
</td> <td style="background-color: #d3deed; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) transparent; border-style: solid; border-width: 0.5px 0px; padding: 1px; width: 279px;" valign="middle"><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.7px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">First-degree petit theft </span></div>
</td> <td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) rgb(0, 0, 0) rgb(0, 0, 0) transparent; border-style: solid; border-width: 0.5px 0.5px 0.5px 0px; padding: 1px; width: 7.4px;" valign="middle"><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Times; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
</td> <td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) transparent rgb(0, 0, 0) rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid; border-width: 0.5px 0px 0.5px 0.5px; padding: 1px; width: 6.5px;" valign="middle"><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Times; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
</td> <td style="background-color: #d3deed; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) transparent; border-style: solid; border-width: 0.5px 0px; padding: 1px; width: 194.7px;" valign="middle"><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.7px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">≥ $100, but < </span><span style="font-size: 14.7px;">$300 </span></div>
</td> <td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) rgb(0, 0, 0) rgb(0, 0, 0) transparent; border-style: solid; border-width: 0.5px 0.5px 0.5px 0px; padding: 1px; width: 7.3px;" valign="middle"><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Times; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
</td> <td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) transparent rgb(0, 0, 0) rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid; border-width: 0.5px 0px 0.5px 0.5px; padding: 1px; width: 6.6px;" valign="middle"><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Times; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
</td> <td style="background-color: #d3deed; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) transparent; border-style: solid; border-width: 0.5px 0px; padding: 1px; width: 248.5px;" valign="middle"><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.7px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">≥ $100, but < </span><span style="font-size: 14.7px;">$750</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 9.3px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; vertical-align: 6.5px;"> </span></div>
</td> <td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) rgb(0, 0, 0) rgb(0, 0, 0) transparent; border-style: solid; border-width: 0.5px 0.5px 0.5px 0px; padding: 1px; width: 7.2px;" valign="middle"><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Times; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
</td> </tr>
<tr> <td colspan="3" style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid; border-width: 0.5px; padding: 1px; width: 297.1px;" valign="middle"><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.7px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Third-degree grand theft </span></div>
</td> <td colspan="3" style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid; border-width: 0.5px; padding: 1px; width: 212.5px;" valign="middle"><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.7px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">≥ $300, but < </span><span style="font-size: 14.7px;">$20,000 </span></div>
</td> <td colspan="3" style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid; border-width: 0.5px; padding: 1px; width: 266.4px;" valign="middle"><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.7px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">≥ $750, but < </span><span style="font-size: 14.7px;">$20,000</span></div>
</td> </tr>
<tr> <td rowspan="2" style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) transparent rgb(0, 0, 0) rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid; border-width: 0.5px 0px 0.5px 0.5px; padding: 1px; width: 6.7px;" valign="middle"><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Times; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
</td> <td rowspan="2" style="background-color: #d3deed; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) transparent; border-style: solid; border-width: 0.5px 0px; padding: 1px; width: 279px;" valign="middle"><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.7px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Third-degree grand theft of property from a dwelling or its enclosed curtilage </span></div>
</td> <td rowspan="2" style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) rgb(0, 0, 0) rgb(0, 0, 0) transparent; border-style: solid; border-width: 0.5px 0.5px 0.5px 0px; padding: 1px; width: 7.4px;" valign="middle"><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Times; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
</td> <td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) transparent transparent rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid; border-width: 0.5px 0px 0px 0.5px; padding: 1px; width: 6.5px;" valign="middle"><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Times; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
</td> <td style="background-color: #d3deed; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) transparent transparent; border-style: solid; border-width: 0.5px 0px 0px; padding: 1px; width: 194.7px;" valign="middle"><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.7px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">≥ $100, but < </span><span style="font-size: 14.7px;">$300 </span></div>
</td> <td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) rgb(0, 0, 0) transparent transparent; border-style: solid; border-width: 0.5px 0.5px 0px 0px; padding: 1px; width: 7.3px;" valign="middle"><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Times; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
</td> <td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) transparent transparent rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid; border-width: 0.5px 0px 0px 0.5px; padding: 1px; width: 6.6px;" valign="middle"><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Times; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
</td> <td style="background-color: #d3deed; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) transparent transparent; border-style: solid; border-width: 0.5px 0px 0px; padding: 1px; width: 248.5px;" valign="middle"><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.7px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">≥ $100, but < </span><span style="font-size: 14.7px;">$750</span></div>
</td> <td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) rgb(0, 0, 0) transparent transparent; border-style: solid; border-width: 0.5px 0.5px 0px 0px; padding: 1px; width: 7.2px;" valign="middle"><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Times; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
</td> </tr>
<tr> <td colspan="3" style="background-color: #d3deed; border-color: transparent rgb(0, 0, 0) rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid; border-width: 0px 0.5px 0.5px; padding: 1px; width: 212.5px;" valign="middle"><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Times; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
</td> <td colspan="3" style="background-color: #d3deed; border-color: transparent rgb(0, 0, 0) rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid; border-width: 0px 0.5px 0.5px; padding: 1px; width: 266.4px;" valign="middle"><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Times; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
</td> </tr>
</tbody> </table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
This means that effective on October 1, 2019, 2019 CS/HB 7125 increased the threshold amount for third-degree felony theft and retail theft from $300 or more to $750 or more.<br />
<br />
Critics of raising the threshold amounts argued that the change would incentivize offenders to steal items of greater value, although studies in other states to make this change did not have that problem.<br />
<br />
For example, a study of 23 states that changed felony theft thresholds between 2001 and 2011 revealed:<br />
<ul>
<li>increasing the felony theft threshold had no impact on the states' overall property crime or larceny rates;</li>
<li>the states that increased the thresholds reported roughly the same average decrease in crime as the 27 states that did not; and</li>
<li>the amount of a state's felony theft threshold did not correlate with the state's property crime and larceny rates.</li></ul>
<i>See</i> Lauren Krisai, <a href="https://reason.org/wp-content/uploads/files/fllorida_theft_threshold_stuck_in_1980s.pdf" target="_blank">Stuck in the 80s: Time for Reform of Florida's Felony Theft Threshold</a>, The Journal of the James Madison Institute (Spring 2017).<br />
<br />
<h4>
Changes to the Way the Amounts in Theft Crimes are Aggregated</h4>
<br />
The new legislation also increases the period for which the value of the property taken during multiple thefts may be aggregated to determine the offense level from 48 hours to 30 days.<br />
<br />
This new crime has a 30-day aggregation period under which any property taken or placed within such period can be aggregated to determine the offense level of the crime.<br />
<br />
For example, for the second-degree felony version of retail theft, a 30 day aggregation period applies to determine whether the value of the property taken over a series of retail thefts exceeds $3,000.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Conspiring to Commit Retail Theft with the Intent to Sell Stolen Property</h4>
<br />The new legislation in Florida makes it a crime to conspire to commit retail theft with the intent to sell the stolen property for monetary gain when the person who commits the theft subsequently places the stolen property in the control of another person in exchange for consideration.<br />
<br />
The new crime of conspiring to commit retail theft to subsequently place the stolen property in the control of another person also qualifies as a second-degree felony if the value of the property taken, aggregated over 30 days, exceeds $3,000.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Changes for Other Types of Theft Crimes in Florida</h4>
<br />Florida new theft law that takes effect on October 1, 2019, also increases the threshold amounts for other theft offenses including:<br />
<ul>
<li>Theft of State Funds </li>
<ul>
<li>Second Degree Misdemeanor was < $300 now < $1,000 </li>
<li>Third Degree Felony was ≥ $300 now ≥ $1,000 </li>
</ul>
<li>Obtaining Food or Lodging with Intent to Defraud </li>
<ul>
<li>Second Degree Misdemeanor was < $300 now < $1,000 </li>
<li>Third Degree Felony was ≥ $300 now ≥ $1,000 </li>
</ul>
<li>Removal of Property Upon Which a Lien Has Accrued </li>
<ul>
<li>Second Degree Misdemeanor was ≤ $50 now < $1,000 </li>
<li>Third Degree Felony was > $50 now ≥ $1,000 </li>
</ul>
<li>Sale of Used Motor Vehicle Goods as New </li>
<ul>
<li>First Degree Misdemeanor was None now < $1,000 </li>
<li>Third Degree Felony was > $100 now ≥ $1,000</li></ul></ul></div>
<div class="page" title="Page 8">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<h4>
Special Rules for Theft of a Fire Extinguisher</h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Under the new legislation, theft of a fire extinguisher qualifies as a third-degree felony regardless of the actual value of the item, but only when the fire extinguisher is actually installed in a building for the purpose of fire prevention or control at the time of the taking.<br />
</span><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">The new legislation specifically excludes the theft of a fire extinguisher from the inventory at a point-of-sale business as a third-degree felony, but the theft offense level will be determined by the actual value of the property.</span><br />
<br />
<h3>
Attorneys for Theft Crimes in Florida</h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">The criminal defense attorneys at Sammis Law Firm represent clients accused of theft crimes throughout Tampa, Hillsborough County, and the greater Tampa Bay area. Our main office is located in downtown Tampa, FL, just a few blocks from the courthouse.</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span> <span style="font-weight: normal;">We also have a second office located in New Port Richey in Pasco County, across from the courthouse at the West Pasco Judicial Center.</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span> Our criminal defense attorneys are experienced fighting a variety of theft crimes including petit theft, grand theft, and retail theft.<br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span> <span style="font-weight: normal;">Call 813-250-0500.</span><br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Leslie Sammishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03399316231336533093noreply@blogger.com0Tampa, FL, USA27.950575 -82.45717760000002327.501914 -83.102624600000027 28.399236000000002 -81.811730600000018tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034526698581235224.post-75378615330958527482018-09-20T21:10:00.001-04:002020-09-27T11:17:53.307-04:00Can the Court in Florida Grant an "Extradition Bond"?If you were arrested in Florida on a felony warrant issued in another state, then you can seek a bond in the jurisdiction where you are being held while awaiting extradition. This bond is often called the “extradition bond” in Florida.<br />
<br />
You should deal with a felony warrant immediately instead of just waiting to be extradited. Avoiding extradition is important for several reasons.<br />
<br />
First, you might be held for weeks or months while the authorities in another state arrange for a bus to pick you up and take you back to the jurisdiction where the felony arrest warrant originated. <div><br /></div><div>The extradition bus ride itself might take several more days or weeks as you stop at every jail, prison and correction facility between the pickup and drop off location.<br />
<br />
Many people are loaded in the back of the extradition van. Sometimes the vans do not have a working air conditioner. Stops for food and rest are few and far between. The ride can be uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous.<br />
<br />
Second, the extradition process is extremely expensive. Even being transported from Florida to Georgia can cost thousands of dollars. To add insult to injury, the judge in the other state will often try to make the defendant pay those extradition costs when the case is ultimately resolved.<br />
<br />
For all of these reasons, people being detained for extradition to another state should consider hiring a local attorney to:<br />
<ol>
<li>argue that the original detention was illegal and an immediate release should be ordered; or</li>
<li>argue that even if the detention is legal while awaiting extradition, the court should grant a reasonable extradition bond.</li>
</ol>
Ideally, you would hire a criminal defense attorney in both jurisdictions. One to fight for an extradition bond and the other to resolve the underlying case on the best possible terms.<br />
<ol></ol>
<h3>
Attorney for Extradition from Florida to Another State</h3>
<br />
If you or a loved one are being held in Florida for extradition to another state, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at Sammis Law Firm to discuss your case.<br />
<br />
Our criminal defense attorneys are experienced in fighting extradition cases throughout the greater Tampa Bay area including in Hillsborough County, Hernando County, Pasco County, Pinellas County, Manatee County, and Polk County, FL.<br />
<br />
Our main office has been located at the same location in downtown Tampa for the past ten years. We also have a second office conveniently located in New Port Richey, directly across from the West Pasco Judicial Center.<br />
<br />
We can review your arrest affidavit in an extradition case to determine whether your arrest complied with Florida's extradition laws. If not, we can fight for your immediate release. If the court refuses to release you, we can file a petition for a writ of habeas corpus.<br />
<br />
Alternatively, our attorneys can ask the court to set a reasonable extradition bond so that you can bond out of jail while you await extradition.<br />
<br />
If extradition is likely while you are out of custody on the extradition bond, we can help you obtain permission to travel to the court where the case originated to voluntarily surrender on the warrant so that you can avoid the expense and inconvenience of extradition entirely.<br />
<br />
Extradition cases are complicated and the relief available in your case, if any, depends on the facts of the case. Let us help you decide what you should do next.<br />
<br />
Contact the attorneys at the Sammis Law Firm to discuss your extradition case if you have an outstanding warrant in Florida or if you are being held in Florida for extradition to another state.<br />
<br />
With four attorneys focused exclusively on criminal defense, we fight extradition cases throughout the greater Tampa Bay area including at the courthouse in Brooksville in Hernando County, in New Port Richey or Dade City in Pasco County, in Clearwater in Pinellas County, in Tampa in Hillsborough County or in Bartow in Polk County.<br />
<br />
Call 813-250-0500 today.<br />
<h4>
Filing a Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus in Extradition Cases</h4>
<br />
If strict procedural rules are not followed or if you are improperly denied the extradition bond, then a criminal defense attorney might file a petition for a writ of habeas corpus to a higher court. These types of emergency appeals are decided quickly.<br />
<br />
The petition for writ of habeas corpus in an extradition case is a request to be released from detention as a fugitive while awaiting extradition to another state.<br />
<br />
If the appellate court grants the petition, then the appellate court can order the defendant’s release on the out-of-state charges or order the judge to set a reasonable extradition bond.<br />
<h4>
Procedural Rules for Holding a Fugitive While Awaiting Extradition</h4>
<br />
If you are being held without bond on the out-of-state charges, then the procedures outlined in sections 941.13, 941.14, and 941.15, Florida Statutes, must be properly followed. These statutes, enacted in 1941, are derived from the Uniform Criminal Extradition Act. See ch. 20460, §§ 13, 14, 15, Laws of Fla. (1941).<br />
<br />
The Act facilitates provisions of the United States Constitution and federal implementing legislation that provides for the extradition of fugitives from state to state, upon one governor's demand to another. U.S. Const., art. IV, § 2, cl. 2; 18 U.S.C.A. §§ 3182, 3194, and 3195; § 941.02, Fla. Stat.<br />
<br />
Additionally, the extradition process is primarily an executive function. This executive function explained in Section 941.03 involves the governor of the state from which the fugitive has fled issuing a written demand, or “requisition,” to the governor of the asylum state to detain the fugitive and deliver her to the demanding state.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Requirements for the Governor’s Demand for Extradition</h4>
<br />
Under § 941.03, Fla. Stat., a governor's demand for extradition must be accompanied by an authenticated copy of the following documents:<br />
<ol>
<li>an indictment or an information supported by affidavit in the state having jurisdiction of the crime;</li>
<li>a warrant supported by an affidavit made before a committing magistrate of the demanding state; or</li>
<li>a judgment of conviction or a sentence imposed in execution thereof, together with a statement by the executive authority of the demanding state that the person claimed has escaped from confinement or has broken the terms of his or her bail, probation, or parole.</li>
</ol>
<br />
As explained in <i>Shapiro v. State</i>, 456 So. 2d 968 (Fla. 2d DCA 1984), these requirements are intended to ensure that there has been a judicial determination of probable cause to believe that the accused committed the crime for which he is wanted or that he has been convicted of it.<br />
<br />
Section 941.07 requires that if the asylum state governor determines that the demand is in order and should be honored, he must issue a warrant for the arrest of the fugitive. This is sometimes referred to as a “rendition warrant” or “extradition warrant.”<br />
<br />
Some provisions of the Act permit the arrest and detention of an accused fugitive before the issuance of a governor's arrest warrant. A Florida court may order the pre-requisition arrest of an accused fugitive by issuing an arrest warrant, commonly known as a “fugitive warrant,” under section 941.13.<br />
<h4>
Two Scenarios for Extradition Cases in Florida</h4>
<br />
Florida’s statutory scheme for extradition cases authorizes the issuance of a fugitive warrant under two scenarios. Under the first scenario, a “credible person” must charge before a Florida judge that a person in Florida has:<br />
<ol>
<li>committed a crime in another state and has fled from justice; or</li>
<li>has been convicted of a crime in another state and has escaped from confinement or broken the terms of her bail, probation, or parole.</li>
</ol>
Under the second scenario, a complaint is presented to a Florida judge based on an affidavit from a credible person in the demanding state attesting either:<br />
<ol>
<li>that a crime has been committed in that state, that the accused has been charged with the committing the crime, and that the accused has fled from justice; or</li>
<li>that the accused has been convicted of a crime in that state and has escaped from confinement or broken the terms of her bail, probation, or parole, and is believed to be in Florida.</li>
</ol>
Under the first scenario, the accused need not have been formally charged with committing the out-of-state crime. Instead, the law only requires that a credible person charge under oath before a Florida judge that the person committed a crime in the demanding state and has fled. This charge is often brought through a sworn criminal report affidavit.<br />
<br />
In the second scenario, however, the person for whom the warrant is sought must have been formally charged in the demanding state with committing a crime in that state.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Procedural Due Process Requirements in Section 941.13</h4>
<br />
In <i>Perry v. State</i>, 842 So. 2d 301, 303 (Fla. 5th DCA 2003), the court reasoned that under section 941.13, the showing must satisfy the requirements of probable cause either for the issuance of an arrest warrant generally or at a pretrial nonadversary probable cause determination at a first appearance hearing under Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.133(a)(3).<br />
<br />
For this reason, the governor may issue an extradition warrant only after the demanding state governor has documented the following:<br />
<ol>
<li>there has been a judicial determination of probable cause; or</li>
<li>in the absence of an extradition warrant a court may issue a fugitive warrant only after it has received either:</li>
<ul>
<li>a direct showing of probable cause; or </li>
<li>proof that one has been made in the demanding state.</li>
</ul>
</ol>
<h4>
Requirements for a Warrantless Pre-Requisition Arrest under Section 941.14?</h4>
<br />
Warrantless pre-requisition arrests are permitted by section 941.14, provided that three elements are satisfied.<br />
<br />
Under the statute, an alleged fugitive may be arrested without a warrant that includes “reasonable information” that the person “stands charged in the courts of a state” with “a crime punishable by death or imprisonment for a term exceeding 1 year . . . .”<br />
<br />
Section 941.14 also provides that a person arrested without a warrant under that statute “must be taken before a judge with all practicable speed and complaint must be made against the accused under oath setting forth the ground for the arrest as in the preceding section; and thereafter his or her answer shall be heard as if the accused had been arrested on a warrant.”<br />
<br />
Stated another way, as soon as practicable after a warrantless arrest, the probable cause requirements for obtaining a fugitive warrant under section 941.13 must be established.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Requirements for a Pre-requisition Arrest under Section 941.15?</h4>
<br />
When an accused fugitive is arrested pre-requisition, whether pursuant to a fugitive warrant or not, section 941.15 requires the judge to perform an examination to determine whether “it appears that the person held is the person charged with having committed the crime alleged and . . . that the person has fled from justice . . . .”<br />
<br />
If so, the judge must issue a warrant reciting the accusation against the fugitive and committing her to the county jail for a specified period, not exceeding thirty days, pending her arrest on a governor's rendition warrant. If the rendition warrant is not forthcoming during that period, the court may extend the commitment for up to sixty days. § 941.17, Fla. Stat.<br />
<br />
In many of these cases, a person is detained even though the court has only arrest affidavits executed by the officer that made the arrest without any information concerning the offense that was allegedly committed.<br />
<br />
In these cases, the warrantless arrest is not in compliance with section 941.14 because the arrest affidavits do not disclose how the officer who arrested the defendant came to learn that the defendant was wanted in another state.<br />
<br />
If the officer obtained the information from a national law enforcement database, then the “reasonable information” prong of the statute might be satisfied. But without that information, the affidavits are ambiguous on the question of whether the defendant stood formally “charged in the courts” with any of the out-of-state offenses.<br />
<br />
Additionally, the affidavits often say nothing about whether the offenses were punishable by death or imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, i.e., felonies. In these cases, the issue is whether the information held by the arresting officer at the time of the arrest in Florida was enough under section 941.14 to authorize the defendant’s warrantless arrests on the out-of-state charges.<br />
<br />
In <i>Owens v. Boyer</i>, 207 So. 2d 29, 31 (Fla. 2d DCA 1968), the court held that the sufficiency of a rendition warrant must be determined at the time of the arrest, and rejected lower court's reasoning that subsequent submission of omitted information cured defect in the warrant so as to render accused fugitive's arrest legal.<br />
<br />
If not, the criminal defense attorney can argue all of the reasons why this illegal arrest should result in the defendant's immediate release from custody.<br />
<br />
If you need a lawyer for an extradition case in Florida, contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Sammis Law Firm. With offices in both downtown Tampa in Hillsborough County and New Port Richey in Pasco County, we can begin your defense today.<br />
<br />
Call 813-250-0500.</div>Leslie Sammishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03399316231336533093noreply@blogger.com0800 E Twiggs St, Tampa, FL 33602, USA27.9512321 -82.45403469999996627.950355599999998 -82.455295199999966 27.9521086 -82.452774199999965tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034526698581235224.post-33066002126453470682018-07-22T14:13:00.005-04:002023-12-25T22:06:06.876-05:00PreCrime without the Precogs - The Risk Protection Order in FloridaRemember the movie Minority Reports? Set in the year 2054, Tom Cruise played the Chief of PreCrime, a specialized police department that apprehended criminals based on foreknowledge of crimes that have not yet occurred.<br />
<br />
The foreknowledge was provided by three talented psychics called “Precogs.” The "Precogs” would "previsualize" crimes by receiving visions of the future. Officers in the PreCrime unit would then arrest the suspect before the crime was committed.<br />
<br />
The authorities who created the program discovered that minority reports were casting doubts in individual cases. To protect the program from criticism, the authorities devised a plan to hide the minority reports.<br />
<br />
When the Precogs predict that Tom Cruise's character will commit murder, he goes on a mission to find his minority report. The movie explores the role of preventive government in protecting its citizens and the hidden problems with an infallible prosecution.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Finding the Minority Report in a RPO Hearing</h2>
<br />
In March of 2018, Florida created its own version of PreCrime called a "Risk Protection Order" under Florida Statute Section 790.401.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
At the hearing, the court is asked to determine, by clear and convincing evidence, whether the respondent poses a "significant danger" of causing injury to himself or others by having a firearm in his custody or control.</blockquote>
<br />
If you represent a client served with a temporary risk protection order, you will begin your own quest to find the minority report. You will have less than fourteen (14) days and the attorney with the sheriff's office or police department might block you at every turn. <br />
<br />
<h3>
Strategies for Winning RPO Hearings</h3>
<br />
Because I had some experience representing Respondents in RPO cases, I was invited to give a presentation at a CLE seminar for the St. Pete Bar Association on Friday, May 17, 2019, at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club.<br />
<br />
The seminar was entitled "<i>Know Your Client’s Rights: Adapting to Legislative Changes in Criminal Defense</i>." My part of the presentation was on representing clients facing weapons removal and restriction under Risk Protection Orders.<br />
<br />
My 40-minute presentation was followed by an hour-long panel discussion on RPOs with The Honorable Pat Siracusa, The Honorable Susan St. John, an attorney in private practice with experience in RPO cases, Bruce H. Denson, and attorneys for the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office and the Tampa Police Department.<br />
<br />
My presentation focused on strategies the Respondent's attorney might use to <i><b>win</b></i> the Risk Protection Order (RPO) hearing by showing the Court the reasons the petition for the RPO should be <i><b>denied</b></i>.<div><br /></div><div>Most Respondents in these hearings appear without an attorney. As a result, people consent to the RPO being imposed without fully understanding the direct and collateral consequences of that decision.<br />
<br />
The Florida Supreme Court has yet to adopt a model colloquy to be given to the Respondent by the Circuit Court Judge before accepting the Respondent's stipulation or consent to enter the RPO without a hearing.<br />
<br />
I'm adding the material from my presentation below with a few modifications. I'm sharing this information because it might help other attorneys during their first RPO hearing or those trying to learn more about the process from the defense attorney's perspective.<br />
<br />
Sharing this information is a great way to network with other attorneys fighting similar battles. Feel free to email me at <u>Lsammis@sammislawfirm.com</u> if you disagree or suggest a different approach. </div><div>
<br />
I'd like to thank Kendra Parris, who has information on her website about <a href="https://parrislaw.org/risk-protection-order/">Risk Protection Orders in Florida</a> and handles these cases throughout the state.<div><div>
<br />
<h3>
What is an RPO in Florida?</h3>
<br />The Florida Legislature created The Risk Protection Order Act (Section 790.401, Florida Statutes) in 2018. The statute seeks to reduce deaths and injuries by restricting persons who are at a high risk of harming themselves or others from having access to firearms or ammunition.</div><div>
<br />
The statute allows law enforcement officers or agencies to obtain a court order when there is evidence that a person poses a significant danger to himself or herself or others by having a firearm or any ammunition. This significant danger might be the result of a mental health crisis, evidenced by violent behavior, any other factor enumerated in s. 790.401(3)(c), or any other “relevant evidence.”<br />
<br />
The purpose and intent of the statute is: </div><div><br /></div><div><blockquote>“[T]o reduce deaths and injuries as a result of certain individuals’ use of firearms <i>while respecting constitutional rights</i>.” </blockquote></div><div><br /></div><div>Ch. 2018-3, § 14(2), at 15, Laws of Fla. (emphasis added).</div><div>
<br />
Does the statute “include standards and safeguards to protect the constitutional rights of those persons and to ensure due process of law,” as suggested by the <a href="https://www.flcourts.org/content/download/428641/4653715/RPO-court-staff-manual.pdf">OSCA Court Staff Manual on RPO</a>?<br />
<br />
<h3>
Why are RPO Laws Being Created?</h3>
<br />
The Florida law was derived almost word-for-word from the Washington “Extreme Risk Protection Order Act,” Wash. Rev. Code § 7.94, passed by voter referendum in 2016. At last count, fifteen states and the District of Columbia have passed risk protection order laws.<br />
<br />
On January 3, 2019, Senator Rubio introduced a bill entitled the “Extreme Risk Protection Order and Violence Prevention Act of 2019.” Congress.gov, <i>S. 7, </i>116th Congress (2019-2020), which is virtually identical to s. 790.401, F.S., except that <i>any</i> family or household members have standing to act as the petitioner, in addition to law enforcement. (Latest Action: Senate - 01/03/2019 Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary).<br />
<br />
The bill also authorized appropriations in the amount of <b>$20 million</b> for <i>each</i> fiscal year from 2019 through 2023 to be awarded by the Department of Justice to states that have enacted "<b>qualifying"</b> risk protection order laws. The funds promise to provide assistance to law enforcement agencies or the courts to carry out this new law.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Who is the Petitioner?</h3>
<br />
Under The Risk Protection Order Act, only law enforcement officers or agencies may file a petition for a risk protection order. The petition must be filed in the clerk’s office for the circuit court in the county where the Petitioner’s law enforcement office is located (or in the county where the Respondent resides).<br />
<br />
*Recently Proposed Legislation: SB 7106 expanded the definition of a petitioner for purposes of seeking an RPO to include certain family members of the respondent or a person who is the respondent’s legal guardian (without the assistance of law enforcement). Although this bill died in committee on 5/3/19, this proposed legislation will likely reemerge in the next legislative session.<br />
<br />
What additional problems are created if Florida's RPO is amended to allow family members to file RPO petitions?<br />
<br />
<h3>
What must be shown for the RPO?</h3>
<br />
For the <i>ex parte</i> Temporary RPO:<br />
<div style="margin-left: 40px;">
<br />
The petition and accompanying affidavit(s) must provide facts <b>that give rise to a reasonable fear</b> that Respondent "poses a significant danger of causing personal injury to himself or herself or others by having …a firearm or any ammunition.”</div>
<br />
The Temporary RPO has two additional requirements:<br />
<ol>
<li style="list-style-type: none;"><br />
<ol>
<li>the sworn facts that demonstrate that Respondent poses a significant danger of causing injury must be <b><i>based on personal knowledge</i></b>; and</li>
<li>the sworn facts must demonstrate that the danger may occur <b><i>i</i></b><b><i>n the near future</i></b>.</li>
</ol>
</li>
</ol>
For the Final RPO:<br />
<div style="margin-left: 40px;">
<br />
Does the court find “by clear and convincing evidence that the <b>respondent poses</b> a significant danger of causing personal injury to himself or herself or others by having …a firearm or any ammunition”?</div>
<br />
<h3>
What is the Burden of Persuasion?</h3>
<br />
The burden of persuasion for the Temporary RPO hearing is “reasonable cause.” For the Final RPO hearing, the burden of persuasion is “clear and convincing evidence.”<br />
<br />
<h3>
What Do You Mean "I Can't Have a Continuance?"</h3>
<br />
The RPO statute does NOT prohibit the court from granting a continuance for good cause at the 14-day hearing. Instead, the statute merely provides:<br />
<div style="margin-left: 40px;">
<br />
"the court must <b>order a hearing to be held</b> no later than 14 days after the date of the order....." (emphasis added).</div>
<br />
Once the court orders the hearing to be held, then this provision of the statute is satisfied.<br />
<br />
The statute for domestic violence protective order expressly allows the court to grant a continuance and extend the temporary order during the continuance. So to avoid any prejudice to the petitioner, you might be asked to stipulate that the Temporary RPO is being extended until the continued return hearing.<br />
<br />Some judges will deny the "motion to continue" because the statute doesn't <i>expressly</i> allow it. Other judges are routinely granting the request for a continuance by the Respondent's attorney. Alternatively, the Court might offer to bifurcate the proceeding to allow the Respondent to return later to present their side of the case.<br />
<br />
Even if the RPO statute is silent about the ability to continue the hearing, due process would require it in some circumstances. Without a continuance, there might be no way to adequately represent the Respondent or have a fair hearing. For this reason, it is important to file a written "motion to continue," showing good cause to preserve that issue for appeal.</div><div>
<br />
<h3>
Which Rules of Evidence Apply?</h3>
<br />
Section 790.401(3)(e), Florida Statutes, specifically provides that the same rules of <i>evidence</i> that apply to a domestic violence injunction proceeding under s. 741.30 (which are Ch. 90), also applies to a RPO hearing.<br />
<br />
The relevant rules of evidence, with citations to the applicable Florida statute, are listed here:<br />
<ul>
<li>Hearsay –section 90.801<br />
<ul>
<li>Availability of declarant immaterial –section 90.803</li>
<li>Declarant unavailable – section 90.804</li>
<li>Self-authentication –section 90.902</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Relevancy<br />
<ul>
<li>Definition – section 90.401</li>
<li>Admissibility – section 90.402</li>
<li>Exclusion (prejudice/confusion) – section 90.403</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Oaths/Affirmations – section 92.50</li>
<li>Presumptions<br />
<ul>
<li>Defined –section 90.301</li>
<li>Rebuttable –section 90.302</li>
<li>Burden of proof –section 90.304</li>
<li>Judicial Notice<br />
<ul>
<li>Mandatory –section 90.201</li>
<li>Discretionary –section 90.202</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Privileges – section 90.501</li>
<li>Competency<br />
<ul>
<li>Generally –section 90.601</li>
<li>Disqualification –section 90.603</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Expert Witnesses<br />
<ul>
<li>Generally –section 90.702</li>
<li>Basis of opinion testimony –section 90.704</li>
<li>Authoritativeness of literature –section 90.706 </li>
</ul>
<ul></ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
Be aware that Section 790.401(3)<span class="Number">(d) seems to allow a procedure that would violate several of the rules of evidence by providing: </span><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Number">"[a]</span><span class="Text Intro Justify"> person, including an officer of the court, who offers evidence or recommendations relating to the cause of action either must present the evidence or recommendations in writing to the court with copies to each party and his or her attorney, if one is retained, or must present the evidence under oath at a hearing at which all parties are present." </span></blockquote>
When would that provision apply for merely presenting written evidence or recommendations?</div><div><br /></div><div>I've noticed that if the Respondent doesn't appear at the RPO hearing, the court simply reads the petition and grants it. In other types of injunction hearings, the court will require the petitioner to present sufficient evidence before granting the injunction, even if the Respondent fails to appear in court. <br />
<br />
<h3>
Which Rules of Procedure Apply?</h3>
<br />
Since the same rules of <i>evidence</i> that apply to a domestic violence injunction proceeding under Section 741.30 also apply in a RPO hearing, does the same hold true for the rules of <i>procedure</i>? The answer appears to be "no."<br />
<br />
The Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure apply to domestic violence, repeat violence, dating violence, stalking violence, and sexual violence injunction for protection hearings as explained in Rule 12.010(a)(1), but apparently the same rules do not apply at RPO hearings. [2]<br />
<br />
Instead, the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure apply to RPO hearings for the reasons explained in Rule 1.010. Under Rule 1.010, the civil rules of procedure apply to "all actions of a civil nature and all special statutory proceedings in the circuit courts and county courts except those to which the Florida Probate Rules, the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, or the Small Claims Rules apply."<br />
<br />
Since the RPO statute doesn't fit into any of those exceptions, the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure must apply to an RPO hearing.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Can I Take the Deposition of the Witnesses Named in the RPO Petition?</h3>
<br />
Yes. Florida Rule Civil Procedure 1.310 provides:<br />
<div class="entry-content">
<div style="margin-left: 40px;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 40px;">
<br />
After commencement of the action any party may take the testimony of any person, including a party, by deposition upon oral examination....The attendance of witnesses may be compelled by subpoena as provided in rule 1.410.</div>
<br />
"Leave of court" isn't required except when the <i>plaintiff</i> seeks to take a deposition within 30 days after service of the process and initial pleading on any defendant (unless the defendant has served a notice of taking a deposition or otherwise sought discovery).<br />
<br />
For this reason, if you file a "notice of deposition" or "subpoena duces tecum" on the Petitioner's witnesses, then the Petitioner might be able to take your client's deposition without seeking leave of the court.<br />
<br />
The same thing occurs in domestic violence injunctions. If the Respondent files a notice of taking a deposition, then the Petitioner might do the same. <br />
<br />
I've seen RPO hearings in which the attorney for the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office calls the Respondent as a witness during their case in chief, although they might say that rarely occurs.<br />
<br />
In some cases, it might even be helpful for your client to submit to the deposition because the Petitioner might be persuaded to drop the petition. </div><div class="entry-content"><br />
Or your client might decide to "take the Fifth" at the deposition or hearing if answering the questions might tend to incriminate them (especially if they have charges pending related to the allegations in the petition).<br />
<br />
<h3>
How Do You Get Discovery without a Continuance?</h3>
<br />
The problem with RPO hearings is that even though you are entitled to pre-trial discovery under the Rules of Civil Procedure, the fact that the hearing takes place within 14 days means that your opportunity for pre-hearing discovery is effectively barred <b>unless</b> you get a continuance.<br />
<br />
Consider filing a motion for "discovery" and a demand for "exculpatory information or evidence" immediately after you are retained. Then, request that same information through a subpoena duces tecum, interrogatories, production of documents, or requests for admission.<br />
<br />
In the motion, list the specific items that you suspect might be exculpatory or potentially exculpatory, including any 911 call, witness statements, police reports, or surveillance videos. Then, send the request a second time as a public record request to the agency or agencies that have those records.<br />
<br />
The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office or any law enforcement agency might take the position that the requested records have been excised, withheld, or are exempt from a public records request under F.S.S. 119.071(2)(c)(1) because of an active criminal investigation.<br />
<br />
The point is to clearly demonstrate the fact that the agency is telling you that you are not entitled to discovery and they won't comply with the PRR in a timely manner. Then add this information to your written "motion for continuance" to be filed before the 14-day hearing.<br />
<br />Since the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure apply, you could serve the Petitioner's witnesses with a notice of taking deposition and subpoena duces tecum, although as a practical matter, you might only have time to serve them right before the 14-day hearing and ruling on the motion for continuance. <br />
<br />
<h3>
Can the Court Bar the Opportunity for Discovery?</h3>
<br />
If you don't get the continuance after making the proper arguments and then lose the hearing, the case would likely get reversed on appeal. If the court effectively bars any opportunity for discovery by denying the request for a continuance, then a due process violation has occurred.</div>
<br />
For <i>injunctions for protection</i> cases in Florida, the Court may not bar the opportunity for discovery, but may limit the time in which a party may engage in discovery.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-left: 40px;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 40px;">
“The court must balance the need to expedite the hearing and the need to ensure that the parties' due process rights are not violated. The trial court is imbued with discretion to limit the time frame and nature of discovery in such cases and can do so by examining individual discovery requests on a case by case basis.” <i>Nettles v </i><i>Hoyos</i>, 138 So. 3d 593 (Fla. 5th DCA 2014).</div>
<br />
I think the same logic should apply to the RPO hearing. The Courts should give the Respondent's attorney an opportunity to obtain discovery and be prepared for the return hearing.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Should You Bring a Court Reporter?</h3>
<br />
Unless you are sure the court is providing the court reporter or an electronic recording, you should always bring a court reporter (unless you have a really good reason not to).<br />
<br />
Section 790.401, Florida Statutes, does NOT require the court to record a hearing on the Final RPO, a motion to vacate, or a motion to extend. Without a transcript, it is nearly impossible for the Respondent to successfully appeal an adverse ruling.<br />
<br />
If a petition to extend the RPO is filed each year, having a record of that initial hearing might become important years later. This doesn’t seem to be an issue in Pinellas County, FL, because the RPO hearings are recorded electronically using the "Blue Man.”<br />
<br />
In fact, Administrative Order 2018-042 (B)(1)(c) provides that “[c]ourt-employed digital court reporters shall report all other Criminal Division proceedings.”<br />
<br />
In Hillsborough County, it is my understanding that the proceedings are NOT electronically recorded, so bringing a court reporter is necessary (unless you have a really good reason not to).<br />
<br />
Over the past several months, the courts have started to avoid this concern by adding information to their notices about whether the hearing will be electronically recorded or whether either side is invited to bring a court reporter.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Motions to File Before the RPO Hearing</h3>
<br />
You might consider filing the following motions prior to the RPO hearing:<br />
<ol>
<li>“Motion to Continue” explaining all the reasons you have good cause for the request.</li>
<li>“Motion to Dismiss” the Temporary RPO petition if the "affidavit made under oath" doesn’t contain the requirements of Section 790.401(4)(a), which include::</li>
<ul>
<li>detailed allegations based on <i>personal knowledge</i></li>
<li>that the respondent poses a significant danger of causing personal injury to himself or herself or others <i>in the near future</i></li>
<li>by having in his or her custody or control, or by purchasing, possessing, or receiving, a firearm or ammunition.</li>
<li>If an TRPO was issued, look through the petition to see if anyone actually has "personal knowledge" or if the allegations are based purely on second-hand information from a third party.</li>
</ul>
<li>"Motion to Suppress or Exclude" testimony about physical evidence seized (if any) or testimony about observations made by law enforcement during the RPO investigation.<br />
<ul>
<li>In the motion, describe the evidence seized, statements taken, or observations made during the initial RPO investigation that should be suppressed or excluded.</li>
<li>From the petition itself, you often have enough information to put in your motion, including:<br />
<ul>
<li>the time, date, and location of the stop, detention, search and/or seizure;</li>
<li>the names and badge numbers of any officers involved;</li>
<li>the reasons why the stop, detention, search or seizure was unreasonable under the Fourth Amendment;</li>
<li>the reasons why the interrogation was coerced or taken in violation of Miranda, the Fifth Amendment right to remain silent or the Sixth Amendment right to the assistance of counsel; and</li>
<li>move to exclude or suppress that evidence as the fruit of the poison tree.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>After the motion is filed, the Petitioner should have the burden of establishing the evidence was lawfully obtained (which is an issue in DHSMV formal review hearings for a DUI driver’s license suspension or a civil asset forfeiture case).</li>
<li>For example, motions to suppress evidence are appropriate in civil forfeiture proceedings because the seizure and subsequent civil forfeiture of assets implicate the Fourth Amendment. <i>Plymouth Sedan v. Pennsylvania</i>, 380 U.S. 693, 702 (1965) (holding that the Fourth Amendment is applicable to civil forfeiture proceedings).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ol>
<h3>
The Consequence of Evidence Gathered Illegally for the RPO Petition</h3>
<br />
When I read these petitions, I'm often struck by how much of the "evidence" is based on what happened after the officers confronted the Respondent as part of their RPO investigation either right <i>before</i> or right <i>after</i> filing for the Temporary RPO (hereinafter "TRPO").<br />
<br />
These issues don't exist in every RPO case. This evidence or testimony might only be a small part of the Petitioner's overall case. Nevertheless, I've seen this issue arise because the officers don't follow their normal procedures during an RPO investigation because they perceive the circumstances as more pressing or demanding.<br />
<br />
In a case with little evidence, the Petitioner often makes a big deal about things that happened while the officers were confronting the Respondent before even obtaining the TRPO and then again while serving the TRPO. Many of the cases involve extensive interrogation without reading Miranda warnings.<br />
<br />
Once the officer decides this is an "RPO" investigation, the goal of the interrogation is to develop evidence that can be used in the petition. If the evidence wouldn't be admissible in a criminal case, then it should NOT be admissible in an RPO hearing.<br />
<br />
Additionally, the officers might illegally detain the Respondent for questioning during a prolonged detention and then complain that he or she was not forthcoming or cooperative.<br />
<br />
I've seen several cases in which the Respondent was detained and evidence for the RPO hearing was gathered as part of a roadside investigation. In these types of cases, the legality of the stop or detention is often in dispute.<br />
<br />
When the officers serve the TRPO, they often gain entry into the house or vehicle to retrieve the firearms (without a warrant). While seizing the firearms, they might also gather or photograph other evidence. </div><div><br /></div><div>For example, the officers might enter someone's home and start taking pictures of the medicine in their medicine cabinet without their permission and without a warrant.<br />
<br />
I've also seen cases where the officers seized firearms in the home <i>before</i> the TRPO was even signed. <br />
<br />
It would be hard to imagine a scenario in which "free and voluntary consent" would exist under those circumstances. The only exceptions to the warrant requirement are either voluntary consent or exigent circumstances, although neither of those exceptions neatly fits these scenarios.<br />
<br />
Compounding the problem, the officer might come into the house and comment about the house being in disarray or criticize how the firearms are being stored or secured.<br />
<br />
If the officers make those observations, you can bet the Petitioner will attempt to use it against the Respondent at the hearing. From the officer's perspective, there is no choice other than to force the "surrender" of the firearms and concealed weapon permit. The Respondent might become upset and question their authority for taking such action or be less than fully cooperative.<br />
<br />
I understand the pressure put on law enforcement in these circumstances, but the bottom line is that this evidence should not be "bootstrapped" into the hearing and presented as a reason to grant the RPO.<br />
<br />The easiest way to deal with these issues is to look at the evidence in the Petition and file a quick motion to suppress or exclude it before the hearing to prevent such testimony or evidence from being introduced.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Motion to Declare Section 790.401 Unconstitutional</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
Because the statute is new, attorneys are filing Motions to Declare Section 790.401 Unconstitutional on its face and as applied. I've outlined a quick summary of those issues that can be raised.<br />
<ol>
<li>The RPO Statute Violates the Second Amendment<br />
<ul>
<li>An argument can be made that the statute violates the Second Amendment and the State Right to Bear Arms.</li>
<li>The second amendment is fully applicable to the states through the due process clause of the fourteenth amendment. <i>McDonald v. Chicago</i>, 561 U.S. 742, 778, 130 S.Ct. 3020, 177 L.Ed.2d 894 (2010).</li>
<li>Additionally, under Article I, § 8(a) of the Florida Constitution provides: “[t]he right of the people to keep and bear arms in defense of themselves and of the lawful authority of the state shall not be infringed, except that the manner of bearing arms may be regulated by law.”</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The RPO Statute is Overly Broad because it does NOT require:<br />
<ol></ol>
<ul>
<li>the risk of significant danger related to any specific type of mental health crisis or violent behavior; and</li>
</ul>
<ol></ol>
<ul>
<li>the fear is related to an imminent, present, or <i>credible </i>danger.</li>
</ul>
<ol></ol>
</li>
<li>The RPO Statute Void for Vagueness [1] because it does not define any of the following terms or phrases:<br />
<ol></ol>
<ul>
<li>reasonable fear;</li>
</ul>
<ol></ol>
<ul>
<li>reasonable fear of significant dangerous acts; and</li>
</ul>
<ol></ol>
<ul>
<li>poses a “significant danger.”</li>
</ul>
<ol></ol>
</li>
<li>The RPO Statute Infringes on First Amendment Rights<br />
<ul>
<li>Argue the statute does not exclude constitutionally protected activity and infringes on First Amendment rights or inhibits the First Amendment rights of other parties even when that conduct is not criminal.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Retroactive Application<br />
<ul>
<li>If the Petitioner seeks retroactive application of the RPO statute to facts that occurred before the law went into effect, it would render the statute unconstitutional as applied to Respondent.</li>
<li>Section 790.401, Florida Statutes (“Risk Protection Order Act”) was enacted on March 9, 2018. The statute is substantive law and contains no clear legislative expression of retroactive application.</li>
<li>If the petition alleges facts and events that occurred <b>prior to</b> March 9, 2018, then file a motion to dismiss and/or exclude before the hearing and argue that the court should not consider those facts on retroactive application grounds.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ol>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
Ways to Avoid a "Hearing by Ambush"</h3>
<br />
What do you do if your motion to continue is denied? You might consider taking these steps: <ul><li>When the court calls the case, argue your grounds for a continuance and tell the court about the other motions you have filed (make sure you get a ruling on each and every motion).</li>
<li>If the court denies your motion to continue, ask the court to compel the petitioner’s attorney to make you a copy of the exhibits they intend to introduce and the other items you've already requested from the Petitioner, including pictures, audio, video, police reports, or written statements in their possession.</li>
<li>If the continuance is denied, ask the court to pass the case temporarily so you have time to question the witnesses in the hallway (have the second attorney or your assistant stand by as a witness to the interview in case impeachment becomes necessary).</li>
<li>If the court only allows you to talk to the witnesses in the hallway before the hearing, can you use your court reporter to take a "hallway deposition" over the Petitioner's objection?<br />
<ul>
<li>It sounds absurd, but sometimes you have to make your point by responding logically to the absurdity being used by the other side.</li>
<li>If the court wants to use this concept of "hallway discovery," then the concept of "hallway deposition" seems equally appropriate.</li>
<li>If you are paying for the court reporter's time anyway, you should put them to good use.</li>
<li>The deposition might become important for impeachment purposes.</li>
<li>If the court denies the request, you have additional grounds for the due process violation.</li>
<li>You might even have your process server on standby to serve the notice of taking depositions for that same day on the witness.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Renew your objections and restate the prejudice after talking to the witnesses but before the hearing.</li>
<li>Renew all your motions and objections after the Petitioner's case in chief and after you rest your case. </li></ul>
<h3>
Making Objections at the RPO Hearing</h3>
<br />
Preserve the record with the appropriate objections. What rules of evidence apply during a TPO hearing? Under Section 790.401(3)(e), Florida Statutes, the same rules of evidence apply to a domestic violence injunction proceeding under s. 741.30, also applies in a TPO hearing.<br />
<br />
Expect the petitioner’s attorney to present a lot of testimony that is hearsay, irrelevant, speculation, and lacks personal knowledge.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Objections to Business Records</h3>
<br />
The petitioner might file a notice of intent to offer a business record of regularly conducted activity by certification or declaration right before the hearing. The docket might show the <b>"</b>NOTICE OF INTENT TO OFFER RECORDS OF REGULARLY CONDUCTED BUSINESS ACTIVITY” that references Section 90.803(6)(a) and (c) and 90.902(11).<br />
<br />
To lay a proper foundation, a certification or declaration must comply with 90.803(c) and s. 90.902(11). File a written object at the hearing that a proper foundation cannot be established and explain why.<br />
<br />
Those objections to the foundation for the document being admitted as a business record might include the following arguments:<br />
<ul>
<li>the notice was not reasonable because it was only provided a few days before the hearing or it was not received by the Respondent at all (since they probably mailed it right before the hearing);</li>
<li>the certification or declaration was not attached to the notice;</li>
<li>a copy of the business record itself was not attached to the notice; or</li>
<li>the petitioner did not otherwise make it available for viewing with sufficient notice.</li>
</ul>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
Object if the Court allows a Witness to Testify by Phone</h3>
<br />
Under Florida Statute Section 790.401(3)(a)3, the statute allows the court to conduct a hearing by telephone pursuant to “a local court rule to reasonably accommodate a disability or exceptional circumstances.”<br />
<br />
Object that the predicate has not been established to show the “disability or exceptional circumstances.”<br />
<br />
Object if the witness is not sworn to tell the truth by a notary standing in the same room as the witness who can verify the identity of the witness (this is required in other types of telephonic hearings, including DHSMV telephonic formal review hearings).<br />
<br />
The court should not allow for witness testimony that is not sworn or under oath. Find the local rules for testimony by phone, if any, and object that a proper foundation has not been established for the testimony and explain why.<br />
<br />
For the TRPO, can the judge call the law enforcement officer to conduct the ex-parte hearing? In Broward County, the “preferred method of communication” for the TRPO is over the phone.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Can You Move to Close the Proceeding or Seal the Records?</h4>
<h4>
</h4>
If the petition alleges serious mental illness or recurring mental health issues, then requests that the records and proceedings be kept closed and sealed to protect both the judicial process and the confidentiality of information.<br />
<br />
To rebut the allegations, explain why the Respondent would need to disclose and discuss his mental health records, including records created pursuant to a Baker Act examination.<br />
<br />
Both the Florida legislature and the courts have long recognized that, as a matter of public policy, mental health records and proceedings are confidential and may not be disclosed to the public except in very limited circumstances. <i>See</i> § 394.459(9), F.S.; <i>see Tribune Co. v. D.M.L.</i>, 566 So. 2d 1333 (Fla. 2d DCA 1990) (Baker Act proceedings must be closed to protect the “individual dignity and human rights” guaranteed by the Florida Mental Health Act for individuals with mental illness);<br />
<br />
Applicable provisions include:<br />
<ul>
<li>Fla. Const. Art. I, sec. 23 (right of privacy);</li>
<li>§ 456.057, F.S. (confidentiality of mental health records generally);</li>
<li>§§ 394.453(1)(b)5. and 394.459(1), F.S. (legislative intent to support individual dignity and human rights of mental health patients);</li>
<li>§ 456.059 (confidentiality of psychiatrists’ records);</li>
<li>§ 490.0147 (confidentiality of all other mental health practitioners’ records).</li>
</ul>
<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
What Happens if the Court Denies the Final RPO?</h4>
<br />A written order must be entered if the RPO petition is denied. Additional language is required if a TRPO has been issued and firearm/ammunition/license has been surrendered.<br />
<br />
The Order will require the Petitioner, as requested by Respondent, to return any firearms, ammunition, or license to carry a concealed weapon or firearm that was surrendered by Respondent (after complying with all applicable provisions of federal and state law).<br />
<br />
If you win the hearing, motion to vacate, or if the RPO expires, then your client will be able to make an appointment to get the firearms returned. </div><div><br /></div><div>The new form order provides that the Clerk of the Court shall immediately forward a copy of the Order to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services so the department can reinstate the Respondent’s license to carry a concealed weapon or firearm (after complying with all applicable provisions of federal and state law.)<br />
<br />
You will probably need to follow up with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services by sending them a copy of the order. The Department will then issue an order reinstating the concealed weapon's license.<br />
<br />
The new form order also requires the Petitioner to promptly remove the risk protection order from any computer-based system in which it was entered, including the FCIC and NCIC.</div><div> <h4>
Evaluations if the RPO is Granted?</h4>
<br />
If the Respondent is ordered to complete a mental health and/or chemical dependency evaluation, the case could be reset to ensure the Respondent has complied with the court order for the evaluation(s). The final RPO might include the compliance hearing date.<br />
<br />
Who should perform the mental health or chemical dependency evaluation? What if the Respondent has lost his job because of the RPO and can’t afford it?<br />
<br />
<h4>
What Happens When an RPO Order Expires?</h4>
<br />
If a risk protection order expires without extension, the Respondent can get back the firearms and concealed weapons permit (if the Respondent is otherwise eligible after a background check).<br />
<br />
The Respondent might have to make at least two appointments with the Petitioner's agency since the firearm and ammunition will <b>NOT</b> be released at the same time.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Can the RPO Be Extended Beyond One Year?</h4>
<br />
The petitioner may, by written motion, request an extension of a risk protection order at any time within 30 days before the end of the order.<br />
<br />
Upon receipt of the motion to extend, the court must schedule a hearing to be held no later than fourteen (14) days after the date the order is issued.<br />
<br />
For any other type of injunction, the Respondent must be <b>personally served</b> with notice of any request for an extension. However, Section 790.401(5)(b) of the statute states that any order to continue "after the original service of documents...[i]f delivery at the hearing is not possible, the clerk shall mail certified copies of the order to the parties at the last known address of each party.<br />
<br />
Service by mail is complete upon mailing. When an order is served pursuant to this subsection, the clerk shall prepare a written certification in the court file specifying the time, date, and method of service and shall notify the sheriff.<br />
<br />
For this reason, the Respondent should notify the clerk of court if their address changes and check the docket to see if a motion to extend the order is filed within 30 days prior to the end of the order.<br />
<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
Motion to Vacate the RPO</h4>
<br />
The Respondent gets one chance to file a “Motion to Vacate” the RPO each time it is granted or extended. For this reason, the Respondent should be completely prepared <i>before</i> you file the Motion to Vacate because the hearing must be scheduled within 14 days.<br />
<br />
This time, the Respondent has the burden of proving by clear and convincing evidence that they do NOT pose a significant danger of causing personal injury to themselves or others by having firearms or ammunition.<br />
<br />
If the Motion to Vacate is granted, the Respondent gets their firearms and concealed weapons permit back if they are otherwise eligible. The agency must remove any reference to the RPO from any computer-based system in which it was entered, including FCIC and NCIC.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Criminal Charges Related to the RPO</h4>
<br />
A person who makes a false statement, which he or she does not believe to be true, under oath in a hearing under s. 790.401, F.S., in regard to any material matter, commits a felony of the third degree. Section 790.401(11)(a), F.S.<br />
<br />
A person who has in his or her custody or control a firearm or any ammunition or who purchases, possesses, or receives a firearm or any ammunition with the knowledge that he or she is prohibited from doing so by a risk protection order commits a felony of the third degree. Section 790.401(11)(b), F.S.<br />
<br />
<h4>
RPO Statistics by County</h4>
<br />
The Summary Reporting System for Risk Protection Orders by county from March 2018 through February 2019, as reported by OSCA: Research, Statistics, and Evaluation Data as of April 1, 2019, shows:<br />
<ul>
<li>Pinellas County had 228 Final RPO hearings (223 granted, 1 denied, 4 missing).<br />
<ul>
<li>99.56% of the written orders granted the Final RPO.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Polk County had 233 Final RPO hearings (210 granted, 23 denied, 0 missing).<br />
<ul>
<li>89% of the written orders granted the Final RPO.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Hillsborough County had 76 Final RPO hearings (67 granted, 1 denied, 8 missing).<br />
<ul>
<li>98.5% of the written orders granted the RPO.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
Throughout Florida, there were 1,359 Final RPO hearings (with 9 counties reporting the statistics from March of 2019). <b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>Disclaimer</b> <b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>Nothing in this article is intended to be legal advice. Being served with a Petition for an RPO is a serious matter that might come with a lifetime of consequences since the petition could theoretically be extended for the rest of the Respondent's life.</b> <b> </b> <b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>If you need legal advice about a TRPO and RPO, seek out the services of an experienced defense attorney.</b></div><div><br />
<b>Footnotes</b><br />
<br />
[1] The United States Supreme Court has explained the doctrine of “vagueness” as follows:<br />
<br />
"It is a basic principle of due process that an enactment is void for vagueness if its prohibitions are not clearly defined. Vague laws offend several important values.<br />
<br />
First, because we assume that man is free to steer between lawful and unlawful conduct, we insist that laws give the person of ordinary intelligence a <b>reasonable opportunity to know what is prohibited</b>, so that he may act accordingly. Vague laws may trap the innocent by not providing fair warning.<br />
<br />
Second, if arbitrary and discriminatory enforcement is to be prevented, laws must provide explicit standards for those who apply them. A vague law <b>impermissibly delegates</b> basic policy matters to policemen, judges… for resolution on an ad hoc and subjective basis, with the attendant dangers of arbitrary and discriminatory application.<br />
<br />
Third, …where a vague statute “abut[s] upon sensitive areas of basic First Amendment freedoms,” it “operates to <b>inhibit the exercise of those freedoms</b>.” Uncertain meanings inevitably lead citizens to “ ‘steer far wider of the unlawful ones' ... than if the boundaries of the forbidden areas were clearly marked.” <i>Grayned</i><i> v. City of Rockford</i>, 408 U.S. 104, 108–09, 92 S.Ct. 2294, 2298–99, 33 L.Ed.2d 222 (1972) (footnotes omitted).<br />
<br />
<span class="Text Intro Justify">[2] Pre-trial discovery is available for domestic violence in injunction proceedings as set out in the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedures. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="Text Intro Justify">According to the 2017 Florida’s Domestic Violence Benchbook, under Rule 12.010(a)(1), the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure apply to domestic, repeat, dating, and sexual violence, and stalking proceedings. Pre-trial discovery is available in these types of injunction cases including:</span> <br />
<ul>
<li>depositions (rule 12.290);</li>
<li>interrogatories (rule 12.340);</li>
<li>production of documents (rule 12.350);</li>
<li>examination of persons (rule 12.360); and</li>
<li>requests for admission (rule 12.370).</li>
</ul>
*The mandatory disclosure required under Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.285 for most family law cases is not available in domestic, repeat, dating, and sexual violence, or stalking injunction proceedings.<br />
<br />
<i>This article was last updated on Friday, May 24, 2019.</i><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhecaD5-ylZxi_28EhnBmkIaIDQ3UotoUbazFglBgzr68onaRVAGneGZMZoFjGzfmu9ocNAGP-TG86Q62ZPCl0jwBAYR-QcZMy_EbruZTb4yGptlkzkCNt4qlNAz6fgl6mkQbnzODozXc8/s1600/RPO+Risk+Protection+Order+Pinellas+County+FL+Attorney.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1180" data-original-width="1240" height="608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhecaD5-ylZxi_28EhnBmkIaIDQ3UotoUbazFglBgzr68onaRVAGneGZMZoFjGzfmu9ocNAGP-TG86Q62ZPCl0jwBAYR-QcZMy_EbruZTb4yGptlkzkCNt4qlNAz6fgl6mkQbnzODozXc8/s640/RPO+Risk+Protection+Order+Pinellas+County+FL+Attorney.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<i> </i> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div></div></div>Leslie Sammishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03399316231336533093noreply@blogger.com0Tampa, FL, USA27.950575 -82.45717760000002327.501914 -83.102624600000027 28.399236000000002 -81.811730600000018tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034526698581235224.post-48950326715559034292018-06-09T21:10:00.000-04:002018-06-09T21:10:14.529-04:00Can the Court Award Attorney Fees in a Domestic Violence Injunction Case?Florida law creates a cause of action for an injunction for protection against domestic violence. A family or household member, who is either the victim of domestic violence or has reasonable cause to believe he or she is in imminent danger of becoming a victim of domestic violence, may petition for an injunction for the protection against domestic violence under Florida Statute Section 741.30.<br />
<br />
Under Florida Statute Section 741.30(5)(a), if the court finds there is an immediate and present danger of domestic violence, it may grant a temporary injunction, pending a full hearing. Following a full hearing, if the court determines the petitioner is the victim of domestic violence or is in imminent danger of becoming a victim of domestic violence, the court may enter a final injunction.<br />
<br />
If you were recently served with a petition for injunction against violence, then contact an experienced attorney at the Sammis Law Firm. We can help you fight false or exaggerated allegations. Call 813-250-0500.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Reasons the Court Might Award Attorney Fees</h4>
<br />
As a practical matter, it is difficult to get attorney fees in a typical domestic violence injunction case even when the respondent shows that that the allegations were false or exaggerated. The court is more likely to award attorney fees as a sanction when the petitioner engages in litigation misconduct by failing to appear for a deposition or otherwise intentionally frustrating the discovery process in the case.<br />
<br />
<br />
Either way, when the respondent is awarded attorney fees, it is often a way for the record to show that the original claim was without merit, especially since an injunction for protection can never be sealed or expunged.<br />
<br />
At the Sammis Law Firm, we are prepared to file a motion for attorney fees when we represent a respondent who prevails at a hearing or because the petitioner voluntarily dismisses the action prior to the hearing.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Attorney Fees under Section 57.105, F.S.</h4>
<br />
When appropriate, we can help you file a claim for attorney fees under Section 57.105, F.S., which authorizes the court to award reasonable attorney’s fees when the court finds the losing party or the losing party’s attorney should have known that a claim or defense presented to the court or at trial was either:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>not supported by the material facts necessary to establish the claim or defense; or</li>
<li>would not be supported by the application of then-existing law to those material facts.</li>
</ol>
<br />
The Florida Supreme Court recently held that section 57.105 does not prohibit awarding attorney's fees in a section 784.046 action for dating violence, repeat violence, and sexual violence injunction proceedings under section 784.046, Florida Statutes. <i>Lopez v. Hall</i>, 233 So. 3d 451, 452 (Fla. 2018).<br /><br />
Prior to this decision, courts often found that there was no statutory authority to award attorney fees as sanctions in domestic violence proceedings because Section 741.30, F.S., did not expressly allow the award of attorney fees in domestic violence injunction hearings.<br />
<br />
Now, however, Florida law is clear that the court does have the authority to order the petitioner to pay the respondent's reasonable attorney fees under Section 57.105 when the elements of that statute are satisfied.<br />
<br />
Section 57.105, Florida Statutes, provides in pertinent part:<br /><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
(1) Upon the court's initiative or motion of any party, the court shall award a reasonable attorney's fee, including prejudgment interest, to be paid to the prevailing party in equal amounts by the losing party and the losing party's attorney on any claim or defense at any time during a civil proceeding or action in which the court finds that the losing party or the losing party's attorney knew or should have known that a claim or defense when initially presented to the court or at any time before trial: </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
(a) Was not supported by the material facts necessary to establish the claim or defense; or </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
(b) Would not be supported by the application of then-existing law to those material facts.... </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
(6) The provisions of this section are supplemental to other sanctions or remedies available under law or under court rules.</blockquote>
<h3>
Attorney for Domestic Violence Injunction Cases in Tampa, FL</h3>
If you were served with a petition for an injunction for protection against domestic violence, dating violence, repeat violence, sexual violence, or stalking, then contact an experienced attorney who is focused on representing respondent facing false allegations.<br />
<br />
We represent respondents who are accused of false allegations in an injunction for protection case in the courtrooms in Tampa and Plant City in Hillsborough County, FL.<br />
<br />
We also represent clients in protective order hearings throughout the greater Tampa Bay area including Hernando County, Pasco County, Pinellas County, and Manatee County, FL.<br />
<br /><i>
This article was last updated on Friday, June 8, 2018.</i><br />
Leslie Sammishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03399316231336533093noreply@blogger.com0Tampa, FL, USA27.950575 -82.45717760000002327.501914 -83.102624600000027 28.399236000000002 -81.811730600000018tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034526698581235224.post-40575108581480987652018-01-24T22:20:00.000-05:002018-01-24T23:30:49.115-05:00Proposed Changes to Florida’s Theft Laws - 2018 HB 713Approximately 7,000 people in Florida prisons are incarcerated for theft crimes. Our of those inmates, 603 are incarcerated for petit theft enhanced due to two or more prior theft convictions; 53 are incarcerated for retail theft of $300 or more; and 1,136 are incarcerated for grand theft of $300 or more but less than $5,000.<br />
<br />
Legislation pending in the Florida House of Representatives, 2018 HB 713, might lower those numbers in the future by amending 812.014, F.S. and s. 812.015, F.S. The proposed legislation would increase the minimum threshold values for property theft crimes effective on July 1, 2018.<br />
<br />
If the bill becomes law, it would be the first time the threshold for grand theft has been raised in 32 years. Other than Florida, only four other states have monetary thresholds of $500 or less for grand theft. Across the country, at least 26 states have increased the monetary value threshold in the last 14 years. In fact, nine states have raised it twice between 2003 and 2015.<br />
<br />
Although the Florida Retail Federation is opposed to the new legislation, the new legislation is supported by the Florida Public Defender Association and the Florida Families Against Mandatory Minimums.<br />
<br />
Although some argue that raising the felony theft threshold might incentivize people to steal more, recent studies have show that states that have changed the thresholds didn't see any increase in the number of thefts being committed or the value of property being stolen.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Attorneys for Theft Crimes in Tampa, FL</h3>
<br />
The attorneys at Sammis Law Firm represent men and women charged with <a href="https://www.criminaldefenseattorneytampa.com/grand-theft/" target="_blank">grand theft crimes throughout Tampa</a> and Hillsborough County, FL. We pay attention to pending legislation that impacts criminal cases in Florida.<br />
<br />
Call us to discuss any criminal investigation for shoplifting, grand theft, scheme to defraud, or other related crimes. We can help you understand the charges pending against you, the potential penalties and the best ways to fight the charges.<br />
<br />
Call us for more information at 813-250-0500.<br />
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
A New Classification Scheme for Theft Classifications</h3>
The new proposed theft legislation would make the following changes to the minimum threshold values:<br />
<ul>
<li>Third degree felony grand theft from a dwelling or its unenclosed curtilage would be increased from $100 or more, but less than $300, to $1,500 or more, but less than $5,000;</li>
<li>Third degree and felony retail theft would be increased from $300 or more to $1,500 or more;</li>
<li>Third degree felony grand theft would be increased from $300 or more to $1,500 or more;</li>
<li>First degree misdemeanor petit theft would be increased from $100 or more, but less than $300, to $500 or more, but less than $1,500; and</li>
<li>Second degree misdemeanor petit theft would be increased from less than $100 to less than $500.</li>
</ul>
The purposed legislation to change Florida’s theft laws would also deletes several items from the list of property. For items on this list, if they are stolen, Florida law currently makes the crime a third degree grand theft which is punishable as a third degree felony. The proposed legislation also amends the enhancements of the theft and retail theft statutes.<br />
<br />
When the Criminal Justice Impact Conference (CJIC) considered a similar bill, SB 928, on January 8, 2018, it determined that the bill will reduce the need for prison beds by more than 25 beds. The biggest impact would be in the county jails throughout the State of Florida.<br />
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
What is the Definition of Theft and Retail Theft in Florida?</h3>
A person commits theft if he or she knowingly obtains or uses, or endeavors to obtain or use, the property of another with intent to, either temporarily or permanently:<br />
<ul>
<li>Deprive the other person of a right to the property or a benefit from the property; or</li>
<li>Appropriate the property to his or her own use or to the use of any person not entitled to the use of the property.</li>
</ul>
A person commits retail theft (often called “shoplifting”) when he or she does any of the following with the intent to deprive a merchant of possession, use, benefit, or full retail value of property:<br />
<ul>
<li>Removing a shopping cart, with intent to deprive the merchant of possession, use, benefit, or full retail value;</li>
<li>Transferring merchandise from one container to another;</li>
<li>Altering or removing a label, universal product code, or price tag; and</li>
<li>The taking possession of or carrying away of merchandise, property, money or negotiable documents.</li>
</ul>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
How are Theft Crimes Currently Categorized in Florida?</h3>
Thefts are categorized as misdemeanors or felonies under s. 812.014, F.S. Whether a theft is a misdemeanor or a felony can depend on a variety of factors including the value of the property taken, the offender's history of prior theft convictions, and/or the type of property taken.<br />
<br />
Whether the theft accusation is charged as a felony or a misdemeanor depends, in part, on the value of the property allegedly taken:<br />
<ul>
<li>A second degree misdemeanor is punishable by up to 60 days in county jail and a $500 fine. SS. 775.082(4)(b) and 775.083(1)(e), F.S;</li>
<li>A first degree misdemeanor is punishable by up to one year in county jail and a $1,000 fine. SS. 775.082(4)(a) and 775.083(1)(d), F.S;</li>
<li>A third degree felony is punishable by up to five years imprisonment and a $5,000 fine. SS. 775.082(3)(e) and 775.083(1)(c), F.S.;</li>
<li>A second degree felony is punishable by up to 15 years imprisonment and a $10,000 fine. SS. 775.082(3)(d) and 775.083(1)(b), F.S.;</li>
<li>A first degree felony is punishable by up to 30 years imprisonment and a $100,000 fine. SS. 775.082(3)(b)1 and 775.083(1)(b), F.S.</li>
</ul>
<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
Enhanced Penalties for Prior Theft Convictions</h4>
Retail theft (often called “shoplifting”) is punishable as a third degree felony under s. 812.015, F.S. The crime of retail theft for property worth more than $300 can be enhanced to a second degree felony if the person accused of the crime has a prior retail theft conviction.<br />
<br />
A person commits theft if he or she knowingly obtains or uses, or endeavors to obtain or use, the property of another with intent to, either temporarily or permanently:<br />
<ul>
<li>Deprive the other person of a right to the property or a benefit from the property under S. 812.014(1)(a), F.S.; or</li>
<li>Appropriate the property to his or her own use or to the use of any person not entitled to the use of the property under S. 812.014(1)(b), F.S.</li>
</ul>
Section 812.014, F.S., defines and categorizes thefts into misdemeanor or felony criminal violations.<br />
<br />
Whether a theft is a misdemeanor or a felony generally depends upon the value of the property taken by the offender, the offender's history of theft convictions or, in some cases, the type of property taken.<br />
<br />
Offense levels for theft crimes based on property value thresholds are classified as follows:<br />
<br />
For Grand Theft Offenses:<br />
<ul>
<li>≥ $100,000 - First Degree Felony;</li>
<li>≥ $20,000, but less than $100,000 - Second Degree Felony;</li>
<li>≥ $10,000, but less than $20,000 - Third Degree Felony;</li>
<li>≥ $5,000, but less than $10,000 - Third Degree Felony;</li>
<li>≥ $300, but less than $5,000 - Third Degree Felony;</li>
<li>≥ $100, but less than $300 if taken from a dwelling or unenclosed curtilage of a dwelling - Third Degree Felony.</li>
</ul>
For Petit Theft Offenses<br />
<ul>
<li>≥ $100, but less than $300 - First Degree Misdemeanor;</li>
<li>less than $100 - Second Degree Misdemeanor</li>
</ul>
Additionally, s. 812.014, F.S., increases the severity of a petit theft offense if a person has one or more prior convictions. Specifically:<br />
<ul>
<li>A person who has previously been convicted of any theft, who commits petit theft, commits a first degree misdemeanor under S. 812.014(3)(b), F.S.;</li>
<li>A person who has been previously convicted of theft two or more times, who commits a petit theft, commits a third degree felony under S. 812.014(3)(c), F.S.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>Additional Resources</b></div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.floridabar.org/news/tfb-news/?durl=%2Fdivcom%2Fjn%2Fjnnews01.nsf%2F8c9f13012b96736985256aa900624829%2F52f086173e6761638525821a0051988d" target="_blank">Bill would raise the monetary threshold for a felony charge</a> - Visit the Florida Bar News to find an article published on February 1, 2018, about legislation pending in the Florida legislature to change the thresholds for theft crimes and make other amendments to the theft statutes in Florida.<br />
<a href="https://www.jamesmadison.org/publications/detail/stuck-in-the-80s" target="_blank"><br /></a>
<a href="https://www.jamesmadison.org/publications/detail/stuck-in-the-80s" target="_blank">Stuck in the 80s: Time for Reform of Florida's Felony Theft Threshold</a> - Read an article by Lauren Krisai published in the The Journal of the James Madison Institute, Spring 2017.<br />
<br />Leslie Sammishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03399316231336533093noreply@blogger.com0Tampa, FL, USA27.950575 -82.45717760000002327.501914 -83.102624600000027 28.399236000000002 -81.811730600000018tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034526698581235224.post-59746271359645588192017-12-28T20:49:00.001-05:002017-12-29T23:49:17.090-05:00Restoration of Civil Rights through the Judicial ProcessA new bill pending in the Florida legislature would allow a person convicted of a felony to petition the court to restore their civil rights. Those civil rights that would be restored would include both the right to vote and the right to possess a firearm. A felony conviction in Florida comes with a lifetime of consequences including a ban on being able to hold elected office or qualify for an occupational license.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=61766&SessionId=86" target="_blank">HB903 is entitled the "Economic Redemption and Restoration of Constitutional Rights Act.”</a> HB903 would allow a person with a felony conviction to petition the circuit court for the restoration of civil rights including the right to vote or possess a firearm.<br />
<br />
The "Petition for Restoration of Civil Rights" would be considered by a judge after a showing that all terms of the sentence were fulfilled. A prosecutor with the State Attorney’s office would have the right to oppose the petition if the prosecutor believed that the restoration was inappropriate.<br />
<br />
After an adverse decision, the petition would be able to reapply after one year. The bill does not apply to the requirements for registration as a sexual predator or a sexual offender.<br />
<br />
If the bill is passed and signed into law, it would take effect on July 1, 2018.<br />
<br />
The problem with the current state of the law is that only the Board of Clemency (which includes the governor and elected cabinet) has the power to restore a felon’s civil rights on a case-by-case basis. Anyone who applies for a <a href="http://www.dc.state.fl.us/restoration.html" target="_blank">restoration of civil rights in Florida</a> must wait up to seven years to apply. The board has a backlog of more than 20,000 cases. As a practical matter, the process is so burdensome and the chances of relief are so unlikely, that only a small percentage of qualified applicants even apply.<br />
<br />
<b>Additional Resources</b> <br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.floridabar.org/news/tfb-news/?durl=%2Fdivcom%2Fjn%2Fjnnews01.nsf%2F8c9f13012b96736985256aa900624829%2F20b45b9f6c60f1a3852581fe004f17bf" target="_blank">Civil Rights through the Judicial Process</a> - Visit the Florida Bar website to find a news article published on January 1, 2018, explaining a new measure that would allow the restoration of civil rights through the judicial process.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.thenation.com/article/this-ballot-initiative-could-restore-voting-rights-to-more-than-a-million-floridians/?utm_content=buffer8c2a6&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer" target="_blank">Automatic Restoration of Civil Rights Citizen’s Initiative</a> -
Destined for the November ballot, a ACLU-backed citizen’s initiative,
the Voting Rights Restoration Initiative, would provide for an
<b>automatic</b> restoration of civil rights and restore voting rights to well
over a million Floridians. <br />
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
<br />
A bill to be entitled<br />
An act relating to restoration of rights; providing a<br />
short title; amending s. 944.292, F.S.; conforming<br />
provisions to changes made by the act; creating s.<br />
944.2925, F.S.; authorizing a person subject to a<br />
legal disability due to a criminal conviction to apply<br />
for relief from such disability; providing exceptions;<br />
providing requirements for such petition; providing<br />
requirements for hearings on such petitions;<br />
specifying requirements for a judgment; requiring a<br />
waiting period after denial of such a petition before<br />
a new petition may be filed; providing for judicial<br />
review; providing for taxation of costs; specifying<br />
that the court must grant or deny a petition in full;<br />
providing that relief from disability restores a<br />
petitioner's constitutional and civil rights;<br />
providing an effective date.<br />
Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:<br />
Section 1. This act may be cited as the "Economic<br />
Redemption and Restoration of Constitutional Rights Act."<br />
Section 2. Subsection (1) of section 944.292, Florida<br />
Statutes, is amended to read:<br />
944.292 Suspension of civil rights.—<br />
(1) Upon conviction of a felony as defined in s. 10, Art.<br />
X of the State Constitution, the civil rights of the person<br />
convicted shall be suspended in Florida until such rights are<br />
restored by a full pardon, conditional pardon, or restoration of<br />
civil rights granted pursuant to s. 8, Art. IV of the State<br />
Constitution, or as provided in s. 944.2925.<br />
Section 3. Section 944.2925, Florida Statutes, is created<br />
to read:<br />
944.2925 Relief from legal disability.—<br />
(1) A person subject to any legal disability, including<br />
suspension of constitutional or civil rights, due to a criminal<br />
conviction may petition the circuit court of the county in which<br />
the person resides or the county in which the person was<br />
convicted for relief from such disability. This section does not<br />
apply to the requirements for registration as a sexual predator<br />
under s. 775.21 or as a sexual offender under s. 943.0435.<br />
(2) The petition must contain the following:<br />
(a) Documentation showing the convictions or adjudications<br />
upon which the petitioner's disability is based, the sentence<br />
imposed and served, and any release granted or other disposition<br />
of each case.<br />
(b) Facts showing the petitioner is a fit subject for<br />
relief under this section. At a minimum, the petitioner must<br />
show that he or she has completed or fulfilled all court imposed<br />
sanctions.<br />
(3)(a) A copy of the petition shall be served on the state<br />
attorney for the county in which the petition is filed.<br />
(b) The state attorney may object to and present evidence<br />
relevant to the relief sought by the petition.<br />
(c) The petitioner may present evidence and subpoena<br />
witnesses to appear at the hearing on the petition. The<br />
petitioner may confront and cross-examine witnesses called by<br />
the state attorney.<br />
(d) A record of the hearing shall be made by a certified<br />
court reporter or by court-approved electronic means.<br />
(e) The court shall make written findings of fact and<br />
conclusions of law on the issues before it and issue a final<br />
order.<br />
(4) The court shall grant the relief sought by the<br />
petition if the court finds, based on the evidence presented<br />
with respect to the petitioner's reputation and criminal history<br />
record, the circumstances surrounding the disability, and any<br />
other evidence in the record, that:<br />
(a) The petitioner has led a law-abiding life since<br />
discharge or release and appears likely to continue to do so.<br />
(b) The petitioner is not likely to act in a manner that<br />
is dangerous to public safety.<br />
(c) Granting the relief is not contrary to the public<br />
interest.<br />
(5) If the final order denies relief, the petitioner may<br />
not petition again for relief until 1 year after the date of the<br />
final order.<br />
(6) The petitioner may seek judicial review of a final<br />
order denying relief in the district court of appeal having<br />
jurisdiction over the court that issued the order. The review<br />
shall be conducted de novo.<br />
(7) Costs of the proceeding shall be charged as in other<br />
civil cases and taxed to the petitioner.<br />
(8) The court must grant or deny the petition in full.<br />
(9) Relief from disability granted pursuant to this<br />
section restores the petitioner to all constitutional and civil<br />
rights to the full extent provided by law.<br />
Section 4. This act shall take effect July 1, 2018.Leslie Sammishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03399316231336533093noreply@blogger.com0Tampa, FL, USA27.950575 -82.45717760000002327.501914 -83.102624600000027 28.399236000000002 -81.811730600000018tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034526698581235224.post-62146443837983400382017-11-22T17:54:00.004-05:002020-07-18T16:24:40.427-04:00How Long Does It Take to Seal or Expunge a Criminal Record in Florida?<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEincD4-AO7rPQEgKBbh7CWiQW48tgPrnt-CSPyLaeHm7idOPAKDI-eJbUJchqUr3-PbQCuK1dRZRI2_tug-9z8Io8aNUQ6V4hd74QR8N0NnS3TbKnnnIsRxvy9VHG8-uOy6CniA7s2H-TY/s1600/How+Long+to+Expunge+Criminal+Record+Florida+Timeline.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1142" data-original-width="1500" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEincD4-AO7rPQEgKBbh7CWiQW48tgPrnt-CSPyLaeHm7idOPAKDI-eJbUJchqUr3-PbQCuK1dRZRI2_tug-9z8Io8aNUQ6V4hd74QR8N0NnS3TbKnnnIsRxvy9VHG8-uOy6CniA7s2H-TY/s400/How+Long+to+Expunge+Criminal+Record+Florida+Timeline.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="text-align: justify;">Update: Effective October 1, 2019, the rules in Florida to seal or expunge a record just changed. </span><span style="text-align: justify;">Out of state convictions no longer matter. As a result, FDLE might start taking less time to process the applications.</span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="text-align: justify;">According to the FDLE website, as of July 17, 2020, FDLE is processing February 2020 applications which is a five-month delay. That delay is down slightly from the 6 month average delay experienced for most of 2019.</span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
During the COVID-19 public health crisis, FDLE's Seal and Expunge section still requires fingerprints from a law enforcement agency even through these agencies have significantly reduced fingerprinting services throughout Florida.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Read more about <a href="https://criminal-defense-attorney-tampa.blogspot.com/2019/10/floridas-new-rules-to-seal-or-expunge.html" target="_blank">Florida's new rules to seal or expunge a criminal record</a>. </blockquote>
<br />
<span style="text-align: justify;">If you want the process to go as quickly as possible, hire an experienced attorney at Sammis Law Firm. Call 813-2500.</span><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: justify;">Under the old rules, the process to seal or expunge a criminal history record took about 9 months from start to finish. Under the new rules, it is taking five months or less for FDLE to issue the certificate of eligibility. </span><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: justify;">This article explains why it takes so long to seal or expunge a record. If someone tells you that your record can be sealed or expunged in less time, ask for that promise in writing with a money-back guarantee because it simply can't be done.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">The sooner you start the process the sooner it will be completed. But t</span><span style="text-align: justify;">here is no way to jump to the front of FDLE's line to get the certificate of eligibility issued. FDLE will process the applications in the order in which they receive it as explained below.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
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By hiring an attorney you can make sure each step is done correctly and as soon as possible. When you come to our office, it takes about one hour for us to complete all of the paperwork while you get your fingerprints taken.<br />
<br />
The attorneys at Sammis Law Firm in Tampa, FL, take seal and expunge cases throughout the State of Florida. We charge a flat fee of $950 which includes all of the standard fees and costs. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Included within this price is our promise to contact all of the data-mining companies like mugshot[dot]com and arrests[dot]com to demand that they remove your mug shot from their website. Because we process so many of these requests, we can save you a lot of stress, aggravation, and money when trying to get the mugshot off the internet.<br />
<br />
Never pay these data mining companies money to remove the mug shot. Instead, get the record sealed or expunged and make sure the attorney you hire is willing and able to make the demand on your behalf.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Some judges require a hearing before they will sign the order to seal or expunge the record. If a hearing is required in your case, we will attend the hearing for you.<br />
<br />
If you are eligible to seal or expunge your criminal record, then contact us to get the process started today. We know how important it is to get it done as quickly as possible. </div>
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Call 813-250-0500 for more information.</div>
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<br /></div>
<h3>
Expunging a Criminal Record in Florida</h3>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
After determining that you are eligible to move forward with expunging your record, the first step in the process is completing the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Application for Certification of Eligibility. We will help you fill out this form so that it is done correctly.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Section A of this application will need to be completed and you must sign the form in the presence of a notary. You can complete this step at our office or we can send you the forms so that you can get it notarized yourself. </div>
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If you come into our office, we will prepare these documents for your signature while you take the fingerprint card to a local law enforcement agency to get the fingerprints taken. The Tampa Police Department is only a few blocks from our office. By the time you get back to our office, all of the other paperwork will be ready for your signature.</div>
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<i><b>Section A of Application</b></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeI156wm3hT1gI1inV7PObHfNL0CUMYiSJSl4payO2cmriU0x_IiC-CD3pC_Ak2oKj7s8Z9WzR2t5HBVgkxsPQN1Mhz8HasVJZ2LCtQwOXB-PhBNeWqNvGoKtKWh8mhLJ_reYrViE1a1g/s1600/Section+A+of+the+Application+for+Certification+of+Eligibility+to+Seal+or+Expunge.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="632" data-original-width="934" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeI156wm3hT1gI1inV7PObHfNL0CUMYiSJSl4payO2cmriU0x_IiC-CD3pC_Ak2oKj7s8Z9WzR2t5HBVgkxsPQN1Mhz8HasVJZ2LCtQwOXB-PhBNeWqNvGoKtKWh8mhLJ_reYrViE1a1g/s320/Section+A+of+the+Application+for+Certification+of+Eligibility+to+Seal+or+Expunge.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: justify;">Once Section A has been completed (and while we are obtaining the necessary paperwork and the client is working on getting their fingerprints taken) we then provide the signed application to the State Attorney’s Office for their review and consideration. </span><br />
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This part of the process provides the State Attorney’s Office with an opportunity to review the application and confirm that the applicant is eligible to expunge the charge or charges listed on the application. </div>
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<br /></div>
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The normal turn around time for this part of the process takes between five to fifteen business days to complete depending on which State Attorney's Office is handling the request.</div>
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<i><b>Section B of Application</b></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGWgM5gtRtLtaKjXBtwM4J9TYa50QInZNG8jFo7mF_md-pOOTIc4MXH5ozyJJPQZ6TIOa2sJFxeNy88JK2XrKaUFC7KH2GCBWurQRZ1NbA9luzeNOzQp_WxMlThyphenhyphenti8FK44whYP9W1DMY/s1600/section+b+state+attorney+fdle+expunction+application+only.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="736" data-original-width="918" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGWgM5gtRtLtaKjXBtwM4J9TYa50QInZNG8jFo7mF_md-pOOTIc4MXH5ozyJJPQZ6TIOa2sJFxeNy88JK2XrKaUFC7KH2GCBWurQRZ1NbA9luzeNOzQp_WxMlThyphenhyphenti8FK44whYP9W1DMY/s320/section+b+state+attorney+fdle+expunction+application+only.png" width="320" /></a><o:p> </o:p></div>
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Once your application is returned from the State Attorney’s Office, we check it carefully to make sure that the State Attorney's Office correctly completed Section B.<br />
<br />
Common errors committed by the State Attorney's Office include not listing all charges that are eligible to be expunged or listing the wrong reasons for approval or denial. </div>
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Once the application has been reviewed, the next part of the process is to prepare and provide the</div>
Florida Department of Law Enforcement with the required documentation.<br />
<br />
This documentation that must be sent to FDLE includes:<br />
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</div>
<ul>
<li>The completed application (with Section A and Section B completed);</li>
<li>The completed fingerprint card; </li>
<li>A certified copy of the final disposition;</li>
<li>A check or money in the amount of $75.00 for the application fee (which we pay out of our $950 fee); </li>
<li>A pre-postage paid envelope for the return of your Certificate of Eligibility once processed. </li>
</ul>
The seal and expunge attorneys at Sammis Law Firm in Tampa, FL, send these documents via Certified Mail so that we have confirmation that it was received.<br />
<br />
This part of the process takes the longest as the turn around time is approximately 5-8 months (from the time the documents are sent to FDLE until the time the certificate of eligibility is returned).<o:p></o:p><br />
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<h4>
FDLE Takes 5-8 Months to Process the Application</h4>
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Waiting for FDLE to process your information and provide you with a response can be stressful. No one wants to wait 5-8 months to learn that they are not eligible or that they need to provide additional documentation. An attorney can help you make sure that you are eligible and that everything is done correctly so that there are no further delays in the process.</div>
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You can also check the status of the application by checking FDLE’s website to confirm the month being processed. </div>
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For example, if you received confirmation that your documents were received by FDLE in June you can check their website to see what month they are currently processing.<br />
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This information can be found at <a href="http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/Seal-and-Expunge-Process/Seal-and-Expunge-Home.aspx">http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/Seal-and-Expunge-Process/Seal-and-Expunge-Home.aspx</a>.<br />
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This article was written on November 22, 2017, and as of today, the FDLE says that it is processing applications from June of 2017. This tells you that it takes at least 5 months just for FDLE to process your application.</div>
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If your application was received by FDLE in June and the FDLE website tells you that June applications are being processed, then you can expect to receive your Certificate of Eligibility back within 30 days (assuming all eligibility requirements have been met). </div>
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Once processed, FDLE will provide you or your attorney with a Certificate of Eligibility which includes the charge/charges you are eligible to expunge. There will also be an 8-digit Identification Number listed in the bottom left-hand corner of the page that will need to be provided to the County Clerk’s Office (for the charge or charges you wish to expunge).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<h4>
Complete the Affidavit to Seal or Expunge</h4>
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The next part of the process is to complete the Affidavit. The affidavit needs to be notarized and the original will need to be provided to the Court. Once we receive an applicant’s Certificate of Eligibility back from FDLE we will then provide them with the Affidavit. </div>
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While the applicant is completing the Affidavit, the cost amount will need to be obtained from the County Clerk’s Office. For seal and expunge cases in Hillsborough County, your attorney will contact the Expungement and Sealing Unit (ESU) of the Hillsborough County Clerk of the Circuit Court by calling 813-276-8100 ext. 3800. The clerk needs to know the case name, case number, and the FDLE Certificate Number before the costs can be calculated.</div>
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Each county in Florida has their own process for obtaining information about the costs for expunging your case. In Hillsborough County, the ESU clerk normally provides us with the cost information within 24-48 hours.<br />
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Prepare the Petition to Expunge and Proposed Order</h4>
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Once costs have been received and the original Affidavit has been completed, it is now time to prepare and Petition to Expunge and the proposed Order. Once drafted, the Petition, proposed Order, original Affidavit, and original FDLE Certificate will need to be provided to the County Clerk’s Office, with a check or money order for the costs, for filing and for the Judge’s consideration.</div>
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Once the above documents have been provided to the Judge it normally takes about 2-6 weeks to receive the signed Order Expunging Criminal Record back. The interested parties listed on the order will also receive a copy, once signed by the Judge. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The interested parties include:</div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">You (or your attorney’s office if you are represented by counsel); </span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">The State Attorney’s Office for the appropriate county where the arrest or prosecution occurred;</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">The Florida Department of Law Enforcement;</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Any </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Arresting Agency;</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">I.D. Section for Sheriff’s Office (this division handles the mugshots).</span></li>
</ul>
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It is important to remember to serve each of the above with a copy of your Petition, proposed Order, FDLE Certificate, and Affidavit as well as making sure they are listed to receive a copy of the signed Order once signed by the Judge.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Once the interested parties receive a signed copy of the Order, they will begin their office’s procedure for removing your information from their databases. For example, your docket information will be removed by the Clerk once the signed Order is received. Your mugshot will be removed from the Arrest Inquiry once your signed Order is received. Once expunged, this information is no longer a public record. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We suggest that if you need any documentation related to your case that you obtain it while the process is being completed. Once completed, you will no longer be able to access any information related to your case unless you Petition the Court to reopen it.<br />
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In order words, before the case is sealed or expunged, be sure to get a certified copy of your final disposition and any other records in the file so you can save them in case you need that documentation in the future. We can obtain these documents for you.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<h4>
Getting Your Mug Shot Off the Internet</h4>
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Here at the Sammis Law Firm, our attorneys demand the removal of your arrest/case information from third party sites once your case has been expunged. We ask our clients to provide our office with a list of any and all URL website links for sites that have posted your arrest information.</div>
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We tell our clients to wait and not pay these sites for the removal of their information because we can typically get the mugshots taken down at no additional cost to you after the seal or expunge order is signed. </div>
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Although we cannot guarantee the removal of the information from these third-party data mining companies, we have become pretty good at getting them to remove the record, usually within a matter of weeks. </div>
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<h4>
How Long Does it Take to Seal a Record in Florida? </h4>
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The process to seal a criminal history record is very similar to the expunction process. Unlike expungements, when you seal the record your application is not provided to the State Attorney’s Office for their review and consideration.</div>
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Instead, the next part of the process is to prepare and provide the Florida Department of Law Enforcement with the required documentation. For this reason, sealing a record takes slightly less time then expunging a record.</div>
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It is also important to remember that once your case has been sealed for a period of 10 years, you can then complete the expungement process to have your case expunged. For example, if the Judge signed the Order Sealing Criminal Record on November 22, 2017, then you can then begin the expungement process to expunge your previously sealed case on November 22, 2027.</div>
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Because a sealed record is very similar to an expunged record for all practical purposes, most people with a sealed record don't bother to expunge it after 10 years. But at least you know that this opportunity is available under Florida law.</div>
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<h4>
Do I Need an Attorney to Seal or Expunge My Criminal Record?</h4>
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Do you need a lawyer to seal or expunge your criminal record in Florida? No, you do not need an attorney to seal expunge your record. You can do it yourself if you want to avoid paying attorney fees (although the cost would remain the same). </div>
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Many of the people that hire us, start off trying to do it themselves only to realize they needed an attorney’s help after losing valuable time. This article explains the process and the benefits of having an attorney help you at every stage of the case.</div>
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The benefits of hiring an attorney to seal or expunge a criminal record include making sure:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>you are eligible to seal or expunge the record in the first place;</li>
<li>all related cases are sealed or expunged so that nothing is missed (especially when a second case might have a different case number but be part of the same incident);</li>
<li>the paperwork is filled out correctly so that no additional delay occurs;</li>
<li>all of the agencies that need to seal or expunge the record receive and process the order correctly; and</li>
<li>data mining companies take down your mug shot off the internet after the seal or expunge is completed.</li>
</ul>
</div>
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<h4>
Conclusion - Finding a Tampa Attorney to Seal or Expunge the Record</h4>
If you need to seal or expunge a record in Tampa, FL, or Hillsborough County, or anywhere in the State of Florida, then contact an attorney at the Sammis Law Firm.<br />
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We know you need it done quickly and correctly. Let us put our experience to work for you. We can start the process today.<br />
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Call 813-250-0500 to get started.</div>
Leslie Sammishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03399316231336533093noreply@blogger.com0Tampa, FL, USA27.950575 -82.45717760000002327.501914 -83.102624600000027 28.399236000000002 -81.811730600000018tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034526698581235224.post-55239644372118296662017-11-05T17:27:00.001-05:002017-11-22T21:48:09.390-05:00Can My Juvenile Record Make Me Ineligible to Seal or Expunge?<div>
<div>
The attorneys at the Sammis Law Firm help people throughout Florida seal or expunge a criminal history record. We charge a flat fee of $950 which also includes everything need to seal or expunge the record. For your convenience, we also contact data mining companies to demand they take down your mug shot from sites such as mugshots[dot com] or arrests[dot com].</div>
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When people call us, they often ask: "Will my juvenile record make me ineligible?" </div>
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The current answer is that if you were "adjudicated guilty" of any of the following offenses in juvenile court, then you are not eligible for the court-ordered process to seal or expunge any other record as an adult. Those offenses include:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Assault, as defined in s. 784.011; </li>
<li>Battery, as defined in s. 784.03;</li>
<li>Carrying a concealed weapon, as defined in s. 790.01(1);</li>
<li>Unlawful use of destructive devices or bombs, as defined in s. 790.1615(1);</li>
<li>Neglect of a child, as defined in s. 827.03(1)(e);</li>
<li>Assault or battery on a law enforcement officer, a firefighter, or other specified officers, as defined in s. 784.07(2)(a) and (b);</li>
<li>Open carrying of a weapon, as defined in s. 790.053;</li>
<li>Exposure of sexual organs, as defined in s. 800.03;</li>
<li>Unlawful possession of a firearm, as defined in s. 790.22(5);</li>
<li>Petit theft, as defined in s. 812.014(3);</li>
<li>Cruelty to animals, as defined in s. 828.12(1);</li>
<li>Arson, as defined in s. 806.031(1); and </li>
<li>Unlawful possession or discharge of a weapon or firearm at a school-sponsored event or on school property, as provided in s. 790.115.</li>
</ul>
</div>
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Currently, if you were adjudicated guilty of one of these offenses, even a misdemeanor, then you become forever ineligible for the once in a lifetime court-ordered process to seal or expunge any other record. </div>
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A bill pending in the Florida legislature would change that, making an exception to this rule if the adjudication of delinquency was for a misdemeanor and more than 10 years had passed.</div>
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<h3>
The Impact of Florida's 2018 CS/SB 298</h3>
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Florida law currently prohibits a person who has ever been adjudicated delinquent of a misdemeanor specified in s. 943.051(3)(b), F.S., from being eligible to have any criminal history record sealed or expunged. A bill pending in the Florida legislature, CS/SB 298, would allow a person who has not been adjudicated delinquent of a misdemeanor specified in s. 943.051(3)(b), F.S., in the past 10 years to be eligible to seek a sealing or expunction of a criminal history record.</div>
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Florida law currently requires a person to have a criminal history record sealed for a minimum of 10 years before seeking an expunction if their criminal history record resulted in a judgment of acquittal or a not guilty verdict at trial. CS/SB 298, if passed, would also enable a person to seek the immediate expunction of a criminal history record associated with a judgment of acquittal or a not guilty verdict.</div>
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If it passed, the proposed legislation would become effective on July 1, 2018, and would increase the number of people eligible to have a record sealed or expunged. </div>
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<b>Additional Resources</b></div>
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<a href="https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2018/00298/?Tab=Analyses" target="_blank">2018 CS/SB 298: Criminal History Records</a> - Read more about changes to Florida's rules to seal or expunge a criminal history record and pending legislation to revise the facts that must be attested to by a petitioner in a statement submitted in support of the expunction of a criminal history record so that an adjudication of delinquency for a specified misdemeanor that is more than 10 years old would not make a person ineligible to seal or expunge another record. The bill is currently pending in the Judiciary.<br />
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<a href="http://criminal-defense-attorney-tampa.blogspot.com/2017/11/how-long-does-it-take-to-seal-or.html" target="_blank">How Long Does it Take to Seal or Expunge the Criminal Record?</a> - Find out why it takes 6-10 months to seal or expunge a criminal record in Tampa or Hillsborough County, FL. Learn more about why you might need an attorney to help you seal or expunge the record instead of trying to do it yourself to save money.</div>
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<h4>
Finding Tampa Attorneys to Seal or Expunge a Criminal Record</h4>
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If you want to seal or expunge a criminal record through the court ordered process described in Section 943.0582, F.S., then give us a call to determine if you might be eligible. </div>
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We also represent clients in other types of processes to seal or expunge a criminal record including the administrative expunction explained in Section 943.0585, or the juvenile diversion expunction described in Section 943.0585(5).</div>
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Call 813-250-0500 to discuss your case.</div>
Leslie Sammishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03399316231336533093noreply@blogger.com01005 N Marion St, Tampa, FL 33602, USA27.953287 -82.4581688999999762.4312524999999994 -123.76676289999997 53.4753215 -41.149574899999976tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034526698581235224.post-91258312077410574112017-10-20T10:08:00.002-04:002018-01-20T21:29:06.506-05:00Attorneys for Backpage Prostitution String Operations in Polk County, FLIf you were arrested for soliciting a prostitute for a lewd act in a Polk County sting operation, then contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at the Sammis Law Firm. We represent clients in the criminal courtrooms in Bartow, FL, by fighting the case aggressively at every stage.<br />
<br />
Most of these sting operations involve posting or responding to ads on the "dating" section of the Backpage website found at backpage.com. Many of the sting operations occur at a house in an undisclosed location on the Polk County line in Davenport, FL.<br />
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Although many consider "sex workers" to be engaged in the oldest profession, in Polk County, crimes related to prostitution are aggressively investigated and prosecuted. Although these are victimless crimes, law enforcement officers are quick to talk about "human trafficking" even though these cases have nothing to do with human trafficking.<br />
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At the Sammis Law Firm, our four attorneys are experienced in asserting the "entrapment defense." The entrapment defense can be asserted anytime law enforcement officers <i>created</i> the crime and <i>entrapped</i> a person to participate when that person was not otherwise <i>predisposed</i> to engage in any prostitution-related crime.<br />
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The best results in these cases are getting the charges dropped completely by the prosecutor with the State Attorney's Office in Polk County or dismissed by the judge. If the charges are dropped, dismissed, or reduced to a less serious offense such as "disorderly conduct," then you may qualify to seal or expunge any record of the arrest or prosecution.<br />
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Call us at 813-250-0500 for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your case with one of the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Sammis Law Firm. We fight charges related to "soliciting another to commit prostitution" in the criminal courtrooms in County Court in Bartow, FL, and throughout the greater Tampa Bay area.<br />
<h2>
Recent Prostitution and Solicitation Sting Operation in Polk County, FL</h2>
After a week-long undercover investigation, law enforcement officers in Polk County arrested 277 people for soliciting another person to commit prosecution, offering to commit prosecution, or deriving proceeds from prostitution.<br />
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The most recent sting operation was named "Operation No Trick, No Treats" which occurred on or around October 10, 2017, at an "undisclosed" house in Davenport, FL.<br />
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The agencies that participated in the prosecution sting ring include:<br />
<ul>
<li>the Polk County Sheriff’s Office; </li>
<li>the Haines City Police Department;</li>
<li>the Lakeland Police Department; </li>
<li>the Lake Wales Police Department; and </li>
<li>the Winter Haven Police Department. </li>
</ul>
The most common offenses in these sting operations include:<br />
<ul>
<li>offer to commit prostitution;</li>
<li>soliciting a prostitute to commit a lewd act;</li>
<li>use of a 2 way device in a felony;</li>
<li>remaining in structure for prostitution; and</li>
<li>driving proceeds from prostitution.</li>
</ul>
These sting operations are supposed to target "human trafficking" but really just create and manufacture crime by encouraging men and women to engage in prosecution through very aggressive online solicitations.<br />
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The police reports in these cases often say:<br />
<b><br /></b>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>"Polk County Sheriff's Office Vice Unit began conducting a human trafficking undercover operation by targeting subjects soliciting prostitution online within Polk County, FL. This operation is intended to locate and rescue victims being trafficked or sexually exploited by unknown suspects."</b></blockquote>
<b></b><b></b><br />
If that were really the goal, the officers could do a much better job by investigating actual crimes. People that are engaged in human trafficking are almost NEVER caught in these elaborate string operations in Polk County. <br />
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This stated purpose announced by the sheriff's office in Polk County is NOT true because the "uncover" officers don't pose as victims of sexual exploitation at all. Instead, the undercover officers pose as independent, financially secure, sophisticated, educated, attractive, and responsible adults who enjoy an unexpected sexual encounter with a new acquaintance.<br />
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The fact that money exchanges hand is often the last part of the trap and not the real reason the person accused agreed to meet the undercover detective.<br />
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<h3>
<b>Types of Criminal Charges Related to Prostitution Crimes </b></h3>
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When prosecution crimes were investigated during this recent Backpage Escort sting operation in Polk County, the following crimes were charged:<br />
<ul>
<li>51 arrests for advertising as prostitutes online; </li>
<li>209 arrests for soliciting undercover detectives who posted ads posing as prostitutes; and</li>
<li>17 arrests for deriving proceeds from prostitution or other offenses. </li>
</ul>
During the sting operation in Polk County, undercover officers posed as prostitutes or those soliciting prostitutes by posting fictitious ads online or by creating profiles on several different social media platforms, websites, and mobile phone applications.<br />
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In other cases, the undercover detectives responded to profiles and online ads posted by prostitutes. Many of the detectives were targeting transgender people, especially since Backpage now has a "transgender" dating section. The Polk County Sheriff's Office also uses Hispanic and Spanish-speaking undercover officers who pose as prostitutes or johns. <br />
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Although Polk County is famous for these sting operations that draw national media attention, many of the people arrested live outside of Polk County or the state of Florida including people vacationing in Orlando.<br />
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<h3>
The Setup of the Sting Operation</h3>
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In the typical set up for these recent sting operations in Polk County, very attractive undercover detectives posing as a (male or female) (gay or straight) (cisgender or transgender) "john" or "escort" working in an undercover capacity. Traditionally, the female detectives would post fictitious ads online posing as escorts and the male detectives would reply to the escort ads on Backpage. Recent sting operations have focused more on gay, bi-sexual and transgender ads.<br />
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Because EVERYONE living in Polk County knows about these string operations, the detectives will often target people living in other parts of the state or people visiting the Orlando area on vacation. As a result, only unsophisticated participants are caught in the trap and actual sex workers and experienced johns known better.<br />
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The suspect in these cases will be arrested inside the residence in Polk County, FL, where audio and video recording devices were used to record parts of the investigation. Each suspect is supposed to be read their rights per a Miranda card before a recorded interview is conducted.<br />
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In this most recent sting operation for prostitution in Davenport, FL, a total of 31 law enforcement officers and one analyst were involved in the set up including:<br />
<ul>
<li>one captain</li>
<li>one lieutenant</li>
<li>four sergeants</li>
<li>twenty-four detectives </li>
<li>one civilian analyst</li>
</ul>
<div>
This list of participants including two technical services detectives, nine detectives handling and processing evidence and charging documents, four detectives handling take down arrests, two detective working as scribes, four detectives on perimeter surveillance, three detectives handling vehicle impounds, one detective deputy transporting prisoners, one detention deputy sheriff handling suspect book in and one undercover detective for each case.</div>
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<h3>
Entrapment in Soliciting a Prostitute for a Lewd Act</h3>
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When an unsuspecting "john" replies to a fictitious escort ad, the undercover officers AGGRESSIVELY seeks out a meeting at a nice house in Davenport, FL. The undercover officers will flirt, laugh, engage in small talk, tell stories, and do anything possible to convince the "john" to meet, sometimes during hours of phone calls or text messaging. </div>
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Although the "john" might not be predisposed to actual meet, the Polk County Sheriff's Office has become very good at setting this trap and entrapping the most unsophisticated participants. If you ask me, these are not men who usually engage in such behavior because if they had any experience with an actual prostitute, they would immediately know that these scenarios are an obvious undercover police sting operation. </div>
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As a result of this wide net being cast, only those people unfamiliar with the sex industry are unlucky enough to participate in meeting the pretty lady that is suddenly showing them a lot of attention.</div>
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When the "john" arrives at the string operation in Davenport, FL, he will enter the house. Once inside the residence, the undercover officer will attempt to entrap the suspect into soliciting an engagement in protected sexual intercourse or oral sex in exchange for a specific amount of money.</div>
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The police report ALWAYS says that there was an agreement for a specific sex act in exchange for a specific amount of money, but when listening to the tapes over the years, we often discover that no real agreement was ever reached.</div>
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Then detectives will enter the room and place the "john" under arrest and bring him to second location where he is interrogated. In this room, the pre-Miranda conversations are rarely recorded. Over the years, we have seen many cases in which the detectives go out of their way to make promises and threats before turning on the recorder.</div>
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Post-Miranda, many of these suspects break down and confesses under the pressure. Officers are specifically looking for any type of statements that would interfere with an entrapment defense such as "I've done this before" or "I've thought about doing this before."</div>
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Although rarely are those statements enough to defeat an entrapment defense that on this occasion the suspect would not have engaged in the activity "but for" the extra efforts of the undercover detective and team of law enforcement officers that manufacture the crime.</div>
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Instead of being issued a notice to appear in court so that the suspect can be released at the scene, the Polk County Sheriff's Office always makes a formal arrest and books the suspect into the jail with a mug shot. The Polk County Sheriff's Office then goes out of its way to drum up as much media attention as possible in these cases.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
The news media participates in the shenanigans by pretending that these sting operations are for some purpose other than getting publicity for the Polk County Sheriff, embarrassing the accused, and collecting the $5,000 fine, exaggerated costs of investigation, costs of prosecution, court costs, impound fees (because they always impound the suspect's vehicle) and other related expenses. </div>
<h4>
Definitions Related to Prostitution</h4>
Prostitution is defined as the practice or occupation of engaging in sexual activity with someone for payment. One of the preferred terms for sex workers is "call girl" which often refers to a female prostitute who accepts appointments and has a higher income clientele. Other terms considered derogatory in the sex industry include the word "streetwalker," "hooker," "woman of the night," "working girl," "tart," or "harlot."<br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
More and more, sex workers are advertising online on social media sights such as Facebook or online billboards such as Backpage. Many of these sex workers are moving online entirely by using video and other electronic communications although those crimes are rarely prosecuted.<br />
<br />
Should prostitution be a crime? We believe the answer is "no." Law enforcement officers have better ways to spend their resources. Unfortunately, in Polk County, the sheriff's officer creates these sting operations which often entrap people into committing crimes that they are not predisposed to commit.<br />
<br />
<h4>
<b>Additional Resources on Prostitution </b></h4>
<br />
<a href="http://www.polksheriff.org/NewsRoom/News%20Releases/Pages/10-17-2017OperationNoTricks,NoTreats.aspx" target="_blank">Recent Press Release for Prostitution Sting Operation in Polk County, FL</a> - Read the press release dated October 17, 2017, from the Polk Sheriff’s Office News Release on “Operation No Tricks, No Treats” Sheriff's Office New Release. The sting operation involving posting and responding to ads on the Backpage website found at backpage.com.<br />
<br />
_____________________________________________________________________________<br />
<br />
<i>This blog article was last updated on Friday, January 19, 2018.</i>Leslie Sammishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03399316231336533093noreply@blogger.com0255 N Broadway Ave, Bartow, FL 33830, USA27.8975975 -81.8442519000000172.3755629999999996 -123.15284590000002 53.419632 -40.535657900000018tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034526698581235224.post-4990284387490573652017-08-24T19:50:00.000-04:002017-12-04T19:44:07.213-05:00Is ATF Coming for your Guns because of a Prohibited Firearm Transactions?If you acquired or attempted to acquire a firearm from a federally licensed firearm dealer (FFL) and failed the background check, then you might receive a call from an ATF agent after the non approval or conditional non approval. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you deal with resolving the issue as quickly as possible, including filing an appeal of the non-approval under the procedures outlined in Chapter 11C-8, Florida Administrative Code. We can also speak to any ATF agent that comes looking for your firearms so that you do not end up making statements that can be used against you in a criminal prosecution.<br />
<br />
Call an attorney before making any statement to an ATF agent that can be used against you. Better yet, don't take possession of a firearm after a conditional non approval. ATF agents are taking very creative approaches in these cases and their approach can vary widely from one field office to another.<br />
<br />
The ATF Agent might also serve you with a letter entitled “Warning Notice of Prohibited Firearm Transaction” from the ATF Resident Agent in Charge. The letter is an indication that the AFT believes you were prohibited from receiving or possessing a firearm because of an indictment, a pending felony charge, a conviction for a felony, an allegation that you are a current user of an illegal narcotic (drug), or other firearm disabilities under Federal Law.<br />
<br />
The number of warning notices being issued has increased dramatically. The ATF has recently become more aggressive in investigating possible violations of federal firearm laws, particularly after a person attempts to purchase a firearm from a federally licensed firearm dealer (FFL) and doesn’t pass the background check after a non approval or conditional non approval.<br />
<br />
In fact, recent federal grants are funding new "comprehensive gun crime reduction strategies" using ATF agents. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is a government agency responsible for enforcing the firearm laws at the federal level.<br />
<br />
If you live in the Tampa Bay area, then an attorney at Sammis Law Firm can help you understand the law so that you avoid any prohibited acts, understand your rights to contest a wrongful action, illegal seizure or forfeiture of your firearm.<br />
<br />
Nothing in this article should be considered to be legal advice. If you are suspected of a prohibited firearm transaction, you need a criminal defense attorney to represent you so that you understand whether an illegal transaction actually occurred, how to avoid a further accusation by coming into compliance with the law, or what to do if you have been falsely accused.<br />
<br />
Before the ATF agent comes knocking on your door, call us at 813-250-0500 to schedule a consultation to discuss your case.<br />
<h2>
What is a Federally Prohibited Firearm Transaction?</h2>
The "Warning Notice of Prohibited Firearm Transaction" official notifies you that, because of the felony indictment, conviction, or other prohibiting federal firearm disability, Federal law prohibits you from receiving or possessing a firearm or ammunition and from providing false information to an FFL during the acquisition or attempted acquisition of a firearm or ammunition.<br />
<br />
For example, 18 U.S.C. § 922[g](1)- (9) prohibits certain individuals from possessing firearms, ammunition, or explosives. The penalty for violating this federal law is ten years imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine.<br />
<br />
Specifically, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1-9) prohibits the following from possessing, shipping/ transporting, or receiving any firearm or ammunition:<br />
<ol>
<li>a person convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year (a felony offense);</li>
<li>a person who is a fugitive from justice (this could include having an outstanding arrest warrant or a capias after a failure to appear in court);</li>
<li>a person who is an unlawful user of or who is addicted to a controlled substance (ATF sometimes takes the position that this can be demonstrated by a recent conviction or withhold of adjudication for a drug charge including misdemeanor possession of marijuana or even obtaining a medical marijuana card if the person also makes statements admitting the narcotics use);</li>
<li>a person who has been adjudicated as a mental defective or who has been admitted to a mental institution;</li>
<li>an alien who is unlawfully in the United States or who has been admitted to the United States under a nonimmigrant visa;</li>
<li>a person who has been discharged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions;</li>
<li>a person who, having been a citizen of the United States, renounces his citizenship;</li>
<li>a person subject to a court order that was issued after a hearing in which the person participated, which order restrains the person from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner or partner’s child, and which order includes a finding that the person is a credible threat to such partner or partner’s child, or by its terms prohibits the use, attempted use or threatened use of such force against such partner or partner’s child (sometimes called an injunction for protection);</li>
<li>a person who has been convicted of any misdemeanor crime of domestic violence (sometimes even if the court did not officially designate the offense as “domestic violence”).</li>
</ol>
<h3>
What is Possession of a Firearm?</h3>
Under federal law, the possession of a firearm may be either actual or constructive. The term "actual possession" includes holding the firearm in your hand or a bag that you are carrying.<br />
<br />
The term "constructive possession" can cover a far broader range of activity. The courts have defined constructive possession to include: knowingly [having] the power and intention at a given time of exercising dominion and control over the object or over the area in which the object is located....” <em>See U.S. v Booth</em>, 111 F.3d 2 (1st Cir. September 1997).<br />
<br />
In other words, if you know the firearm is present in your residence, vehicle, or business, and if it can be shown that you have the ability to access and exercise control over that firearm personally or through another individual, then you might be considered to have constructive possession of the firearm. Under these conditions, you could be subjected to new criminal charges.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Prohibitions Against Making False Statements to a FFL</h3>
Title 18, Chapter 44 U.S.C., Section 922(a)(6) and 924(a)(1)(A), provide that it is unlawful for any person to make a false statement to a federally licensed firearm dealer (FFL), when acquiring or attempting to acquire a firearm or ammunition.<br />
<br />
For example, it is unlawful to misrepresent on a Firearms Transaction Record Part 1 - Over-the-Counter, ATF Form 4473, that you are not prohibited from receiving or possessing a firearm by answering “No” throughout Question 11, or making any other false representations.<br />
<br />
For example, one question provides:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Are you an unlawful user of, or addicted to, marijuana or any depressant, stimulant, narcotic drug, or any other controlled substance? Warning: The use or possession of marijuana remains unlawful under Federal law regardless of whether it has been legalized or decriminalized for medicinal or recreational purposes in the state where you reside.</blockquote>
If federal law enforcement priorities shift in the future, the ATF could start taking the firearms of anyone who has recently admitted to using marijuana or obtains a medical marijuana card, even if the use of cannabis is legal under state law.<br />
<h3>
Penalties for a Prohibited Firearm Transaction</h3>
Under Title 18, Chapter 44 U.S.C. Sections 922(g), 922(n), 922(a)(1)(A), 924(a)(2), any person under a Federal firearms disability who acquires a firearm or ammunition or who makes a false statement or misrepresentation to a FFL when acquiring a firearm or ammunition may be imprisoned for up to ten (10) years and/or fined up to $250,000.<br />
<h4>
Consequences of Getting the Warning Notice</h4>
If you receive this prohibited firearm transaction notice, then the ATF is taking the position that you are prohibited from receiving or possessing a firearm or ammunition because of your prior conviction or other Federal firearms disability.<br />
<br />
<h5>
Options to Resolve the Prohibited Firearm Transaction</h5>
If you are currently in possession of a firearm and/or ammunition that you receive while under Federal firearms disability, then you have three options:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Hire an attorney who can tell the ATF agent where the firearms are located, don’t go to the location until the firearms have been seized by the ATF (or do anything else to “possess” the firearms until they have been seized) and then contest the forfeiture of the firearm and/or ammunition;</li>
<li>Voluntarily provide the firearm and/or ammunition to the ATF or other law enforcement agency and agree not to contest the forfeiture of the firearm and/or ammunition;</li>
<li>Transfer the firearm and/or ammunition, preferably through an FFL, to a third party non-prohibited resident of your State who does not reside in your house and who is not employed by you (this is particularly important if the firearm is expensive); or</li>
<li>Get permission from the ATF to sell (or have someone else sell) the firearm and/or ammunition to a FFL, or arrange for an FFL to sell the firearm and/or ammunition on your behalf.</li>
</ol>
The Warning Notice does not, in any way, prohibit a federal prosecutor from prosecuting you for any criminal offense related to the unlawful firearm transaction.<br />
<br />
Additionally, after you receive the Warning Notice, a future violation is more likely to be investigated by the ATF and prosecuted by a prosecutor with the United States Attorney’s Office.<br />
<br />
<b>Additional Resources</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.atf.gov/tampa-field-division" target="_blank">Tampa Field Division of the ATF</a> - Visit the website of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Tampa Field Division to learn more about its criminal enforcement efforts. Find information on news from the Tampa Field Division News and Reward Notices.<br />
<br />
<br />
Appealing the FFL Non Approval under Chapter 11C-8, Florida Administrative Code - Learn more about the procedures to appeal the FFL non approval after an attempt to purchase a firearm.<br />
<h2>
Attorney to Contest the ATF Seizure or Forfeiture of the Firearm</h2>
If an ATF agent recently seized your firearms because of an allegation that you were involved in a prohibited firearm transaction in the Tampa Bay area, then contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at the Sammis Law Firm.<br />
<br />
We help individuals who have been wrongfully targeted by the ATF. We also help individuals who only recently learned that they are in violation of federal law and want to resolve the issue under the best possible terms. Call 813-250-0500 to schedule an office consultation to discuss your case.Leslie Sammishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03399316231336533093noreply@blogger.com0400 N Tampa St #2100, Tampa, FL 33602, USA27.9477291 -82.45933092.4256946 -123.7679249 53.4697636 -41.1507369tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034526698581235224.post-85997891526331167832017-03-02T22:06:00.001-05:002017-03-02T22:07:58.175-05:00Florida’s Stand Your Ground Statute - the Pretrial Immunity HearingThis article is not intended to be legal advice. If you need legal advice about a criminal accusation involving something that happened in the past, seek out the services of a criminal defense attorney. If you need advice about what might happen in the future, you probably need advice from someone other than a criminal defense attorney.<br />
<br />
These areas of the law are not well settled under Florida law and speculation about what the pending litigation might mean for people facing prosecutions if the legislation is passed.<br />
<h2>
2017 SB 128</h2>
Senate Bill 128, proposed in 2017, might change who has the burden of proof during pretrial hearings to evaluate a defendant’s claim of immunity based on a justifiable use of force under Florida’s Stand Your Ground Statute. Florida law currently provides the defendant a right of immunity from criminal prosecution and civil action if the person is justified in using force.<br />
<br />
In criminal prosecutions, the courts often determine on a pre-trial basis whether immunity should apply. The current statute is unclear about whether the prosecutor for the state or the defense should have the burden of proof during that pre-trial immunity hearing.<br />
<br />
Because of that lack of clarity in the current legislation, the majority of the Florida Supreme Court in <i>Bretherick v. State</i>, 145 So.3d 821 (Fla. 2014) clarified the procedures the court should use. Under that decision, a defendant claiming immunity must prove by a preponderance of the evidence the entitlement to immunity at a pretrial hearing.<br />
<br />
In the dissenting opinion, the court concluded that the Florida legislature intended for the state to have the burden of proof at pretrial immunity hearings.<br />
<br />
The proposed legislation, 2017 Senate Bill 128, shifts the burden of proof to the prosecution in pretrial hearings to determine whether a defendant is immune from criminal prosecution based on a claim involving the justifiable use of force.<br />
<br />
To receive protection, the defendant must file a motion that clearly states the reasons the defendant is immune and alleges the facts on which the immunity claim is based. The bill does not expressly require the defendant be sworn or admit the facts in the motion.<br />
<br />
The bill also requires the state to prove its burden beyond a reasonable doubt. The burden of proof of beyond a reasonable doubt is the same burden of proof imposed on the state in the prosecution of criminal cases. Even if the defense loses on a pre-trial basis, the issue of self-defense can also be raised at trial as an affirmative defense.<br />
<sp><br /></sp>
<sp>Senate Bill 128 also provides that the state must prove its burden by the beyond a reasonable doubt standard instead of the lower standards used during other types of pre-trial hearings.</sp>
<br />
<sp><br /></sp>
<br />
<h3>
The History of Florida’s Stand Your Ground Statute</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
In 2005, the Florida Legislature enacted chapter 2005-27, commonly known as the “Stand Your Ground” law. The Stand Your Ground law expanded the common law Castle Doctrine. The new legislation also changed the defender’s common law duty to retreat.<br />
<br />
The changes to Florida’s self-defense laws were incorporated into chapter 776, F.S., which applies to the justifiable use of force.<br />
<br />
<h3>
The History of the Castle Doctrine in Florida</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
The Castle Doctrine dates back to common law. Florida’s Castle Doctrine establishes that when faced with an intruder, a person had no duty to retreat from his or her home. Instead, under Florida’s version of the Castle Doctrine, the defender had the right to stay in the home and protect himself or herself with force. That force can include even deadly force.<br />
<br />
Florida’s Stand Your Ground statute in 2015, expanded the Castle Doctrine. The Stand Your Ground provisions extended the “castle” to include more than just a residence. Under Florida’s Stand Your Ground statute, the protections also apply to a dwelling, residence, or occupied vehicle.<br />
<br />
In fact, Florida Statute Section 776.013(5), defines a dwelling as a temporary or permanent building or conveyance of any kind, including an attached porch with or without a roof, mobile or immobile, including a tent, provided that it is designed for nighttime lodging.<br />
<br />
The term “residence” is defended to include a dwelling in which a person resides either temporarily or permanently or is visiting as an invited guest.<br />
<br />
The term “vehicle” means a conveyance of any kind, whether or not motorized provided that it is designed to transport people or property.<br />
<h4>
When Do Stand Your Ground Protections Apply</h4>
The Stand Your Ground statute in Florida also created a presumption that a person within these protected areas has a reasonable fear of imminent peril of death or great bodily harm under the following two conditions:<br />
<ul>
<li>the offender must have entered or be in the process of unlawfully and forcibly entering the dwelling, residence, or occupied vehicle or be attempting to forcibly remove a person; and</li>
<li>the defender must know or had reason to believe that an unlawful and forcible entry had occurred or was occurring.</li>
</ul>
The Stand Your Ground law in Florida does not impose a duty to retreat on a person who acts in self-defense in his or her castle and other protected areas. Under Florida Statute Section 776.032(1), the defender will generally receive a grant of immunity from arrest, criminal prosecution, and civil action when those conditions are met.<br />
<h4>
When Do Stand Your Ground Protections Not Apply</h4>
Under Florida Statute Section 776.013, the presumption does not apply under the following circumstances:
<br />
<ul>
<li>if the person against whom defensive force is used or threatened has the right to be in or is a lawful resident of the location and against whom there is no injunction for protection;</li>
<li>the person sought to be removed is in the lawful custody or guardianship of the person against whom the defensive force is used or threatened;</li>
<li>the person who uses or threatens to use defensive force is committing a crime or using the location to further a criminal act;</li>
<li>the person against whom defensive force is used or threatened is a law enforcement officer entering the premises pursuant to an official duty and who identifies him or herself as a law enforcement officer.</li>
</ul>
In fact, under Florida Statute Section 776.013(4), a person who unlawfully and by force enters or attempts to enter a person’s dwelling, residence, or occupied vehicle is presumed to intend to commit an unlawful act involving force or violence.<br />
<h5>
2005 Changes to Florida’s Self-Defense Laws</h5>
Under the 2005 changes to Florida’s self-defense law under Section 776.012(1), a person does not generally have a duty to retreat before using force outside of a person’s dwelling, residence, or occupied vehicle.<br />
<br />
When acting in self-defense or in defense of others, a person does not have a duty to retreat and may use non-deadly force, if the person reasonably believes the force is necessary to defend himself or herself or another against an imminent use of unlawful force.<br />
<br />
Instead, the person may use deadly force, if the person reasonably believes the force is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to himself or herself. Under Section 776.012(2), the common law duty to retreat before using deadly force still applies to a person who is engaged in criminal activity or is not in a place where he or she has a right to be.<br />
<h4>
Standing Your Ground in Defense of Property</h4>
For claims involving acting in defense of property, a person does not have a duty to retreat and may use non-deadly force under the following circumstances:<br />
<ul>
<li>if the person believes that the force is necessary to stop a trespasser’s entry on personal or real property other than a dwelling; and</li>
<li>the belief is reasonable under the circumstances.</li>
</ul>
<br />
Deadly force may be used if the person reasonably believes deadly force is needed to prevent a forcible felony. The term “forcible felony” is defined to include;<br />
<ul>
<li>any felony which involves the use or threat of physical force or violence against any individual specifically including:</li>
<ul>
<li>treason;</li>
<li>murder;</li>
<li>manslaughter;</li>
<li>sexual battery;</li>
<li>carjacking;</li>
<li>home-invasion robbery;</li>
<li>robbery;</li>
<li>burglary;</li>
<li>arson;</li>
<li>kidnapping; </li>
<li>aggravated assault;</li>
<li>aggravated battery;</li>
<li>aggravated stalking;</li>
<li>aircraft piracy; or</li>
<li>unlawful throwing, placing, or discharging of a destructive device or bomb.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<br />
See Section 776.08, F.S.<br />
<h4>
Immunity from Civil Action under Stand Your Ground</h4>
Under Section 776.031, a person who uses force in self-defense as authorized under chapter 776, F.S., is justified for those actions and is immune from and any civil action. Under Section 776.032(3), a defendant to a civil action based on a use of force is entitled to reasonable attorney’s fees, court costs, lost income, and all expenses related to the defense of the action if the defendant prevails in a claim of immunity.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Immunity from Criminal Prosecution and the <i>Peterson</i> Hearing</h3>
<br />
Under Section 776.031, a person who uses force in self-defense as authorized under chapter 776, F.S., is justified for those actions and is immune from criminal prosecution. Under Section 776.032(1), the concept of immunity is supposed to apply to all phases of the criminal prosecution including the arrest, being detained, being charged, or facing a criminal prosecution.<br />
<br />
The Stand Your Ground statute is silent on how to procedurally determine the right to immunity before trial. As a result, the procedures for determining when immunity applies have largely been determined by the courts.<br />
<br />
The courts have recognized that the procedures for claiming immunity are different than the procedures for asserting an affirmative defense. In many cases, the defense will file a pretrial, adversarial motion and the court will set a hearing on the motion to determine immunity. <i>Peterson v. State</i>, 983 So. 2d 27 (Fla. 1st DCA 2008).<br />
<br />
The standard used by some trial courts during the immunity hearing was a showing by a preponderance of the evidence. Even if the court denies the immunity claim, the defense can still introduce the claim as an affirmative defense at trial. <i>Id.</i><br />
<br />
In <i>Bretherick v. State</i>, 170 So. 3d 766, 722 (Fla. 2015), the Florida Supreme Court attempted to clarify the issues by finding that the defense bears the burden of proof in immunity hearings and that the required showing is beyond a reasonable doubt. The dissenting opinion argued:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">By imposing the burden of proof on the defendant at the pretrial evidentiary hearing, the majority substantially curtails the benefit of the immunity from trial conferred by the Legislature under the Stand Your Ground law. There is no reason to believe that the Legislature intended for a defendant to be denied immunity and subjected to trial when that defendant would be entitled to acquittal at trial on the basis of a Stand Your ground defense. But the majority’s decision here guarantees that certain defendants who would be entitled to acquittal at trial will nonetheless be deprived of immunity from trial.</span></span></blockquote>
<i>Id.</i> at 780.<br />
<br />
<b>Additional Resources</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flgov.com/citizensafety/" target="_blank">Governor’s Scott’s Task Force on Citizen Safety and Protection</a> - The task force was convened by Florida Governor Rick Scott for the purpose of reviewing Florida’s Stand Your Ground law. A detailed report was issued by the task force on February 21, 2013, which was before the Florida’s Supreme Court Decision in <i>Bretherick</i>. The report found that all persons who are conducting themselves in a lawful manner have the right to defend themselves and to stand their ground when attacked.Leslie Sammishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03399316231336533093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034526698581235224.post-24781135123992149372016-10-13T08:08:00.000-04:002016-10-13T20:47:00.004-04:00Recent Statistics on Civil Violation Citations for Marijuana in Tampa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBqiLVJqntjb5dQMT0Ms0MM7C90JS4JG1Kh4tkfPrbkHCx8gTD3WhTJ5WfeNo43faQxzGed31gQgnBfrpeecsCMEnCQIuLfxFBTnYeQknw0JPvL18xO4rn3uBw-RSq6UPM-Uy6eXlHlZw/s1600/Statistics+on+Tampa+marijuana+citation+violations.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBqiLVJqntjb5dQMT0Ms0MM7C90JS4JG1Kh4tkfPrbkHCx8gTD3WhTJ5WfeNo43faQxzGed31gQgnBfrpeecsCMEnCQIuLfxFBTnYeQknw0JPvL18xO4rn3uBw-RSq6UPM-Uy6eXlHlZw/s400/Statistics+on+Tampa+marijuana+citation+violations.png" width="262" /></a></div>
Earlier this year, the City Council in Tampa passed a city ordinance, Tampa Code Section 14-62.<br />
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The ordinance attempted to decriminalize the possession of marijuana less than 20 grams and the possession of marijuana paraphernalia. </div>
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The problem is that officers with Tampa Police Department are not issuing the citations in all cases. </div>
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Our last blog article explains why TPD officers are still taking people to jail. In many of these cases, TPD officers are <a href="http://criminal-defense-attorney-tampa.blogspot.com/2014/03/tampa-police-department-is-impounding.html" target="_blank">seizing vehicle</a> so they can collect the $500 civil penalty (with an additional $450 being paid for towing and storage).<br />
<br />
Read more about <a href="http://criminal-defense-attorney-tampa.blogspot.com/2016/10/tampa-code-section-14-62-civil.html" target="_blank">how marijuana citations are issued under Tampa Code Section 14-62</a>.</div>
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In fact, TPD is issuing the citations less than half of the time in these cases. The other half of the time, TPD is still arresting people for a criminal charge under state law. During the last six month period, 409 citations were issued but 529 people were arrested for marijuana.</div>
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People identified as "black" were cited and arrested more often than those identified as "white." During that period 243 black people were issued a civil violation citation for possession of marijuana while only 160 white people were cited for the same violation.<br />
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For those people <i>arrested</i> for misdemeanor marijuana charges during that period, 306 were identified as black and 222 were identified as white.</div>
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I recently obtained a report filed by TPD at the request of the Tampa City Council to address the effectiveness of the program during a six-month period from March 31, 2016, through September 30, 2016. That report provided these statistics: </div>
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<b>ADULT MARIJUANA CIVIL CITATION STATISTICS:</b></div>
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Time Period: <span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;">March 31</span> through <span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;">September 30</span>, 2016.</div>
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1. Total number of citations issued? <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 409</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal;">
2. How many paid civil fine within 30 days? <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>198</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal;">
3. How many had previous citation issued? <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 3</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal;">
4. Racial distribution: <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1-0, A-3, B-243, W-160, U-3</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal;">
5. Ethnicity: <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> Hispanic 27 Non-Hispanic 148</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; min-height: 18px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal;">
Adult Misdemeanor Marijuana Arrests (Charges) Total: <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>529</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal;">
1. Racial distribution: <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1-0, A-I, B-306, W-222, U-O</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal;">
2. Ethnicity: <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> Hispanic 61 Non-Hispanic 359</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal;">
3. Reason arrest instead of citation:</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>a. Other charges: <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 135</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>b. Insufficient ties to Hillsborough County: <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 9</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>c. Prior unpaid marijuana citation: <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 1</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>d. Officer discretion: <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 41</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; min-height: 18px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal;">
Same Time Period 2015 Adult Marijuana Arrests: <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>921</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; min-height: 18px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal;">
Code Descriptors: </div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal;">
I - American Indian / Alaskan Native </div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal;">
A - Asian / Pacific Islander</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal;">
B - Black</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal;">
W - White</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal;">
U - Unknown</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;">Demographic Detail of Unpaid Marijuana Civil Citations</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;">Total 211 records</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Total<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Male<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Female</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;">Black</span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 148<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 120<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 28</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;">White</span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 61<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 42<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 19<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;">Asian/Pacific Islander</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 2<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 1<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;">American Indian/Alaskan Native</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 0</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;">Unknown</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 0<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12px; min-height: 18px;">
<br /></div>
Leslie Sammishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03399316231336533093noreply@blogger.com0Tampa, FL, USA27.950575 -82.45717760000002327.5019215 -83.102624600000027 28.3992285 -81.811730600000018tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034526698581235224.post-1172169486836939262016-10-13T07:16:00.000-04:002016-11-07T12:56:17.995-05:00Tampa Code Section 14-62 - Civil Violation Citation for Marijuana and Paraphernalia<div class="tr_bq">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNVgwmqhAiUfXcvGjQhpmLE7ewsO-7SDDvm7XzB5VSJ0-VdfM1PUP_w9UDRmZaY0RJeM8scOP8DfXlKeUT4MY2QSLcfH8cB3n-AlGRUt0j0NQJFUlgs7pkiQoMgu4q41BvHi49Tm-V1s/s1600/Map+of+Marijuana+Citations+in+Tampa.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNVgwmqhAiUfXcvGjQhpmLE7ewsO-7SDDvm7XzB5VSJ0-VdfM1PUP_w9UDRmZaY0RJeM8scOP8DfXlKeUT4MY2QSLcfH8cB3n-AlGRUt0j0NQJFUlgs7pkiQoMgu4q41BvHi49Tm-V1s/s200/Map+of+Marijuana+Citations+in+Tampa.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map of Marijuana Citations Issued<br />
During the First 30 Days </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px;">On March 28, 2016, the Senior Assistant City Attorney of the Tampa Police Department issued Legal Bulletin #2016-08 dated </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px;">March 28, 2016. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px;">The legal bulletin </span>addressed<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px;"> the new civil citation process for marijuana violations within the City of Tampa. These civil violation citations for marijuana and paraphernalia are issued under </span>Tampa Code Section 14-62.</div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px;">According to the bulletin, it appears the goal of the program is to give the subject an incentive to “modify his [or her] illegal behavior based on the threat of further fines.” </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px;">The ordinance itself states that the purpose of the program is to </span>help<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px;"> a person in possession of marijuana or marijuana paraphernalia to avoid “criminal penalties and [a] potentially life-long criminal record… disproportionate to the severity of the offense.”</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px;"> </span><br />
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12px;">
Read more our next blog article to learn more about why subjects identified as Black are given <a href="http://criminal-defense-attorney-tampa.blogspot.com/2016/10/recent-statistics-on-civil-violation.html" target="_blank">marijuana citations and arrested for marijuana-related misdemeanors more often than those identified as White by the Tampa Police Department</a> under these new procedures over the last 6 months.</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12px;">
I was unable to find any information about racial disparity when TPD decides to seize vehicles pursuant to <a href="http://criminal-defense-attorney-tampa.blogspot.com/2014/03/tampa-police-department-is-impounding.html" target="_blank">Tampa Code Section 14-30 after an arrest for even a tiny amount of marijuana found in the vehicle</a>. Under that section, if you are arrested for marijuana found in your vehicle TPD officers can seize your vehicle until you pay a $500 civil penalty and more than $450 in towing and storage fees. <span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> </span></div>
<h3>
Problems with Tampa’s Marijuana Citation Program by TPD</h3>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12px;">
<br />
From reading the legal bulletin, it appears that one of the biggest problems with the way TPD is implementing this policy revolves around the tremendous discretion given to the officers in the field who decide whether to make an arrest or just issue a citation.<br />
<br />
It would be easier if all TPD officers were just told to issue the citations and never make an arrest for possession of these small amounts of marijuana. Of course, if the officers discover some other criminal offense, then they would still make an arrest for any other crime. </div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12px;">
Instead, the officer has wide discretion to decide whether to proceed with formal misdemeanor arrest and seize the subjects vehicle subject to the payment of an additional $500 civil penalty (along with another $450 in towing and storage fees) in any particular case because: </div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12px;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">if the citizen has failed to pay a previously issued civil citation, then the arrest is processed as usual with an arrest and criminal prosecution for the misdemeanor (so it makes sense to pay the first citation and every subsequent citation within the 30 days);</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">the officer gets to decide if the citizen cannot be released on his own recognizance under SOP 307.2 (which also gives the officer tremendous discretion); </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">the officer can decide to proceed with an arrest as long as the officer justifies that decision with a “legitimate, non-discriminatory reason.” </span></li>
</ul>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">The bulletin makes it clear that the officer gets to name the reason for making an arrest instead of issuing a citation. The memo gives several examples of why an officer might want to make an arrest. The examples used in the bulletin include: </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12px;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">the subject has a recent criminal history involving the illegal sale of cannabis or other drugs (although was otherwise eligible for the citation); or </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">the subject has received several cannabis citations in a short period of time, even when the citations are promptly paid (although was otherwise eligible for the citation). </span></li>
</ul>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">The officers can easily determine whether the subject has an unpaid prior civil citation for marijuana possession by checking the subject’s name in Versadex. The unpaid citation will appear as a general offense report with the offense being “Unpaid Civil Citation.” See TPD SOP 340. </span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> </span></div>
<h3>
Who Is Eligible for the Marijuana Violation Citation in Tampa? </h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12px;">
On April 1, 2016, the Tampa Police Department instituted a civil citation procedure applicable to certain cases where a citizen is found to be in possession of 20 grams or less of marijuana or possession of marijuana paraphernalia. </div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12px;">
Instead of bringing criminal charges under state law, the civil citation will be issued only when: </div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12px;">
</div>
<ol>
<li><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">The officer doesn’t have probable cause for any other criminal offenses except possession of marijuana or possession of marijuana paraphernalia;</span></li>
<li><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">The amount of marijuana possessed is 20 grams or less; </span></li>
<li><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">The subject is 18 years of age or older;</span></li>
<li><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">No other criminal charges are applicable from the same incident; </span></li>
<li><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">The subject is qualified for release on his own recognizance; and </span></li>
<li><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">The subject has no prior unpaid civil citation. </span></li>
</ol>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12px;">
If the subject meets this criteria, then the officer can (but is not required to) issue a civil citation for violation of Tampa Code Section 14-62 in lieu of making a physical arrest or issuing a notice to appear for a misdemeanor charge under state law. </div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12px;">
The Legal Bulletin also explains that whenever the civil citation is used, the subject’s vehicle will not be impounded pursuant to Tampa Code Section 14-30. </div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12px;">
The way I read this legal bulletin, the officer has a huge amount of discretion. The officer can either:</div>
<ol>
<li><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">issue a civil citation for a violation of the city ordinance for 4-62(b) (possession of marijuana) or 14-62(c) (possession of paraphernalia) but not both; </span></li>
<li><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">issue a notice to appear on a misdemeanor prosecuted under state law for misdemeanor possession of marijuana under F.S. 893.13(6)(b) and/or possession of paraphernalia under F.S. 893.147(1); </span></li>
<li><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">make a formal arrest and take the suspect to jail to be formally booked into the jail; and/or</span></li>
<li><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">seize the suspect’s vehicle under Tampa Code Section 14-30 (except the vehicle will not be seized if the civil citation is issued). </span></li>
</ol>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12px;">
<h4>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">What Happens if You Don’t Just Pay the Civil Marijuana Citation?</span></h4>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px;">Under the city ordinance, the fine for the citation is $75 for the first offense and $150 for a second offense. The amount goes up sharply for additional offenses. If you don't pay it within 30 days then you will NEVER be eligible to receive a citation for a future case and instead the officer will be required to either arrest you and take you to jail or issue you a notice to appear in court on the misdemeanor charges. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px;">If you don’t pay the citation with thirty (30) days of the date of issuance, the City Attorney's Office shall forward the original and one (1) copy of the citation to the county court. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12px;">
The civil infraction is punishable by a civil penalty not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500.00). If you don’t want to pay the citation, then you should contest the citation in the county court. The procedures for contesting the citation shall be set forth in the citation.</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12px;">
If a person fails to pay the penalty within the specified period or fails to appear in court to contest the citation, that person shall be deemed to have waived the right to contest the citation. A judgment may be entered against that person for an amount up to the maximum civil penalty.</div>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px;">What Advice if Given to TPD Officers When Making these Decisions?</span></h4>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px;">The legal bulletin provides this information (paragraph breaks were added):</span></div>
<blockquote>
In the typical street encounter, nothing changes up until the time a charging decision is made. As an example, an officer observes a traffic infraction and stops a citizen’s car. As the officer approaches the car, the distinct odor of burning marijuana is detected emanating from within the car. </blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>
The officer explains the reason for the stop and obtains the citizen’s D.L. and registration. The marijuana odor, of course, gives the officer probable cause to search the vehicle and its occupants. The officer should control the scene and ensure his own safety. Obtain backup as necessary and handcuff the citizen(s) prior to searching them or the vehicle. </blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>
Once the search is completed, decide what you have. If the only applicable criminal charge will be possession of 20 grams or less of marijuana and/or possession of marijuana paraphernalia, decide whether the citizen meets the other criteria for civil citation. If so, issue the civil citation charging 14-62(b) (possession of marijuana) or 14-62(c) (possession of paraphernalia) but not both. </blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>
If other criminal charges are appropriate, if the citizen cannot be released on his own recognizance under SOP 307.2, or if the citizen has failed to pay a previously issued civil citation, then the arrest is processed as usual, using the CRA and charging misdemeanor possession of marijuana under F.S. 893.13(6)(b) and/or possession of paraphernalia under F.S. 893.147(1). </blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>
Juveniles found in possession of 20 grams or less of marijuana or paraphernalia will be processed under SOP 313.4 and future Legal Bulletin. </blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>
To determine whether the subject has an unpaid prior civil citation for marijuana possession, check the subject in Versadex. The unpaid citation will appear as a general offense report with the offense being “Unpaid Civil Citation.” See SOP 340 for additional information.</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>
Again, the decision of whether to proceed with arrest under the state statute or with citation under Tampa’s ordinance can only be made after completion of the full investigation and lawful search. A subject with a recent criminal history involving the illegal sale of cannabis or other drugs is not the intended beneficiary of the Tampa program. </blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>
Similarly, a subject who has received several cannabis citations in a short period of time, even when the citations are promptly paid, is not apparently inclined to modify his illegal behavior based on the threat of further fines. </blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>
When officers elect to arrest (even in ROR cases) under the misdemeanor statute, there is a drop down menu in Versadex for recording the reason(s) for the decision not to issue the civil citation in lieu of arrest. When that decision is based on officer discretion, the specific reason must be articulated in an “explain below” box. </blockquote>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
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Tampa Code Sec. 14-62. - Possession of cannabis or paraphernalia.</h4>
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(a) <i>Definitions.</i> <o:p></o:p></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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(1) <i>Cannabis</i> means all parts of any plant of the genus Cannabis, whether growing or not and the seeds thereof. The term does not include the resin or oil extracted from any part of the plant or "low-THC cannabis" as defined in F.S. § 381.986 if manufactured, possessed, sold, purchased, delivered, distributed, and dispensed in conformance with F.S. § 381.986. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="list1">
<br /></div>
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(2) <i>Paraphernalia</i> means any object used, intended for use, or designed for use, in ingesting, inhaling, smoking, or otherwise introducing cannabis into the human body. <o:p></o:p></div>
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(b) Any person who possesses twenty (20) grams or less of cannabis as defined herein except as otherwise authorized by law commits a violation of this subsection. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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(c) Any person who possesses paraphernalia as defined herein except as otherwise authorized by law commits a violation of this subsection. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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(d) A person charged with possession of cannabis under subsection (b) may not be charged with possession of paraphernalia under subsection (c) arising out of the same incident. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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(e) Penalties and procedure. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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(1) The provisions of Tampa Code Chapter 23.5 shall apply to all violations charged pursuant to this section. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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(2) Violation of this section is deemed to be an irreparable or irreversible violation punishable by civil penalty as a Class I offense. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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(3) If the applicable civil penalty is not paid within thirty (30) days from the citation date, in addition to the procedure provided in Tampa Code Chapter 23.5 in the event of such nonpayment, the defendant will no longer be eligible for the alternative enforcement procedures provided by this section. <o:p></o:p></div>
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(Ord. No. 2016-44, § 1, 3-17-16) <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
<i>The attorneys at the Sammis Law Firm, P.A., represent clients charged with criminal offenses throughout Tampa Bay. The attorneys also advocate for the reform of marijuana laws and are proud members of the NORML National Legal Committee (NLC).</i>Leslie Sammishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03399316231336533093noreply@blogger.com0Tampa, FL, USA27.950575 -82.45717760000002327.5019215 -83.102624600000027 28.3992285 -81.811730600000018tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034526698581235224.post-71849232467941083052016-10-12T17:39:00.000-04:002016-10-12T19:49:53.907-04:00Florida Statute 943.0581 for an Administrative Expunction after an Unlawful or Mistaken Arrest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If your arrest was unlawful or by mistaken then the best result in your case is getting the criminal charges dropped and then getting an administrative expunction under<a href="http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0900-0999/0943/Sections/0943.0581.html" target="_blank"> Florida Statute 943.0581</a>.<br />
<br />
These types of expunctions are rare in Florida because a law enforcement agency or prosecutor is rarely going to admit that an arrest was made "contrary to law" or "by mistake." But it does happen.<br />
<br />
Sometimes the officer acts in an unlawful way as determined in an internal affairs investigation into police misconduct.<br />
<br />
In some cases, the State Attorney's Office will drop the case and explain in writing that the reason for dropping the charges is because the arrest was "unlawful" or "contrary to the law."<br />
<br />
If the agency or prosecutor won't agree, then you can file a motion to suppress evidence or a motion to dismiss the charge and convince the judge to grant the motion on the grounds that the arrest was "unlawful" or "contrary to the law."<br />
<br />
The benefits of using the administrative expunction include not using up your once-in-a-lifetime right to seal or expunge a criminal record. Also, if you have previously sealed or expunged a prior record or are not otherwise eligible because you were previously convicted of any criminal offense, then the administrative expunction is the only option available. <b> </b><br />
<br />
After the request is submitted, an Operations & Management Consultant Manager or a Senior Criminal Justice Information Technician with FDLE's Quality Control Section will review the request, along with associated documentation, and determine whether it meets the criteria for an administrative expunction per section 943.0581, F.S.<br />
<br />
If you would like more information about sealing or expunging your criminal record, then contact the criminal defense attorneys at the Sammis Law Firm in Tampa, FL. Call 813-250-0500.<br />
<br />
<b>What is an administrative expunction?</b><br />
<br />
Title XLVII for criminal procedure and corrections in Chapter 943 provides a process to petition for an administrative expunction. The administrative expunction under Florida Statute 943.0581 is different from Florida's other laws dealing generally with the preservation and destruction of public records.<br />
<br />
The legislature allowed the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to adopt a rule pursuant to chapter 120 for the administrative expunction of any nonjudicial record of an arrest of a minor or an adult made contrary to law or by mistake.<br />
<br />
Under Florida Statute 943.0581(2), only a "law enforcement agency" is permitted to apply to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) in the manner prescribed by rule for the administrative expunction of any nonjudicial record of any arrest of a minor or an adult who is subsequently determined by the agency, at its discretion, or by the final order of a court of competent jurisdiction, to have been arrested contrary to law or by mistake.<br />
<br />
Alternatively, an adult or, in the case of a minor child, the parent or legal guardian of the minor child, may apply to the department in the manner prescribed by rule for the administrative expunction of any nonjudicial record of an arrest alleged to have been made contrary to law or by mistake, provided that the application is supported by the endorsement of the head of the arresting agency or his or her designee or the state attorney of the judicial circuit in which the arrest occurred or his or her designee.<br />
<br />
In other words, the chief of police of sheriff himself (or his designee) or the State Attorney (or his designee) must sign the application. <b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>Requirements for the Application for the Administrative Expunction</b> <br />
<br />
When the law enforcement agency makes the request, the agency will often type up a one-page document entitled "Quality Control Administrative Expunction Request." The form is sent to the following address:<br />
<br />
Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)<br />
Quality Control Section<br />
Post Office Box 1489<br />
Tallahassee, FL 32303-1489<br />
<br />
An application for administrative expunction shall include the date and time of the arrest, the name of the person arrested, the offender-based tracking system (OBTS) number, and the crime or crimes charged. The application shall be on the submitting agency’s letterhead and shall be signed by the head of the submitting agency or his or her designee.<br />
<br />
Under Florida Statute 943.0581(6), if the person was arrested on a warrant, capias, or pickup order, a request for an administrative expunction may be made by the sheriff of the county in which the warrant, capias, or pickup order was issued or his or her designee or by the state attorney of the judicial circuit in which the warrant, capias, or pickup order was issued or his or her designee.<br />
<br />
Under the statute, the fact that an application is signed or endorsed under this section is not admissible as evidence in any judicial or administrative proceeding and may not be construed in any way as an admission of liability in connection with an arrest.<br />
<br />
<b>What are FDLE's Procedures for the Administrative Expunction? </b><br />
<br />
In response to Florida Statute 943.0581, FDLE adopted Rule: 11C-7.008 for the Administrative Expunction Procedures. The latest version of the final adopted rule is presented in Florida Administrative Code (FAC): The effective date of the last version of the rule became effective on April 16, 2009. <a href="https://www.flrules.org/gateway/RuleNo.asp?ID=11C-7.008" target="_blank">Rule 11C-7.008</a> for the Administrative Expunction Procedures provides:<br />
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 10.0pt;">(1) Non-judicial records of arrest made contrary to law or by mistake will be administratively expunged by the Department</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">, upon application by the arresting law enforcement agency, or by the person arrested or, in the case of a minor child, the parent or legal guardian of the minor person arrested. An application submitted by the person arrested or the parent or legal guardian of the minor person arrested, shall be supported by the endorsement of the head or chief law enforcement officer of the arresting agency or of the state attorney of the judicial circuit in which the arrest occurred.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">(2) Application for administrative expunction requires either that the arresting law enforcement agency has determined that the arrest was made contrary to law or by mistake; or that a court of competent jurisdiction has entered a final order finding that the arrest was made contrary to law or by mistake.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">(3) An application for administrative expunction must be in writing. If submitted by the arresting law enforcement agency, the application shall be on agency letterhead, and signed by the head or chief law enforcement officer of the arresting agency or his or her authorized designee. An application submitted by the person arrested or the parent or legal guardian of the minor person arrested, must be in writing and must identify the relationship of the person signing the application to the person arrested.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">(4) A supporting endorsement of an application submitted by the person arrested or the parent or legal guardian of the minor person arrested, must be in writing, on agency letterhead, and signed by the head or chief law enforcement officer of the arresting agency or his or her authorized designee or by the state attorney of the judicial circuit in which the arrest occurred or his or her authorized designee.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">(5) An application for administrative expunction submitted by the arresting law enforcement agency, or the supporting endorsement in the case of an application submitted by the person arrested or the parent or legal guardian of the minor person arrested, shall identify the arrest to be expunged by providing the following information. </span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: TimesNewRoman;">Written documents related to administrative expunctions shall make specific reference to identifying information, including:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">(a) Name and Aliases;</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">(b) Sex and Race;</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">(c) Date of Birth;</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">(d) Social Security Number (if available, used for identification – not mandatory);</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">(e) Date and Time of Arrest;</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">(f) Original Charges(s);</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">(g) FDLE Number and FBI Number (if applicable and known);</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">(h) OBTS Number;</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">(i) Reason for Administrative Expunction;</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">(6) <span style="color: black;">If the person was arrested on a warrant, capias, or pick-up order, the request for an administrative expunction, or the supporting endorsement of an application submitted by the person arrested or the parent or legal guardian of the minor person arrested, may be made by the sheriff of the county where the warrant, capias, or pick-up order was issued or his or her designee, or by the state attorney of the judicial circuit where the warrant, capias, or pick-up order was issued or his or her designee.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 10.0pt;">(7) When an administrative expunge application meets the statutory requirements, the Department will notify the arresting agency, which is then responsible for expunging its records of the arrest, and for notifying any other agency to which it provided the criminal history record information that is the subject of the administrative expunction.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">(8) No application or endorsement made under this section shall be admissible as evidence in any judicial or administrative proceeding or otherwise be construed in any way as an admission of liability in connection with an arrest.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">(9) The procedures by which an individual may secure an administrative correction of the criminal history record pertaining to the individual are set out in Chapter 11C-8, F.A.C. Non-criminal arrest records which are mistakenly or improperly forwarded to the Department for processing and retention as criminal history records will be removed as an administrative correction by the Department.</span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 9.0pt;">Rulemaking Authority 943.03, 943.0581 FS. Law Implemented 943.0581 FS. History–New 8-5-92, Amended 3-21-07, 4-16-09.</span></i></div>
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<br />Leslie Sammishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03399316231336533093noreply@blogger.com0Tampa, FL, USA27.950575 -82.45717760000002327.5019215 -83.102624600000027 28.3992285 -81.811730600000018tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034526698581235224.post-43063623464074494572016-08-16T23:47:00.000-04:002016-08-20T19:12:44.764-04:00The Accreditation for Florida's Arson Crime Lab Goes Up in SmokeOn March 7, 2016, the ASCLD/LAB suspended the <a href="http://www.ascld-lab.org/suspension-of-accreditation/">suspended the accreditation</a> of the Florida Fire Marshal Bureau of Forensic Fire and Explosives Analysis (BFFEA) in the fire debris category of testing only.<br />
<br />
This is a big deal because in arson investigations in criminal cases, fire debris samples will be analyzed to determine the presence and identity of any ignitable liquids such as gasoline. When ignitable liquids such as gasoline are identified by the crime lab, this is powerful evidence for the prosecutor that the fire was intentionally set by a person committing the crime of arson. The finding in the lab report often leads to an arrest for arson or insurance fraud. These reports are also used by insurance companies to deny claims for fire damage.<br />
<br />
The lab techs in these cases are called a "senior analyst." The lab tech will extract and analyze fire debris against laboratory procedures including the use of passive headspace concentration and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.<br />
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If the lab identified ignitable liquids in the sample, such as gasoline, when none actually exist, then innocent people can be convicted of arson and other serious felony charges. This type of trace evidence has a significant impact in the way a criminal arson case is prosecuted. Amazingly, from 1992 until 2013, this lab found ignitable liquids were found in 47% of samples. This investigation found that out of a random portion of those samples, the analysis was wrong more than half the time.<br />
<br />
<h4>
The Media Breaks the Story </h4>
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<b>Jarrod Holbrook with Action News recently completed an investigative report on how “Florida’s arson lab loses accreditation, wrongful charges a main concern.”</b><br />
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<b>You can see the story here - <a href="http://www.abcactionnews.com/news/local-news/i-team-investigates/floridas-arson-lab-loses-accreditation">http://www.abcactionnews.com/news/local-news/i-team-investigates/floridas-arson-lab-loses-accreditation</a></b><br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wQstQhiyChs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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The Florida Arson Lab is expected to lose the appeal over the loss of the accreditation. Regardless, the findings will undoubtedly impact many arson and insurance fraud investigations across the State of Florida.<br />
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Criminal defense attorneys will file post-conviction motions to set aside wrongful convictions based on this newly discovered evidence, and many insurance companies will be paying additional claims for fire damage that they denied based on those lab results.<br />
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<h3>
Concerns Regarding the Competency of Laboratory Personnel</h3>
<br />
The investigation was conducted by ASCLD/LAB-International, the organization that provides accreditation to crime labs throughout the country, reported that it randomly tested 26 cases and found 14 in which the lab erroneously found the presence of gasoline, which (according to the report) “indicates concern regarding the competency of laboratory personnel.”<br />
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Despite these findings and the suspension of accreditation, the <a href="http://www.myfloridacfo.com/Division/DIFS/BFFEA/">website for the Bureau of Forensic Fire and Explosive Analysis (BFFEA)</a> still proudly displays the picture of the Bureau Staff holding up their accreditation certificates from ASCLD/LAB International.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggLACMiybA1aFKZrxwCWtZm3xlEjBRqb7njqjwO0IVtI3apzjLTbwNkzOfFwdVSe-MBLPuwuzCEJdFmIU_Q42aIBsTWZNpgbSTk4p8PlRF6WUd2vApr4NvS_zboQGmESUelg8ifK8ZCR4/s1600/Florida+Crime+Lab+accreditation+certificates+from+ASCLD%253ALAB+International.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggLACMiybA1aFKZrxwCWtZm3xlEjBRqb7njqjwO0IVtI3apzjLTbwNkzOfFwdVSe-MBLPuwuzCEJdFmIU_Q42aIBsTWZNpgbSTk4p8PlRF6WUd2vApr4NvS_zboQGmESUelg8ifK8ZCR4/s400/Florida+Crime+Lab+accreditation+certificates+from+ASCLD%253ALAB+International.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<h4>
Carl E. Chasteen, the Chief of Forensic Services at the Florida Arson Lab</h4>
The most amazing part of the story is the one-page letter written on May 7, 2016, by Carl E. Chasteen, the Chief of Forensic Services at the Florida Arson Lab. Ironically, the letterhead he used still had the seal of approval from the ASCLD/Lab-International proudly displayed at the bottom. The Florida’s Arson Lab is a Division of State Fire Marshal / Bureau of Fire and Explosives Analysis of the Florida Department of Financial Services.<br />
<br />
The letter was written to Ms. Pamela Bordner with ASCLD/LAB-International. The letter explained that when Carl E. Chasteen was first apprised of the makeup of this Team of Assessors from ASCLD/LAB-International he thought they would provide a fair and objective review. Carl Chasteen would later complaint to ASCLD/LAB that:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“The allegations should have been kept confidential.”</blockquote>
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It appears that Carl Chasteen kept the findings from judges, prosecutors, and criminal defense attorneys even as cases involving those types of lab reports continued to process through the system.<br />
<br />
<h4>
John J. Lentini with Scientific Fire Analysis, LLC</h4>
<br />
According to Carl Chasteen, the investigation was the result of a complaint by an expert named Mr. John Lentini, who disputed the lab’s determination of gasoline in a sample used in the case against A. Stanley Freeman, who was accused of arson and insurance fraud.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.firescientist.com/">John J. Lentini is an expert in the scientific protocols for fire investigations</a> with Scientific Fire Analysis, LLC, in Islamorada, FL. He is used as an expert by fire investigators, prosecutors, insurance companies, and criminal defense attorneys to conduct fire investigation reviews and causation analysis.<br />
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Mr. Lentini had previously proffered an expert opinion against the Florida arson laboratory’s findings in a particular case concerning a sample on which the lab determined the presence of gasoline. The person wrongfully accused of arson and insurance fraud was cleared, and the State of Florida quietly paid $247,000 in taxpayer money to settle a civil rights lawsuit that followed.<br />
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Thereafter, Mr. Lentini questioned the lab’s work and filed a complaint last year disclosing the inaccurate testing procedures used by the lab.<br />
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In the four-page complaint filed in May of 2015, he concluded:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“I suspect that erroneous identifications of gasoline happen on a routine basis.” </blockquote>
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The allegations were handed over to the Investigations Program Manager for ASCDL/LAB International. Amazingly the organization that gives out accreditation to crime labs essentially agreed with that conclusion and suspended the accreditation.<br />
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<h4>
The Critical Report by the Special Assessment Team </h4>
<br />
In response to Mr. Lentini's complain, Carl Chasteen responded and turned over additional information requested. He was then informed that a special assessment team was being assembled to come to the laboratory and review the complaint and their casework.<br />
<br />
In the appeal, Carl Chasteen expressed his surprise “that ASCLD/LAB would undertake the cost for an assessment of this type….” Carl Chasteen also complained that because of the special nature of this assessment, the representatives from ASCLD/LAB International would not provide him with the type of overview usually provided at an exit meeting.<br />
<br />
Instead, the representatives, Mr. Harry Fox and Ms. Reta Newman (a forensic expert from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office / Director of the Pinellas County Forensic Laboratory), came to Carl Chasteen’s office and indicated that there would be findings against the lab, but they could not provide details at that time. Carl Chasteen states in the letter that he initially thought from the tone of the conversation and items discussed that the report would be “so critical.”<br />
<br />
When he read the report, however, Carl Chasten concluded that it essentially appeared to “repudiate” all of the lab’s work over the years, their “professional reputations” and their “personal character.” According to the letter, he jokingly asked when they left, if he should prepare his resume in the event their report may cause his employers to seek my resignation.<br />
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He said that both laughed and said not to worry. He later found out that he should have worried because according to Carl Chasteen, the report was:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“…full of allegations that make it seem that this is a laboratory full of incompetents and incompetence. The report suggests that ASTM E1618 has all the answers and provides a clear guide which we chose not to follow. The report suggests a deliberate attempt on our part to find and justify ignitable liquids in samples where none exists, that we do not apply correct quality assurance, and controls over our staff.” </blockquote>
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The appeal that he prepared then attempted to “refute each and every point where we have identified criticisms which, in our opinion, were unfounded. On some few points we agree that we can affect improvements to our processes and will propose appropriate corrective actions.”<br />
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The appeal highlights the magnitude of the problem:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
This laboratory processes 3,500 to 4,000 fire debris samples per year. Other than the Ohio Fire Marshal’s Laboratory or the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms Laboratories, we may process more Fire Debris Samples than any other laboratory in the nation. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
As this has been my profession for 37 years, I have personally analyzed over 14,000 fire debris samples and provided technical review of more than 90,000 fire debris samples. I am often consulted by analysts from other laboratories to provide assistance in the interpretation of unusual or difficult samples which I am happy to do without any request for remuneration or notoriety. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
I have been the head of this laboratory since January 8, 1992. I have been intimately involved in the development of the discipline of fire debris analysis. </blockquote>
<h4>
The Problem with GC/MS for Fire Debris Analysis</h4>
According to Carl Chasteen, this is how the problems began:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The introduction of the GC/MS for fire debris analysis opened the door to greater scrutiny. It allowed the analyst to go beyond the total ion chromatogram (TIC) and examine both Extracted Ion Chromatograms (EIC), Extracted Ion Profiles (EIP), and the mass spectra of individual peaks. Improvements in column technology and the gas chromatograph itself improved the ability to better resolve the components in an ignitable liquid. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Laboratories still today have to make a choice to balance the quality of the resolution with the amount of time required per analysis. As a result, while gasoline has been reported as having up to 400 separate compounds, most labs only resolve it to 230 to 280 components. This is a vast improvement since the 1970’s when most labs only resolved gasoline into 25 components. Is it any wonder then that a rate of over 50% of fire debris samples are written up as negative? </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Any laboratory doing their job appropriately will choose to make a negative determination if there is any doubt of an identification. Analysts with only occasional or limited exposure to fire debris analysis rightly need to maintain a very high threshold of confidence and be very conservative in their determinations simply because they lack the experience…. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Each of our analysts see thousands of fire debris samples per year as this is our primary type of analysis. In their training they shadow seasoned analysts for months while they are taught how to perform extractions, how to run the instruments, and how to perform interpretations. After that they must perform a few hundred of supervised casework samples before being allowed to work independently. </blockquote>
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We allow interns and visiting scientists to observe our work as they will often see more fire debris casework in one week here that they may see in an entire year in their home laboratories. Fire debris analysts face a major challenge when it comes to discerning an ignitable liquid from a strong matrix contribution. </blockquote>
In the appeal, Carl Chasteen complains that since the report found the laboratory was in such flagrant violation of accreditation requirements that:<br />
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We find it highly incongruous that all the previous assessments and surveillance visits failed to discern the problems that the special assessment team found by looking at essentially the same quality documents and casework. </blockquote>
Carl Chasteen concludes:<br />
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Either our personnel are the most astute at predicting the actions of an assessment team and at suppressing any problems to keep them from being found, all the prior assessments or surveillance visits were improperly conducted and failed to identify problems and violations of Standards, or that this special assessment team had the ability or bias to find problems where none had been noted before.</blockquote>
The lab is run by Jeff Atwater, the elected chief financial officer. In an effort to restore the lab’s credibility, Jeff Atwater is attacking the motives of the accrediting agency. A hearing is scheduled for Wednesday to fight the sanctions. Apparently, no media will be allowed at the hearing.<br />
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This might not be the only fire arson crime lab with this problem. Mr. Carl Chasteen is a leader in this field, and if his lab has these problems, it is likely that these types of problems are systemic throughout other state-run arson labs. In the appeal he explains:<br />
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I have been a member of ASCLD since 1993 and a member of the ASTM E-30 committee writing various fire debris standards since the same year. I was the original chair of the Technical and Scientific Working Group for Fire and Explosions (T/SWGFEX) holding the position for the first eight years. </blockquote>
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I am still serving as the Vice-Chair of the skeleton of T/SWGFEX and Chair of the Ignitable Liquids Reference Committee which reviews and classifies all ignitable liquids on the international database, <a href="https://ncfs.ucf.edu/databases/">https://ncfs.ucf.edu/databases/</a>. </blockquote>
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....I have also been the Chair of the Forensic Science Committee of the International Association for Arson Investigation for many years during the 1990’s authoring or co-authoring numerous articles or positions published in their magazine, Fire and Arson Investigator. </blockquote>
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I have also been asked to develop courses and teach fire debris analysis (basic, advanced, and organic chemistry for fire debris analysts) through on-line classes for the University of Central Florida since 2009. I have developed and taught fire debris analysis workshops and seminars for the Midwest Forensics Resource Center, The State of Virginia, the State of New York, the State of Michigan, and this month, the State of Missouri. </blockquote>
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I have developed and presented workshops in basic and advanced fire debris analysis for the Northeastern Association of Forensic Science, The Mid-Atlantic Association of Forensic Science, the Southern Association of Forensic Science and the Midwestern Association of Forensic Science. </blockquote>
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These presentations focused on the systematic approach to fire debris analysis I have used internally for our staff and in the training of interns from many different University programs including the University of Wisconsin at Platteville, the University of Central Florida, Eastern Kentucky University, West Virginia University, The University of Lausanne (Switzerland), Auburn University, Florida State University, and the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. </blockquote>
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I helped to develop the R214 class offered by the National Fire Academy on Forensic Evidence Collection. I am also the author of the NIJ report “2007-2008 National Needs Assessment for the Near and Long Term Future of Fire Debris and Explosives Analysis and Investigation”. </blockquote>
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I was an original planning panel member that developed the NIJ report titled “A Guide for Investigating Fire and Arson”. </blockquote>
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I am also currently a committee member of the Chemistry and Instrumental Analysis committee of the Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) and chair of the ad hoc committee on terminology. It should be very clear that when it comes to fire debris analysis, I am not a novice. </blockquote>
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I am not unfamiliar with the technical requirements of the discipline. And, I am not a laboratory director without active expertise in the discipline. I do not offer this as puffery, but as a reference base for my observations and opinions in this rejection and appeal to the findings of this special assessment team. </blockquote>
<h2>
Bigger Problem: Failure to Disclose Exculpatory Evidence</h2>
Criminal defense attorneys with pending arson and insurance fraud cases involving one of those lab reports might be waiting awhile for that Brady Notice. If you get one, send me a copy. I'd love to see it.<br />
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In the meantime, if you need a copy of the 52-page Letter and Appeal from Carl Chasteen, send me an email and I'll forward you a copy. I'll also post a copy on the forum board of the Florida Association for Criminal Defense Lawyer (FACDL).<br />
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<br />Leslie Sammishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03399316231336533093noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034526698581235224.post-26095551258083933512016-07-07T17:10:00.002-04:002017-11-22T21:11:30.584-05:00FAQ: Can the Court Deny My Petition to Seal or Expunge My Arrest Record?<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
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The attorneys at the Sammis Law Firm help people seal or expunge a criminal record in Florida. Our offices are located in Tampa, FL, but we help clients seal or expunge a criminal record throughout the State of Florida.<br />
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We charge a flat fee of $950 to seal or expunge the record and that includes all attorney fees and costs (with no hidden charges).</div>
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To start the process, just give us a call at 813-250-0500. You can come into our office to sign the paperwork or we can complete the paperwork and mail it to you today. Find out more about <a href="http://criminal-defense-attorney-tampa.blogspot.com/2017/11/how-long-does-it-take-to-seal-or.html" target="_blank">how long it takes to seal or expunge</a> the record.<br />
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Because the court has the discretion to just deny any petition to seal or expunge a criminal record it is important to have the assistance of an attorney during the entire process. </div>
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An attorney can make sure all of the paperwork is completed quickly and correctly. If one incident resulted in more than one charge or more than one arrest, then an attorney can make sure that all eligible records are included in the petition. You only get one chance to petition for a seal or expunge so you need to make sure everything is done correctly the first time. </div>
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The attorney can make sure the petition is approved by the court as quickly as possible either with or without an attorney. If the court is considering denying the petition, the attorney can present evidence showing the court all of the reasons why the petition should not be denied. </div>
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If you would like to seal or expunge your record call 813-250-0500 to discuss your eligibility and the services we provide. Read more about the process to seal or expunge a record in Tampa, FL.</div>
<h3>
Can the court just deny the petition to seal or expunge the record?</h3>
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The short answer is that yes, although it doesn’t happen very often. As a general rule, even if the court determines that the petitioner has satisfied the statutory and rule eligibility requirements for the seal or expunction, the court still has the discretion to deny the petition to expunge or seal if it conducts an evidentiary hearing and articulates an evidence-based reason for denial. </div>
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<h4>
What’s the Difference Between a Seal or Expunge?</h4>
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A petition to seal a record is brought pursuant to section 943.059, Florida Statutes. A petition to expunge a record is brought pursuant to section 943.0585, Florida Statutes (2008), and Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.692.2. </div>
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Expunged records “must be physically destroyed or obliterated by any criminal justice agency having custody of such record; except that any criminal history record in the custody of the department [of law enforcement] must be retained in all cases.” § 943.0585(4), Fla. Stat. (2008). But an order sealing records “does not require that such record be surrendered to the court, and such record shall continue to be maintained by the department and other criminal justice agencies.” § 943.059(3)(e), Fla. Stat. (2008).</div>
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Section 943.0585, Florida Statutes (Supp.1998), relates to the expungement of criminal history records held by nonjudicial criminal justice agencies, whereas the expungement of judicial criminal records is controlled by Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.692, because only the supreme court has the authority to establish rules relating to judicial procedure. <i>State v. D.H.W.</i>, 686 So.2d 1331 (Fla.1996); <i>Johnson v. State</i>, 336 So.2d 93 (Fla.1976).</div>
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If the Court Denies My Petitioner Then Can I Appeal?</h4>
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Yes. The appellate court reviews orders denying a petition to seal or expunge a criminal record under an abuse of discretion standard. <i>See Oymayan v. State</i>, 765 So.2d 812, 814 (Fla. 1st DCA 2000). </div>
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The courts have consistently held that even if the petition and attachments conform with the requirements of section 943.0585 and rule 3.692.4, Section 943.0585 makes clear, however, that it “does not confer any right to the expunction of any criminal history record, and any request for expunction of a criminal history record may be denied at the sole discretion of the court.” <i>See Wells v. State</i>, 807 So.2d 206, 207 n. 2 (Fla. 5th DCA 2002) (quoting statute). </div>
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“[W]here a petitioner has satisfied all of the statutory requirements, section 943.0585 gives the trial court the discretion to deny expunction ... ‘if there is a good reason for denial based on the facts and circumstances of the individual case.’ ” <i>Harman v. State</i>, 12 So.3d 898, 899 (Fla. 2d DCA 2009).</div>
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Are There Any Limitations on the Court’s Discretion?</h4>
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Florida law recognizes some limitations on the court’s discretion. The court must conduct a hearing and have a specific factual basis to support the denial of the petition to seal or expunge. <i>See Cole v. State</i>, 941 So.2d 549 (Fla. 1st DCA 2006). In <i>Harman v. State</i>, 12 So.3d 898, 899 (Fla. 2d DCA 2009) the court held that the trial court abused its discretion in denying the petition to expunge based on a prior offense because “there was no evidence presented at the hearing to support this finding.”</div>
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In <i>Murphy v. State</i>, 363 So.2d 581, 582 (Fla. 4th DCA 1978), the appellate court reversed the order denying expunction because the state “did not present any evidence at the hearing to refute appellant's sufficient allegations and proof but merely objected to the expungement”.</div>
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In <i>VFD v. State</i>, 19 So. 3d 1172, 1174 (Fla. List. Ct. App. 2009), the court denied a petitioner to expunge on the basis that the records, if not expunged, might-for reasons applicable in any case-prove useful in the future. The appellate court found that this reason fell short of the exercise of discretion that the statute requires. <i>See Steinmann v. State</i>, 839 So.2d 832, 832 (Fla. 4th DCA 2003) (holding the failure to exercise discretion to be a reversible error). </div>
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Furthermore, the trial court abused its discretion by not hearing evidence and exercising its discretion based on the facts and circumstances of petitioner’s specific case. </div>
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Before either granting or denying the petition, the court must hold a meaningful hearing and articulate reasons for any denial based on the facts and circumstances of his case. </div>
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<h3>
Finding a Tampa Attorney to Seal or Expunge a Criminal Record</h3>
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If you want to seal or expunge a criminal record then contact an experienced criminal defense attorney in Tampa, FL. Call 813-250-0500 to discuss your case and see if you are eligible. We can begin your case today.</div>
Leslie Sammishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03399316231336533093noreply@blogger.com0Tampa, FL, USA27.950575 -82.45717760000002327.5019215 -83.102624600000027 28.3992285 -81.811730600000018tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034526698581235224.post-411798613633202792015-12-15T07:56:00.000-05:002015-12-15T08:06:22.430-05:00Driver's License Reinstatement Day in Hillsborough County<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On Friday morning, January 8, 2016, at the George Edgecomb Courthouse located at 800 E. Twiggs Street, in Tampa, FL, the court is holding a reinstatement day to reduce fees and help people get their driver’s license reinstated. Relief will only be granted for tickets issued in Hillsborough County. You do not need an attorney to participate in the program. <br />
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The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles will be onsite to issue Driver’s Licenses. Proof of identification is required before a driver's license will be issued. <br />
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The flyer for this upcoming event promises limited availability. Cases will be handled on a first come first serve basis so apply early. It is probably a good idea to obtain a copy of your driving record before you apply so that you can fill out the form correctly. Participants must be pre-registered between December 7-28, 2015. You can apply online on the clerk of court website.<br />
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If you are qualified based on the answers that you provide then your court record and driving record will be reviewed. If you are deemed eligible then the Clerk will add you to the docket and and mail you a notice letting you know where to appear. If you are not eligible, the clerk promises to give you a call by phone.<br />
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Click here for more information on the <a href="http://hillsclerk.com/publicweb/DriverReinstatementOnline.aspx">Driver’s License Reinstatement Day in Hillsborough County</a>.<br />
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The purpose of the program is to help individuals who have a suspended driver’s license and may be eligible to have their Florida Driver’s License reinstated. The benefit of the program is that fees can be reduced following a determination of eligibility and a judicial hearing.<br />
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Those with suspensions resulting from the following violations should pre-register for the Driver’s License Restatement Day:<br />
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<li>No Valid Drivers License;</li>
<li>Failure to Pay suspensions; </li>
<li>Citations in Collections; </li>
<li>Failure to Appear; and</li>
<li>Outstanding Civil Traffic Citations. </li>
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Individuals with the following suspensions are not eligible to participate during Driver’s License Reinstatement Day:<br />
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<li>Child Support Suspensions;</li>
<li>DUI suspensions or revocations; </li>
<li>Habitual Traffic Offender revocations; </li>
<li>Felony Involved Traffic Offenses; </li>
<li>An Outstanding Capias or Warrant. </li>
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If any of the above statements apply to you then you may still be eligible to have your license reinstated, but you may need to consult with an attorney about your options. <br />
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According to the clerk's office webpage on the event, it is hosted by the Public Defender's Office, the State Attorney's Office, the 13th Judicial Circuit Clerk, Senator
Arthenia L. Joyner, and Representatives Dana Young, Darryl Rouson, Janet Cruz.<br />
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Read more about the problems with <a href="http://www.criminaldefenseattorneytampa.com/driving-traffic-offenses/driving-with-a-suspended-license/">driving with a suspended license</a>. Leslie Sammishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03399316231336533093noreply@blogger.com0800 E Twiggs St, Tampa, FL 33602, USA27.9512703 -82.45381580000002927.9503938 -82.45507630000003 27.9521468 -82.452555300000029tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034526698581235224.post-19950492490317846082015-12-12T13:48:00.016-05:002024-01-11T19:47:28.556-05:00Help! Homeland Security Seized My Cash at the Airport<br />
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If you bring a large sum of cash to the airport, it might be discovered as you enter the security checkpoint before boarding your flight. If a TSA screener secretly tips off state or federal law enforcement officers, they might seize the money for forfeiture. <div><br />
In fact, over the past two decades, agents with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have seized more than $2 billion in currency at airports in the United States.<br />
<br />For a domestic flight, large amounts of U.S. Currency can be seized for forfeiture without a warrant, but only if law enforcement officers have "probable cause" that the money is involved in illegal activities such as money laundering or drug trafficking.<br /><br /></div><div>
The evidence supporting the "probable cause" determination must be discovered during a legal detention. Many of these cases, however, involve an illegal detention, interrogation, search, and seizure.</div><div><br /></div><div>
Special rules apply for international flights because travelers with negotiable monetary instruments valued at $10,000 or more must complete a form FinCEN 105, <i>Report of International Transportation of Currency or Monetary Instruments</i>. </div><div><br /></div><div>Any traveler flying into the U.S. is given a customs declaration form that explains the requirement to fill out a FinCEN Form 105. For travelers leaving the United States, no notice is provided that a FinCEN Form 105 must be filed with Customs and Border Protection (CBP),</div><div><br /></div><div>
Even on an international flight, if you failed to file a FinCEN 105 form disclosing $10,000 in cash, an attorney can help you file a claim to get the seized money back.<br /><br /></div><div>
Attorney Leslie Sammis represents clients through the United States in airport currency seizure cases involving both domestic flights and international flights. </div><div><br /></div><div>No matter where your U.S. Currency was seized for forfeiture, Leslie Sammis can help you get it back.</div><div><br />
<h2 style="text-align: left;">Who Seizes Money at the Airport?</h2><div>
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Many bulk cash seizures at airports in the United States, including the Tampa International Airport, involve money taken by law enforcement officers with one of the following agencies:<br />
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<li>Homeland Security Investigations (HSI);</li>
<li>U.S.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP);</li>
<li>Immigration and Customs Enforcement
(ICE);</li>
<li>Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); or </li>
<li>or local agencies like the Tampa International Airport Police Department (TIAPD).</li>
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Federal agents tend to seize larger amounts of money ($20,000 to +$100,000) while local agencies like TIAPD might seize smaller amounts of money ($5,000 to $20,000).</div><div><br />
If a federal agent seizes the money, then the federal civil asset forfeiture laws apply. If a local law enforcement officer seizes the money, then state forfeiture laws apply.</div><div><br />
<h3>Hire an Attorney for Seizures of Cash at Airports in Florida</h3>
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If the taking of money or other property was improper or illegal under state or federal law, then you should immediately contact an experienced attorney to demand an "early judicial hearing" in federal court to fight for the quick return of your property.<br /><br /></div><div>
The attorneys at Sammis Law Firm can help you file a verified claim for court action immediately after the taking. We can even file the verified claim on the same day Homeland Security seizes the money. </div><div><br /></div><div>Filing a verified claim for court action is the ONLY way to contest the legality of the seizure.</div><div><br />
The verified claim for court action forces CBP to refer the matter to the United States Attorney Office. The claim for court action triggers a 90-day deadline for the Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) to decide whether the seizure was legal.</div><div><br />
Hiring an attorney to demand court action is the best way to get the money back quickly.</div><div><br />
Attorney Leslie Sammis can take your airport currency seizure case on a contingency basis. That means you don't have to pay any attorney fees or costs unless we recover money.<br /><br /></div><div>
Leslie Sammis also co-counsels with attorneys across the United States in these types of cases.
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Call 813-250-0500 to discuss your case.<br />
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<h3>
Our Recent Victories in Airport Seizure Cases</h3>
<br />
We fight a lot of these cases. Our recent victories include:</div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>$14,826 seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) Airport, will be returned by CBP after the AUSA "declined" to file a forfeiture action in court within the 90-day deadline.</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>$16,563 seized by an agent with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at Tampa International Airport and $16,563 was returned within 4 months;</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>$159,950 plus interest returned by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) after a cash seizure at Tampa International Airport within 6 months (we alleged that some of the money had gone missing and was never found by the seizing agency);</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>$63,490.00 seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the Orlando International Airport, but the entire amount was returned within five months (after a complaint for forfeiture was filed by an AUSA in the U.S. District Court but later dismissed);</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) returns $45,001 after airport seizure of $45,001 in Cleveland, Ohio within six months;</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>DEA seizes $52,620 at the Fort-Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and agrees to a full refund within 6 months;</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>CBP returned $30,000 after $30,000 in U.S. Currency Seized at Tampa International Airport;</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>DEA Seized $30,000.00 at an airport in San Francisco but returned $29,375.89 within eight months;</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>DEA seized $13,260 cash at the Orlando International Airport and $13,260 returned within 6 months; and</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>$13,227 seized by a special agent with Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) at the Tampa International Airport and only $11,892 returned (after we alleged that some of the money had been stolen and was never found by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)).</li></ul><div><b><br /></b>It is our experience that you should file a verified claim demanding that CBP refer the case for IMMEDIATE COURT ACTION instead of waiving your important rights by either submitting a petition for an administrative decision using remission or mitigation, an offer in compromise or simply abandoning the property.</div>
<br />
<h4>How is the money at the airport is discovered?</h4><div><br /></div>
When you go through the checkpoint, TSA screening personnel have equipment that detects bulk cash. In fact, U.S. Currency has a magnetic strip in each bill that can be easily detected by this equipment. The TSA screener might send a "tip" to a law enforcement officer who can seize the cash.
<br /><br /></div><div>
Or the officer might think you fit a "drug courier profile" because you bought the ticket right before the flight or because you bought a one-way ticket.<br /><br /></div><div>
For reasons I will never understand, drug couriers often check luggage or have a carry-on bag that has filler in it instead of the items a traveler normally takes on a trip. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
If the officer walks a drug K9 dog around the cash and the dog alerts, then they might suspect you of being a drug dealer and assume the money must have come from illegal dealings in drugs.
<br /><br /></div><div>
Although you are not required to make any statement, people often start talking during these so-called "consensual encounters."<br /><br /></div><div>
If you speak, the federal agents and officers with a local agency like the Tampa International Airport Police Department (TIAPD) might allege that you made inconsistent statements about where the money came from or that you acted nervous while telling the story.<br /><br /></div><div>
The agents will then take you to a small room (away from the video surveillance cameras) and count your money. Sometimes the agents don't count the money and list an "undisclosed amount of U.S. Currency" on the written receipt.</div><div><br />
<h4>Receipts for "Undisclosed Amounts of U.S. Currency" at the Airport</h4><div><br /></div>
When federal agents with the Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) issue the receipt, they used a “Custody Receipt for Seized Property and Evidence” DHS Form 6051S (last revised in August of 2009).<br /><br /></div><div>
Instead of counting the money in front of you, the HSI agent or task force officer might list an "undisclosed amount" of cash on the receipt and not the amount of money actually seized.
<br /><br /></div><div>
After you receive the custody receipt for seized property from the agent with the Department of Homeland Security, you will be sent on your way. By this time, you probably missed your flight.<br />
<br />
Officers with the Tampa International Airport Police Department (TIAPD) have their own receipt forms that put you on notice that you can demand an adversarial preliminary hearing (APH) within 15 days.<br />
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If you get a notice of seizure from the TIAPD, always hire the attorney to demand the APD within 15 days because that is your best chance of getting all the money back and getting it back quicker.</div><div><div><br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Custody Receipt for Property Seized at the Airport</h4>
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The Custody Receipt for Seized Property and Evidence (DHS Form 6051S (08/09)) can be found in Handbook 5200-09. Form 6051S lists the incident number, the investigating case number, the enforce number, whether any prior detentions had occurred, the date of this seizure, the time of the seizure, and the name and address of the person from whom the property was seized.<br />
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The agent will then list the property taken. Later, the agent will document the acceptance of the property by another person so that the chain of custody can be documented.<br />
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If you didn't receive a receipt or the amount listed on the receipt is less than what was actually seized, you should be worried. Over the years, it has become all too easy for federal agents to pocket seized cash with little fear of getting caught.</div><div><br /></div><div>Especially when money goes missing, your attorney can preserve all surveillance video at the airport showing who took the money and tracing their steps through the airport. We can also show why the agent didn't follow the correct procedures when counting the money.</div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h3><h4 style="text-align: left;">What Authority Does Homeland Security Have to Seize the Money at the Airport?</h4><div>
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If agents with Homeland Security seize the currency at the airport, they often allege that it is subject to forfeiture under the provisions of Title 18, United States Code, section 981(a)(1)(C). </div><div><br /></div><div>Under this provision, the agents will allege that the currency is the proceeds of the manufacture, sale, or distribution of a controlled substance, which is identified as “specified unlawful activity” under Title 18, United States Code, section 1956(c)(7).</div><div>
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If you do nothing, you may wait up to 60 days for the notice of seizure letter to arrive in the mail. The notice of seizure letter outlines your rights to contest the seizure. To speed up the process, if you hire an attorney, the attorney can help you file a verified claim to demand an EARLY JUDICIAL HEARING for court action immediately.<br />
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The claim is a letter written by your attorney and verified by you. The verified claim is then sent to the agent and local U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) office.</div><div><br /></div><div>The verified claim triggers the CBP, acting on behalf of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), to send you a letter acknowledging that you have an interest in the seized property.<br />
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The verified claim also triggers a 90 day period in which CBP has to refer the matter to an AUSA who must decide between returning the money or filing a forfeiture action in the U.S. District Court.<br />
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<b>Letter from CBP's Fines, Penalties, and Forfeiture Officer</b><br />
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The letter will be sent by a “Fines, Penalties and Forfeiture Officer.” For seizures at the Tampa International Airport, the correspondence will usually be addressed to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Fines, Penalties and Forfeitures (FPF), 1624 E. 7th Avenue, Suite 101, Tampa, Florida 33605. </div><div>
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The purpose of the letter is to advise you of the options concerning this seizure. CBP will also send the following documents:<br />
<ol>
<li>“CAFRA Election of Proceedings” form; and</li>
<li>“CAFRA Seized Asset Claim” form.</li>
</ol>
The letter instructs you to make certain choices on the “election of proceedings” form and return it, and any other necessary documents, to CBP within the allotted time frame.<br />
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Be advised that any false statement or claim may subject a person to prosecution under 18 U.S.C. Section 1001 and/or 18 U.S.C. Section 1621, punishable by a fine and imprisonment.</div><div><br />
<h4>Demanding Court Action and a Jury Trial to Contest a Cash Seizure</h4><div><br /></div>
Talk to an experienced attorney who might recommend that your best option is to elect for COURT ACTION, which can include a JURY TRIAL if properly requested. In many cases, this is the fastest way to have the issue resolved. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you select one of the other options, you can expect delays that last more than a year.<br />
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The only downside to demanding judicial action is that you MIGHT have to appear in a courtroom in front of a judge at the Federal District Court. That only happens if the U.S. Attorney's Office decides to file the lawsuit which is rare.</div><div><br /></div><div>If your attorney can show why the seizure was illegal, then the AUSA will choose not to file a forfeiture action, and the property will be returned to you within a matter of months.<br />
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Only if the U.S. Attorney's Office decides to file a forfeiture action would you be required to go to court, exchange written discovery, or have your deposition taken. Your attorney can also protect you during that process by first requiring the court to issue a ruling on whether probable cause existed for the seizure.</div><div><br /></div><div>Only after that determination should an AUSA be able to ask you any questions about your finances or the circumstances surrounding the possession of the currency. Your attorney can minimize the intrusion into your personal affairs.<br />
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Note that your attorney doesn’t have to wait for the “Notice of Seizure and Information to Claimants CAFRA Form” letter to request court action.<br />
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The attorney can make that election immediately after the seizure by sending the verified letter demanding court action. In some cases, the attorney will send the verified letter the next day after the seizure.<br />
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The letter should also include your attestation and oath that you have an interest in the property claimed because you own the property and are requesting that the government initiate a judicial action to forfeit the seized property. <br />
<br />Any innocent third party can also submit a claim with an innocent owner defense.<br />
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You will be instructed that you must elect court action within 30 days by requesting a referral of this matter to the U.S. Attorney, who will have the authority to simply return the property to you without any further delay.<br />
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The U.S. Attorney might file a forfeiture action against the property in federal court pursuant to <a href="https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/983">18 U.S.C. Section 983(a)(3)</a>. If you choose this action, your attorney will check Box 4 on the “Election of Proceedings” form.<br />
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Your attorney will also complete the enclosed “Seized Asset Claim” form or otherwise submit a complete judicial claim as required by 18 U.S.C. Section 983(a)(2)(C).<br />
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Option 4 provides: <br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
I AM FILING A CLAIM AND REQUESTING THAT CBP REFER THE CASE FOR COURT ACTION. Please send the case to the U.S. Attorney for court action. I have fully completed, signed, and attached a “Seized Asset Claim” form. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
I understand that if I have not fully completed this form, or otherwise made a proper claim and request for judicial forfeiture pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 983(a)(2)(C) within 35 days after the date the notice of seizure was mailed, CBP will treat any submission as a petition for relief without the ability to seek future judicial forfeiture proceedings. </blockquote>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Other Less Desirable Options</h4>
<h4>
</h4>
<h4><br /></h4><h4>
1. Take No Action and Do Nothing: </h4>
<br />
If you choose to do nothing, the CBP will initiate a forfeiture action. The first notice will be posted on or about 35 days from the date of this letter. <br />
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For property appraised in excess of $5,000, CBP will post notice of seizure and intent to forfeit on the internet at www.forfeiture.gov for 30 consecutive days. <br />
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For property appraised at $5,000 of less, CBP will post a notice of seizure and intent to forfeit in a conspicuous place accessible to the public at the customhouse or Board Patrol sector office (where appropriate) nearest the place of seizure as well as on the internet at www.forfeiture.gov for 30 consecutive days. <br />
<h4>
</h4>
<h4><br /></h4><h4>
2. Abandon the Property</h4>
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Abandon any claim or interest you may have in the property. If you select this option in the “Election of Proceedings - CAFRA Form” then no additional notice about further proceeds concerning the property will be provided to you.<br />
<h4>
</h4>
<h4><br /></h4><h4>
3. File a Petition - Will Delay and Prolong the Resolution</h4>
<h4>
</h4>
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You can file a petition with the CBP office within 30 days from the date of this letter in accordance with Title 19, United States Code (USC) Section 1618 and Title 19, Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.), Section 171.1 and 171.2 (19 C.F.R. Section 171.1, 171.2), seeking the remission of the forfeiture.<br />
<br />
The petition does not need to be in any specific form, but it must describe the property involved, identify the date and place of the seizure, including all the facts and circumstances which you believe warrant relief from forfeiture and must include proof of your interest in or claim to the property.<br />
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Examples of proof of interest include, but are not limited to, a car title, loan agreement, or documentation of the source of funds. If you choose this option you must check Box 1 on the “Election of Proceedings” form. <br />
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By completing Box 1 on the “election of Proceedings” form, you are requesting administrative processing. You are requesting that CBP refrain from beginning forfeiture proceedings while your petition is pending or that CBP halt forfeiture proceedings if they have already commenced. <br />
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If you choose to file an administrative petition and you are dissatisfied with the petition decision (initial petition or supplemental petition), you will have an additional 60 days from the date of the initial petition decision, or 60 days from the date of the supplemental petition decision, or such other time as specified by the Fines, Penalties and Forfeiture Office to file a claim to the property requesting a referral to the U.S. Attorney.<br />
<br />
If you do not act within these time frames, the property may be administratively forfeited to the United States. You may also request a referral to the U.S. Attorney at any point prior to the issuance of a petition decision by filing a claim.<br />
<br />
Please see section 4 of this letter for information on how to request judicial action. If you take such action after filing a petition for relief, your pending petition will be withdrawn from consideration.
<br />
<br />
If you request a referral to the U.S. Attorney or if another person asserting an interest in the same property chooses a referral to the U.S. Attorney, the matter will be referred to the U.S. Attorney who will have the authority to file a forfeiture action against the property in federal court pursuant to Title 18, U.S.C., Section 983(a)(3)(19 U.S.C. Section 983(a)(3)). <br />
<br />
If upon receipt of your petition, the matter has already been referred to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the institution of judicial forfeiture proceedings, your petition will be forwarded to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for consideration.<br />
<h4><br /></h4><h4>
4. Any Offer in Compromise will Delay a Resolution</h4>
<h4>
</h4><div><br /></div>
At any time prior to forfeiture, you may file an offer in compromise in accordance with 19 U.S.C. Section 1617 and 19 C.F.R. Section 161.5, 171.31. The offer must specifically state that you are making it under the provisions of 19 U.S.C. Section 1617.<br />
<br />
If you are offering money in settlement of the case, you must include payment (bank draft, cashier’s check or certified check, drawn on a U.S. financial institution, and made payable to CBP) in the amount of your offer. CBP may only consider the amount of your offer and will return the full offer if it is rejected. </div><div><br /></div><div>This option may serve to delay any resolution of the case. If you choose this option, you must check Box 2 on the “Election of Proceedings” form. <br />
<br />
If you choose to submit an offer in compromise and are dissatisfied with the offer decision, you will have an additional 30 days from the date of the offer decision to file a claim requesting a referral for judicial action. If you do not act within the additional 30 days, the property may be forfeited to the United States. <br />
<br />
You may also request a referral for judicial action at any point prior to the issuance of the offer decision by fully completing the enclosed “Seized Asset Claim” form or by otherwise submitting a complete judicial claim consistent with the requirements under 18 U.S.C. Section 983(a)(2)(C). </div><div><br /></div><div>If you take such action, your petition or offer will be considered to have been withdrawn. <br />
<br />
If, upon receipt of your offer, the matter has already been referred to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the institution of judicial forfeiture proceedings, your offer will be forwarded to the United States Attorney’s Office for consideration as an offer in settlement of the judicial action, as appropriate. <br />
<br />
Be advised that any false statement or claim may subject a person to prosecution under 18 U.S.C. Section 1001 and/or 18 U.S.C. Section 1621, and may be punishable by a fine and imprisonment. <br />
<br />
<b>Additional Resources:
<br />
<br />
</b><br />
<a href="http://www.cbp.gov/contact/ports/field-office/tampa">U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in Tampa</a> - With an office in Tampa, FL, CBP is an agency within the Department of Homeland Security that manages, controls, and protects the nation's borders and official ports of entry.<br />
<address>
</address>
<address>
</address>
<address>
U.S. Customs and Border Protections </address>
<address>
Fines, Penalties and Forfeitures (FPF) Office</address>
<address>
1624 E. 7th Avenue, Suite 101</address>
<address>
Tampa, Florida 33605</address>
<br />
<a href="http://www.tampaairport.com/airport-police">Tampa International Airport Police Department</a> - Visit the website of the Tampa International Airport Police Department to learn more about this nationally accredited law enforcement agency with 44 support personnel, 63 traffic specialists, and 66 sworn police officers. Sections of the TIAPD include the Airport Operations Center, Administration, Traffic, Bike Detail, Crime Prevention, Criminal Investigations, K9, and Patrol. In addition to providing traditional law enforcement services, the TIAP also enforces federal regulations associated with transportation security.<br />
<br />
<address>
Tampa International Airport Police Department<br />
4160 George J. Bean Parkway<br />
Tampa, Florida 33607<br />
Phone Number: 813-870-8700</address></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/stats/cbp-enforcement-statistics">CBP Makes Cash Seizures</a> - Visit the website of U.S. Customs and Border Protection to read an article about the risk to international travelers if they do not properly report currency. CBP seizes working at one unreported currency every day. The article explains why U.S. law requires international travelers to properly report currency in their possession whether traveling into or departing from the United States. Read more about the requirements for international travelers with negotiable monetary instruments valued at $10,000 or more to complete a form FinCEN 105, Report of International Transportation of Currency or Monetary Instruments. Find statistics on the currency seizures by CBP for <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: SourceSansProLight; font-size: 16px;">FY 2015 - FY 2019 and FY20 To Date (TD).</span></div><div><br /></div><div><table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: sourcesansproregular; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 648px;" summary="Office of Field Operations Currency Seizures"><thead style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><tr style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><th scope="col" style="background: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-image: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: sourcesansprosemibold; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 17px; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 4px 8px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; width: 155px;"> </th><th scope="col" style="background: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-image: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: sourcesansprosemibold; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 17px; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 4px 8px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; width: 91px;"><strong style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: SourceSansProSemibold; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">FY15</strong></th><th scope="col" style="background: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-image: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: sourcesansprosemibold; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 17px; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 4px 8px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; width: 91px;"><strong style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: SourceSansProSemibold; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">FY16</strong></th><th scope="col" style="background: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-image: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: sourcesansprosemibold; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 17px; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 4px 8px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; width: 91px;"><strong style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: SourceSansProSemibold; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">FY17</strong></th><th scope="col" style="background: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-image: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: sourcesansprosemibold; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 17px; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 4px 8px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; width: 91px;"><strong style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: SourceSansProSemibold; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">FY18</strong></th><th scope="col" style="background: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-image: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: sourcesansprosemibold; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 17px; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 4px 8px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; width: 91px;"><strong style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: SourceSansProSemibold; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">FY19</strong></th><th scope="col" style="background: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-image: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: sourcesansprosemibold; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 17px; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 4px 8px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; width: 91px;"><strong style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: SourceSansProSemibold; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">FY20 TD AUG</strong></th></tr></thead><tbody style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><tr style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><td style="background: none 0px 0px repeat scroll rgb(229, 229, 229); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 4px 8px; vertical-align: middle;">Amount (USD)</td><td style="background: none 0px 0px repeat scroll rgb(229, 229, 229); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 4px 8px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">$75,964,824</td><td style="background: none 0px 0px repeat scroll rgb(229, 229, 229); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 4px 8px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">$62,101,328</td><td style="background: none 0px 0px repeat scroll rgb(229, 229, 229); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 4px 8px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">$65,002,856</td><td style="background: none 0px 0px repeat scroll rgb(229, 229, 229); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 4px 8px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">$63,691,464</td><td style="background: none 0px 0px repeat scroll rgb(229, 229, 229); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 4px 8px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">$68,879,080</td><td style="background: none 0px 0px repeat scroll rgb(229, 229, 229); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 4px 8px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">$93,302,645</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.rochelleberliner.com/CriminalDefense/Forfeiture.aspx">Attorneys for Seizure of U.S. Currency for Forfeiture at New York Airports</a> - Read an article by an attorney in New York on how federal agents seize U.S. currency from travelers on domestic and international flights including at JFK International Airport and LaGuardia International Airport. </div><div>
<br />
<b>Conclusion<br />
</b><br />
<br />
If a federal agent with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) or U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) took your cash, vehicle, or other property, and then alleged that the property was involved in unlawful activity, contact an experienced attorney to fight the forfeiture action. <br />
<br />
Whether the taking took place at your home, work, the roadside, or the airport, we can help you fight the forfeiture action with the goal of obtaining the immediate release of the money to you.<br />
<br />
We also represent clients who are arrested for any other reason after being accused of committing a <a href="http://www.criminaldefenseattorneytampa.com/tourist-crimes/tampa-international-airport/">crime at Tampa International Airport</a>, including carrying a concealed weapon or firearm, possession offenses, and driving under the influence on the airport property.<br />
<br />
We represent clients after an arrest by the Tampa International Airport Police Department (TIAPD) and other law enforcement agencies at the airport.<br />
<br />
Call 813-250-0500 to discuss your case. </div><div><br />
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<i>This blog article was last updated on Friday, April 9, 2021. </i></div></div></div></div></div>Leslie Sammishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03399316231336533093noreply@blogger.com04100 George J Bean Pkwy, Tampa, FL 33607, USA27.9807668 -82.53471422.4587323000000012 -123.8433082 53.5028013 -41.2261202tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034526698581235224.post-8357582915464939872015-11-01T14:41:00.002-05:002015-11-03T21:19:27.601-05:00 Petition for Return of a Firearm in Tampa and Hillsborough County, FloridaThe requirements for a petition a motion for return of a firearm(s) in Hillsborough County, Florida, are set out in an administrative order. The <a href="http://www.fljud13.org/Portals/0/AO/DOCS/S-2015-042.pdf?ver=2015-08-06-101506-423">Administrative Order S-2015-042</a>, was signed by Chief Judge Ronald N. Ficarrotta on August 5, 2015. The order became effective on August 10, 2015.<br />
<br />
These requirements only apply if the firearm was seized pursuant to section 933.14(3), Florida Statutes, where no arrest was made and no case has been established in the court system related to the seizure of the firearm. <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2011/933.14">Florida Statute Section 933.14</a> Return of property taken under search warrant.—</blockquote>
<blockquote>
(3) No pistol or firearm taken by any officer with a search warrant or without a search warrant upon a view by the officer of a breach of the peace shall be returned except pursuant to an order of a trial court judge.</blockquote>
Law enforcement agencies often site this provision after they illegal seize a firearm even when no “breach of the peace” occurred. <br />
<br />
In many of these cases, the petitioner will hire an attorney. The attorney will contact legal counsel for the law enforcement agency in possession of the firearm(s). If the provisions of Section 933.14 then<br />
the firearm can usually be returned to the owner without a court order.<br />
<br />
If Section 933.14 applies, then the petitioner’s attorney and the legal counsel for the agency might agree on a stipulation and proposed order for the court to sign. The proposed order authorizes the release of a firearm and it must be attached to all stipulations presented to the court. <br />
<br />
If the legal counsel for the agency and the petitioner’s attorney cannot reach an agreement for the return of the firearm, then the petitioner’s attorney will file a petition that requires a court hearing.<br />
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
Filing the Petition for Return of a Firearm in Hillsborough County, FL </h3>
<br />
If the firearm was seized under Section 933.14(3), then the petitioner’s must also attach a copy of the agency report that describes the event(s) that lead to the seizure of the firearm(s).<br />
<br />
A copy of the Petition for Return of Firearm and notice of hearing on the petition will be provided to the legal counsel for law enforcement agency in possession of the firearm(s) subject to the petition. One Petition for Return of Firearm(s) may seek the return of multiple firearms. <br />
<br />
If a motion seeking return of a firearm is filed in an existing case being prosecuted in either a misdemeanor or felony division, then the motion for the return of the firearm will be considered by the judge in the respective court division. <br />
<br />
If no previous case was established, then the administrative order provides: <br />
<br />
Any person who seeks the return of a firearm seized by law enforcement under section 933.14(3), Florida Statutes, where no arrest was made and no case has been established in the court system must file a sworn Petition for Return of Firearms. The petition must identify the firearm and should further allege:<br />
<ol>
<li>the firearm is the petitioner’s personal property;</li>
<li>the firearm was not involved in criminal activity; </li>
<li>the firearm is not being held as evidence by the law enforcement agency; </li>
<li>the petitioner is not disqualified under any state or federal law from possessing a firearm; </li>
<li>the petitioner has not been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, or has not had an adjudication of guilt withheld or imposition of sentence suspended on any misdemeanor crime of domestic violence unless 3 years have elapsed since probation or any other conditions set by the court have been fulfilled or expunction has occurred; </li>
<li>the petitioner has not been adjudicated mentally defective in section 790.065(2)(a)4.a., Florida Statutes, or if petitioner has been adjudicated mentally defective, petitioner has had his or her capacity restored by court order for at least 5 years and</li>
<li>the petitioner has not been committed to a mental institution as defined in section 790.065(2)(a)4.b., Florida Statutes, or </li>
<li>if petitioner has been committed to a mental institution, petitioner possesses a certificate from a licensed psychiatrist that he or she has not suffered a mental disability for at least 5 years since the commitment to a mental institution. </li>
</ol>
<h4>
Other Types of Motions to Return Property in Criminal Cases</h4>
When an arrest is made or charges are filed, then the trial court's jurisdiction over a criminal proceeding includes the inherent authority over property seized or otherwise obtained in connection with the proceeding and held by the court in custodia legis. <i>See Garmire v. Red Lake</i>, 265 So.2d 2 (Fla.1972); <i>Sawyer v. Gable</i>, 400 So.2d 992 (Fla. 3d DCA 1981); <i>Daniel v. State</i>, 991 So.2d 421 (Fla. 5th DCA 2008).<br />
<br />
This authority continues beyond the termination of the prosecution which enabling the court to direct the return of the property to its rightful owner. <i>See Stevens v. State</i>, 929 So.2d 1197, 1198 (Fla. 2d DCA 2006).<br />
<br />
A defendant is not required to file a separate suit for replevin or
conversion when seeking to recover property seized in connection with
his or her case. Instead, the procedure for a defendant to move to have his seized property returned to him is similar to that of a motion for post-conviction relief. <i>Bolden v. State</i>, 875 So.2d 780, 782 (Fla. 2d DCA 2004).<br />
<br />
To reclaim seized property, “the defendant must file a facially sufficient motion for the return of property.” <i>Id.</i> If the motion is facially sufficient, the court “may order the State to respond” by refuting the defendant's arguments that the property should be returned. <i>Id.</i><br />
<br />
Once the “trial court has assumed jurisdiction over criminal charges, it is thereafter vested with an inherent power to assist the true owner in the recovery of property held in custodia legis.” <i>Brown v. State</i>, 613 So.2d 569, 570 (Fla. 2d DCA 1993).<br />
<br />
The defendant is required to prove the property is exclusively his own, that it was not the fruit of illegal activity, and that it is not being held for evidentiary purposes.
<i>Sanchez v. State</i>, 88 So. 3d 389, 391 (Fla. 4th DCA 2012).<br />
<br />
Alternatively, the defendant might bring an action for the return of property in civil court in a separate civil action for replevin or conversion. Under section 95.11(3), Florida Statutes, a four year civil statute of limitations for actions to recover personal property may apply to those cases.Leslie Sammishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03399316231336533093noreply@blogger.com0