Florida Criminal Attorney Blog
A Broward County court bailiff made his first appearance in court Wednesday after being charged with armed kidnapping, two counts of sexual battery and aggravated assault with a firearm.
Details of the case involving the 62-year-old man were not discussed during the bond court hearing. However, a prosecutor did note that the charges involve a “high level of violence.”
The hearing has been postponed until Thursday so that the man’s attorney can attend.
The Broward judge asked the man if he wanted a different judge since he is a familiar face in his court. However, the man declined a different judge.
The Plantation Police Department has yet to release an official copy of the arrest report.
The man was booked into the St. Lucie County jail at 2 a.m. Tuesday. In his initial court appearance, he explained that he has children and grandchildren in Port St. Lucie.
A judge in St. Lucie County ordered the man held without bail, and on Tuesday afternoon, he was transferred by bus to Broward County.
Sheriff’s officials claim they have opened an internal affairs investigation but have yet to
determine the man’s job status.
The accused has been a bailiff for the Broward County Sheriff’s Office since 1999.
While the details surrounding this man’s arrest are unknown at this point, the charges he faces are quite severe. An armed kidnapping charge is classified as a first-degree felony punishable by up to life imprisonment. Sexual battery and aggravated assault with a firearm are also felony charges in Florida. Punishments for these crimes vary based on the evidence brought forth by prosecutors.
If you or someone you love is facing serious criminal charges in South Florida, you must immediately seek assistance from an experienced criminal defense attorney. A Broward County Criminal Defense Lawyer can help guide you through the legal process, clarify your options, and assemble the most robust possible defense on your behalf.
When facing criminal charges for a felony offense, you must protect your rights to achieve a successful outcome. Contact a Broward County Criminal Defense Attorney at Whittel & Melton online or call 561-367-8777. We are also available statewide and toll-free at 866-608-5529.
Let our team of dedicated criminal attorneys help you through this challenging time. The consequences of a felony conviction are no laughing matter, so do not delay.
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