Florida Criminal Attorney Blog

Published on: July 21, 2008

Ocala, FL Criminal Court Judge Sentences Juror to Three Days Marion County, Florida Jail for Contempt

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Marion County Judge Jim McCune ordered a prospective juror to serve three days in Marion County Jail and pay an estimated $200 in court costs and fines according to Suevon Lee from the Ocala Star-Banner. Marion County Judge McCune made this ruling after the juror was found to have used foul language in response to not being dismissed from the jury panel.

Marion County Court Judges like Judge McCune hear Misdemeanor cases involving charges like DUI, LSA, Reckless Driving, Driving on a Suspended License, Assault, Battery, Petit Theft, Worthless Check, Possession of Marijuana, Trespass and Carrying a Concealed Weapon to name a few. On the civil side, the Marion County Court Judges hear cases involving anywhere between $5,000 and $15,000 in dispute and can even sometimes involve personal injury.

It is not uncommon for Judges to take courtroom decorum seriously, and even threaten jail time when jurors make a mockery of the process. However, actually sentencing an individual is very rare–the more common practice is for Judges to make their point by taking unruly jurors into custody for the day. Unfortunately, one of the most tragic erosions of this country’s democracy is the irreverence many jurors show when they are called for service. The fact is, the stronger our jury system is, the stronger our democracy. Ocala, FL Lawyer Whittel & Melton, LLC strongly urges citizens to take jury duty more seriously.

Published on: July 17, 2008

DUI Arrest Pending for Former Gainesville, FL UF Gator Jevon Kearse

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

According to news reports, the former Gainesville, FL, and Alachua County resident was charged with DUI after a traffic stop in Nashville, Tennessee, where it was alleged the former UF Gator was speeding and swerved several times. Kearse refused the breathalyzer or breath test, but during the criminal investigation, he allegedly made an admission to police that he drank one vodka with Red Bull.

According to reports, a field sobriety test was also conducted, but Kearse did not perform to the officer’s satisfaction.

If the stop of Kearse’s vehicle occurred in Gainesville, where Florida Law applies, a Judge would have to determine whether the Police had Probable Cause to believe a traffic infraction had occurred (example – speeding or weaving) OR whether or not the Police had Reasonable Suspicion to believe a crime was occurring (example – DUI)- which could justify the reason for the police pulling over Kearse.

Published on: July 15, 2008

Hernando County Sherriff’s Office Employee escapes DUI charges in Brooksville, FL single car accident

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

According to both Joel Anderson of the St. Pete Times and Kyle Martin of the Tampa Tribune, the Finance Director of the Hernando County Sherriff’s Office was involved in a single-car accident in Brooksville, Florida after allegedly running several cars off the road while being under the influence of both wine and sleeping pills. However, it should be noted that no sobriety tests were performed.

While the driver potentially faced charges for DUI, DUI property damage, Reckless Driving and Leaving the Scene of an Accident, the Deputy involved in the investigation elected not to go forward due to the unavailability of a “wheel witness”. What does this mean?

In this case, to prove DUI, Reckless Driving or even LSA – the State of Florida, represented by the Hernando County State Attorney’s Office, has to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant was driving at the time of impairment or the alleged criminal act (like for example, driving recklessly or leaving the scene of an accident). The State usually accomplishes this by simply having a witness (“wheel witness”) testify that the defendant was driving or behind the wheel. It can also be proven by what is called “Actual Physical Control.” These situations, commonly referred to as APC cases, usually come in two forms: 1) a defendant is slumped over the wheel in the middle of traffic, the side of the road or in a parking lot, or 2) after an accident.