Recently in Legal Humor Category

May 1, 2013

Saint Petersburg man calls 911, requests Kool Aid and weed

kool aid.bmp A quick blurb in the Tampa Times online about how calling the emergency hotline for marijuana and Kool Aid tends to get a person in trouble...

Bored last Sunday, Saint Pete resident Jarvis Sutton, 34, was in the mood for three things: drugs, food and drinks. While that itself is not a crime, what he did next landed him in hot water.

The suspect proceeded to call 911 alomost 80 times throughout the day, requesting Kool Aid, "weed" and various food items. Eventually, police had enough. An officer wrote in his arrest report "The defendant admitted to calling 911 because he 'wanted Kool-Aid, burgers and weed to be delivered to him,' ".

The suspect was arrested and charged with "misuse of the 911 system". To make matters more interesting, on the way to jail the suspect began chewing the metal cage in the police cruiser.

Mr. Sutton has had several arrests in Pinellas for charges such as possession of marijuana, battery on a law enforcement officer, failure to appear, trespassing, and a violation of probation among others.

Continue reading "Saint Petersburg man calls 911, requests Kool Aid and weed" »

April 5, 2013

Yo Quiero Battery: Florida man arrested for battery with a burrito

Pinellas battery defense lawyer.bmp A brief blurb from the smoking gun website shows that literally anything can be used in a fight. As a result, a Florida man has been charged with a battery by striking another person with a Taco Bell burrito...

"Fourth Meal" or Felony?

36 year-old Eric Brown smashed the beef and bean concotion into a 16 year-old boy during a domestic violence incident in a Port St. Lucie household on February 15.

The juvenile victim told police that he was having an arguement with his mother when the defendant, his brother-in-law, asked the mother to bring him the burrito.

The defendant then proceeded to throw the burrito with force, striking the teenager in the face with the quasi-food item. The police report dryly noted that the victim had "burrito cheese, sauce and meat all over his clothing and face."

The battery suspect told the police that while he "delivered" the burrito, it was deserved because the victim was cursing at and being rude to his mother.

The newly arrested defendant then unwisely told the police that he was going to "knock the victim out" and "take care of him" when he got out.
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LEGAL ANALYSIS
The charge of battery is found under Florida statute 784.03. It is basically defined as an unlawful touch or strike against another person. In this case, the suspect appeared to have committed a battery by throwing the burrito at the kid. This is because the statute reads that thowing an object that hits the victim can also be a battery. Just because no part of his body made contact with the victim would not allow him to escape this charge.

The article does not say if the defendant had any prior battery convictions. If he did have at least one prior conviction after July 1, 2001 or two prior convictions before that 2001 date, the suspect could now be facing a third degree felony, felony battery. A normal battery as described above (no permanent or severe injuries and no use of a weapon) would qualify as a misdemeanor (punishable by up to one year in a county jail). A third degree felony would mean the suspect is now facing up to five years in prison for the crime.

Finally, if the victim heard the defendant's threats to "take care of him" and that was construed as an attempt to intimidate or influence the victim, the suspect could be facing a Tampering with a Witness charge. Tampering with a witness, Florida statute 914.22 is also a third degree felony with the same potential of a five year prison term.

Continue reading "Yo Quiero Battery: Florida man arrested for battery with a burrito" »

March 29, 2013

Florida Lawyer's mugshot ironically ends up next to his ad

Florida DUI Lawyer.jpgFiled under the "any publicity is good publicity" school of thought, a Florida lawyer's marketing plan backfires when his mug shot is featured next to his legal ad.

According to a blurb in the aba (American Bar Association) journal, Florida DUI Lawyer Thomas L. Edwards was arrested on multiple charges including Driving Under the Influence, Reckless Driving, and two counts of leaving the scene of an accident with property damage among others.

In an ironic marketing twist, the lawyer's mugshot ended up next to his Gainesville law firm ad where he is seen smiling (though in a nice suit instead of jail garb). Making matters worse, this same attorney was interviewed by The Gainesville Sun back in 2007 when the subject of bad-looking mug shots came up.
Mr. Edwards was quoted as saying:

"Mug shots, unfortunately, are never good pictures. They've usually got people who are in compromised positions," said Gainesville defense attorney Thomas Edwards.

"They arrest you and you're not looking so good. They're not going to give you a plastic comb. They are not going to concern themselves if you look like crap."

Short of someone turning themselves in at the jail, most people can't prepare for getting their mug shot taken, Edwards said.

Legally, he added, there's nothing a defense lawyer can do about a bad mug shot except make sure it doesn't prejudice a jury that will hear the case.

Based on his calm, smiling mugshot, this DUI attorney might have practiced looking good for the camera.

LEGAL ANALYSIS

dui 3.png While it is common to read articles about celebrities and politicians getting special treatment when breaking the law, the reality for lawyers, doctors or other professionals is often different. While most people assume that the "good old boys" club protects its own, that is usually not the case.

Here in Pinellas County, if an assistant state attorney or public defender gets arrested, many times the case will be transferred nearby (such as Hillsborough) to avoid the appearance of impropriety. These same lawyers, rather then getting kid glove treatment are often judged harsher then others would be. This is because the media is sure to report on these arrests and the aftermath.

In this case, it is too early to guess what may happen. Mr. Edwards was asked to comment and through his assistant gave the following statement: "Under the American criminal justice system all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty."

Continue reading "Florida Lawyer's mugshot ironically ends up next to his ad" »

March 7, 2013

Bradenton man arrested for theft of lube

Bradenton shoplifting lawyer.jpgAccording to the Smoking Gun website, a Bradenton man was arrested for petit theft after he shoplifted a bottle of personal lubricant.

Rudy Marenco, 21, of Bradenton, was spotted by a Spencer's employee examining a bottle of "Orgasmix" personal lubricant inside the store at DeSoto Square mall. The employee then found an open, discarded box that previously contained the "Orgasmix".

The employee quickly confronted Mr. Marenco who pulled out the $7.99 product and apologized for shoplifting. Orgasmix, described on Spencer's website as an enhancement gel made to increase women's pleasure, turned out to be the suspect's downfall. Despite his regret, local police were called and he was arrested for the theft. To add insult to injury, police found marijuana in his pocket and proceeded to add the drug charge to him.798514-burglary.jpg
LEGAL ANALYSIS
Petit theft is usually a misdemeanor. What many people are shocked to find out is if one has two or more prior theft convictions, they can be charged with felony petit theft!

Felony petit theft is found under Florida Statutes 812.014(3)(c). Depending on this suspect's prior theft convictions, the simple shoplifting of a $7.99 product may result in a third degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison! As a shoplifting defense attorney, I have seen people being sentenced to prison for relatively minor thefts.

A felony petit theft does not score many points in the Florida criminal punishment scoresheet. However, many judges get frustrated with a repeat theft offender and may sentence harshly.

The scoresheet mentioned above is an important way in how the state of Florida determines how long or if a defendant should be sentenced to prison. That will be a subject for the next blog.

Continue reading "Bradenton man arrested for theft of lube" »

January 25, 2013

Naked Florida man burglarizes home, chaos ensues

naked 3.jpgFrom a local CBS news Miami affiliate, a naked Floridian was arrested for burglary after he broke into a local home, defecated in the house and proceeded to go on a rampage...

Greg Bruni, 21 and naked was arrested near Fort Myers, Florida after local homeowners called the police. It appears that while the owners were at home, they heard a noise coming from their roof. When they went outside to investigate, they received the shock of their lives!

The suspect jumped naked from the roof into the man, knocking him into the ground. Mr. Bruni then rushed inside the house uninvited into the house and proceeded to commit a criminal mischief by tearing a television off the wall.

The knocked down victim yelled at his wife to grab their gun. The suspect ignored three shots being fired at him (all misses) and continued to rampage inside the house. The suspect then allegedly began to masturbate on the living room floor and continued his crime spree by repeatedly defecating throughout the house. Even more disturbingly, the Defendant ran into a child's room, and committed battery on the child by rubbing his body on the minor's clothing while it was being worn.

Police were, of course, called out where they found the suspect falling on the ground and speaking gibberish. They had to tase him multiple times to subdue him in order to make an arrest. He was taken to a nearby hospital where a full series of tests were done in order to determine if he was suffering from a mental defect and/or an illegal drug reaction.
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The Legal Aftermath?

What are the possible legal ramifications for the defendant? What are some realistic defenses? As a pinellas criminal defense lawyer, believe it or not, we have dealt with similar situations in the past through our practice!

The most serious charge this man is facing is a potential first degree felony, punishable by life! That charge is a burglary of an occupied dwelling, Florida statute 810.02(3). The statute reads in part as follows:

(b) For offenses committed after July 1, 2001, "burglary" means:
1. Entering a dwelling, a structure, or a conveyance with the intent to commit an offense therein, unless the premises are at the time open to the public or the defendant is licensed or invited to enter; or
2. Notwithstanding a licensed or invited entry, remaining in a dwelling, structure, or conveyance:
a. Surreptitiously, with the intent to commit an offense therein;
b. After permission to remain therein has been withdrawn, with the intent to commit an offense therein; or
c. To commit or attempt to commit a forcible felony, as defined in s. 776.08.
(2) Burglary is a felony of the first degree, punishable by imprisonment for a term of years not exceeding life imprisonment or as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084, if, in the course of committing the offense, the offender:
(a) Makes an assault or battery upon any person; or
(b) Is or becomes armed within the dwelling, structure, or conveyance, with explosives or a dangerous weapon

In this case, the man clearly entered into an occupied residence and committed multiple crimes (battery, criminal mischief, assault, etc). Even if the suspect was only charged with this one count, under the Florida criminal justice system, he would be scoring mandatory prison up to life, even if he has no prior crimes!

What are some possible defenses? While there are plenty, the most obvious one seems to be competence or mental problems that the Defendant may have that would leave him unable to understand the crime or understand what occurred.

In Pinellas county, when a suspect is considered possibly incompetent, the Court will order a mental evaluation (usually done by the experienced Dr. Jill Poorman). There is a series of tests and questions the suspect must answer. The purpose of these tests are to determine if the suspect is competent to stand trial. The next blog will go more into Florida statute 916.12 and what the state of Florida's competentence standards.

Continue reading "Naked Florida man burglarizes home, chaos ensues" »

January 4, 2013

Beer company sued by inmates as the cause of there bad behavior?!

beer 2.bmpLike the lawsuits against big tobacco in the 1980s and following in the footsteps of a nearby Indian reservation, five inmates in the Idaho Department of Corrections are suing major beer companies. Why? They are blaming their legal troubles on alcoholism and claiming they were not warned about the dangers of drinking...

According to the Idaho Statesman, the five Idaho inmates filed the lawsuit without a lawyer. It names a total of eight defendants including Coors, Miller brewing and Jim Bean.

The inmates, Keith Brown and co-plaintiffs Jeremy Joseph Brown, Woodrow John Grant Cory Alan Baugh, and Steven Todd Thompson also wrote affidavits explaining how alcohol has affected their lives.

Keith Brown, after fleeing to Florida, was found and later convicted of voluntary manslaughter. He has spent nearly 30 years behind bars. In his affidavit, Mr. Brown claims that he spent all this time in prison because of alcohol and people being intoxicated. He continued, "At no time in my life, prior to me becoming an alcoholic, was I ever informed that alcohol was habit forming and addictive."

Another potential Plaintiff, 34 year-old Jeremy Brown is currently serving 20-30 years for aggravated battery against a man in 2001. He claims he was drunk at the time and if it wasn't for that fact, he never would have shot the man. He too is claiming he had no idea that alcohol is potentially habit forming!

Mr. Baugh is serving 7-10 years for a grand theft and drug convictions. Mr. Grant is serving time for aggravated battery and drug charges. 44 year-old Mr. Thompson is serving three more years of prison for grand theft and multiple drug charges. They all say the same thing: because of alcohol, they fear that they cannot be productive members of society and so want someone to blame...beer.bmp

What are the legal odds of this case being a winner? As a Pinellas county law firm that specializes is criminal defense and personal injury, this case looks like it is going nowhere fast. Unlike the infamous McDonald's hot coffee case there should be no surprises even if this case gets to a jury. Alcohol consumption and it's possible side affects have been widly known for hundreds of years. Unlike "Big Tobacco", there is no evidence that alcohol companies have purposely tried to hide their dangers.

Finally, this case should put off a large percentage of any jurors. It looks like these men are not taking responsibility for their actions, rather they look like they are just after a quick payday!

Continue reading "Beer company sued by inmates as the cause of there bad behavior?!" »

December 19, 2012

Pasco man arrested for kidnapping his wife to dinner

kidnapped.bmpLike a scene out of a bad Hollywood "dark" comedy, a Pasco man was arrested for domestic assault, aggravated assault and tampering with a witness for kidnapping his wife and forcing her to go to dinner with him. per the baynews9 online article, the wife was fortunate, as this could have turned deadly...

Pasco sheriff's detectives say a 49 year-old man invited his estranged wife over to his house, hoping to reconcile and put aside their differences. At his place, when his wife admitted that she didn't love him anymore, her day quickly took a turn for the worse...

The man committed a battery by punching her in the head. He then picked up a tampering with a victim charge by taking her car keys and her cell phone, leaving her unable to either leave or call for help. For this lady, her nightmare was just beginning.

Detectives claim that the husband then forced his wife to sit and watch television with him at knifepoint. He then decided to try and win her back by forcing her to accompany him to the famed gourmet restaurant the Golden Corral. After dinner, he continued this romantic "date" by forcing her to accompany him to Walmart where he purchased new shoes for himself.

After the dinner and shopping excursion, the man headed back to his house, forcing his soon to be ex-wife to come back with him. Once home, he continued to force her to watch more television with him.953593-domestic-violence-callout.jpg

Around that time, the woman's father came by the house. He was suspicious as the victim did not return any of her father's calls the past several hours. The father managed to help his daughter get out of the house and into his car.

As they were driving away, the Defendant got a rifle, pointed it at the escaping vehicle and fired a shot into the air, thereby commiting an aggravated assault. This crime, normally a third degree felony with no mandatory prison, may have a three year minimum/mandatory prison sentence attached. This would occur only if the suspect pointed the firearm directly at the wife or her father.

As of this publication, the wife is safe and resting while the Defendant is still in the Pasco County jail...

Continue reading "Pasco man arrested for kidnapping his wife to dinner" »

September 21, 2012

Pinellas man calls 911 when his daughter refuses to get him a beer

beer.jpgA humorous bit first seen in the Tampa Times website...

A Pinellas county man told police he needed help with a "domestic situation". The police rushed over expecting to find a domestic battery, instead they found a man wanting a beer!

Pinellas deputies received a 911 call late Thursday night from a 56 year old Seminole man detailing the above situation. The man claimed his daughter was hitting him and using drugs. When they arrived to the home, they found the man was intoxicated and his story quickly unraveled.

The man's daughter said the Defendant called the police when she wouldn't buy him a beer. When she produced audio recordings of the Defendant threatening to make fake statements to the police about her the police had heard enough. The man was arrested for making a false report of a crime and was sent to Pinellas county jail. It looks like he better cut back on the beer and save his money for a defense attorney!

Continue reading "Pinellas man calls 911 when his daughter refuses to get him a beer" »

September 4, 2012

Florida Teen is on trial for impersonating a doctor

doogie.jpgLike a bad episode of "Doogie Howser, M.D." except in this case the teenager was NOT a doctor. Per an article on CNN, this pint-sized wanna be medical man may soon be in a world of trouble...

Matthew Scheidt, 18, is currently on trial in Florida on four counts of practicing medicine without a license and two counts of impersonating a physician assistant during time he spent at the Osceola Regional Medical Center. He is accused of getting a medical badge through a clerical error and working "rounds" as a doctor, going so far as giving CPR to a suspected drug overdose victim.

His defense? The hospital was to blame for giving him an badge identifying him as a doctor! The suspect claimed that he went to the hospital to get a badge to work as a clerk at a doctor's office across the street. Due to a clerical error, he was given a badge identifying him as a physician assistant. During an interview, the suspect did not sound remorseful.

"Their error was putting me in apparently as a physician assistant into their computer," Scheidt told investigators. "Let's even say that I said I was a physician assistant. Let's even say that I was. Are you that stupid that you are just going to put me in the system as that, without any credentials or any paperwork or nothing?"

The State attorneys prosecting the case claims that the suspect used the incorrect badge to spend weeks working in the hospital, helping to conduct medical exams and changing bandages.

Despite an alleged full confession and a mountain of evidence against him, he has pled "not guilty" and has maintained his innocence. One thing that may not help him? Just a few months after bonding out on these charges, he was arrested and put back in jail for a new count of impersonating a police officer! Forget "Doogie Howser", this is sounding more like a bad version of the '80s classic, "The Secret of My Sucess"...

Continue reading "Florida Teen is on trial for impersonating a doctor" »

May 2, 2012

Pinellas County jail visitation ends in arrest after visitor "lets it all hang out"

Neil Harris.jpgA humorous story posted in the Tampa Bay Times website about a jail visitor. This man was visiting his incarcerated wife over video when he decided the video visitation should be a XXX one. The man, 46, was arrested for exposing his sexual organs, a misdemeanor. This carefree husband was booked into Pinellas county jail...the same place where this exposure took place.

While this story is humorous, it brings up a broader point. What rights do visitors have in jail? That depends on if the visitor is a loved one or if he/she is the accused's criminal defense lawyer. As a Pinellas criminal defense attorney, we are able to speak with our incarcerated clients face-to-face. Because of the attorney-client privilege, the meetings we have with clients or prospective clients can NOT be revealed, taped or recorded to ANYONE without the client's permission. This means when we are visiting a client who is locked up, we have special areas where there is no sound or video recordings and the guards can not listen in to our conversation. This protects both the client and the legal process.

Lastly, this article is another reminder of what else NOT to do if one is incarcerated. While exposing your sexual organs is never a good idea when in jail, one must be careful to not expose any information on their case to cellmates. The jail can be a lonely place and it is common to reach out to other people locked up with you. However, if one starts giving information about their charges, these same "friends" may quickly flip on you. These "informants" may testify against you in your criminal case, hoping that their testimony may convince the state to depart from their guideline sentence. The thinking is, if an informant helps the state put away a criminal on a big crime (such as murder or a sexual assault), then the state may agree to reduce the informant's sentence.

With that in mind, a friendly reminder that if one is ever so unfortunate as to be a "guest" in the local county jail, keep your pants up and your mouth shut!

Continue reading "Pinellas County jail visitation ends in arrest after visitor "lets it all hang out"" »

April 18, 2012

A new Blood-alcohol content (BAC) record?

James-Henderson-214x214.jpgA story that is so scary its funny... According to an article on the website guyism, we may have a new BAC record...

The man, James Henderson, was first arrested for public intoxication when he was found passed out in a ditch. His Blood-alcohol level was an astonishing 0.552%! This is amazing as it is generally thought that death can occur when the BAC gets in the high 0.200s or 0.3. You generally fall into a coma if your BAC reaches around .400. What makes the story more interesting is that not only did this man make a full recovery but he was again arrested on a disorderly intoxication charge. That time he had a .297!

As a St. Petersburg DUI defense lawyer, I have often been asked to explain BAC and what the limits are in Florida to be convicted of a DUI. BAC (Blood-alcohol content or sometimes breath-alcohol content) is basically measured as a percentage of alcohol in a person's blood.

dui pic.bmp

Generally, in Florida a .08 BAC is considered impaired. This means that 1/8 of one percent of a person's blood is alcohol, by volume. A BAC of .15 or greater is enough to give you enhanced DUI penalties. These penalties generally consist of enhanced fines, more jail time, and a breathalyzer machine being installed in your vehicle. You might be surprised but a .08 BAC often does not equal much alcohol. A slender woman may only need 1-2 glasses of wine before she reaches that limit!


Finally, just as you can be found not guilty with a BAC of .08 or higher, you CAN be convicted of a DUI or Driving under the influence, even if your BAC is below that standard. How a DUI suspect acts, looks, performs certain tests (field sobriety exercises, a subject for another blog) and dozens of other factors along with a potential BAC goes into determing if someone was driving under the influence...

Continue reading "A new Blood-alcohol content (BAC) record?" »

October 14, 2011

FORT LAUDERDALE: Plea Deal Reached in Phoney Breast Exam Scam

According to an online story on SunSentinal.com, a Coconut Creek man accused of posing as a doctor and offering free door-to-door "breast exams" has reached a deal with prosecutors, lawyers told a Broward County judge on Tuesday.

Phillip Winikoff, 81, was accused in April 2006 of carrying on the ruse with women at an apartment complex in the 3200 block of Northwest 40th Street in Lauderdale Lakes. Investigators said two (2) women took Winikoff up on the offer, allowed him into their apartments and realized something was amiss only after the phony "breast exams" started.

Philip Winikoff.jpg

Winikoff was charged with three (3) Felony counts of Sexual Battery, two (2) counts of Practicing Medicine without a License, two (2) counts of Simple Battery, and one (1) count of Using the Title of Doctor without a License.

If tried and convicted, he could have been sentenced to more than forty-five (45) years in the Florida State Prison system for the Sexual Battery charges and another ten (10) years for Practicing Medicine without a License.

It was not revealed Tuesday whether the deal Winikoff reached with prosecutors will keep him out of prison.

Winikoff, who was in court with a half-dozen family members, was scheduled to enter a plea of either Guilty or No Contest, but by the time the prosecutor and Winikoff's lawyer arrived, Broward Circuit Judge Sandra Perlman said she had a Trial to oversee and needed to reschedule the Winikoff plea. No firm date was set.

At the time of Winikoff's arrest, the Broward County Sheriff's Office said he carried a little black bag to lend credibility to his claim of being a doctor. The first victim, 36 years old at the time, told detectives he started the exam by fondling her breasts, and she knew something was wrong when his hands wandered elsewhere.

Winikoff PC Affidavit.gif

By the time the victim called 911, Winikoff had already found a second victim, the Broward County Sheriff's Office said.

LADIES, PLEASE TAKE NOTE: The next time a man shows up on your doorstep claiming to be a doctor who performs free door-to-door "breast exams," think twice about accepting his offer. Yes, even if he's got a black doctor's bag.

Continue reading "FORT LAUDERDALE: Plea Deal Reached in Phoney Breast Exam Scam" »

August 10, 2011

CLEARWATER: Man Arrested with "F*CK THE POLICE" Tattoo on His Face

I'm all for individuality and one's right to tattoo (almost) anything they want on their body. However, there comes a time when you are just asking for trouble....

Yesterday, an man was arrested under the authority of a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) warrant.

ICE.png

Ismael Hernandez-Ambrosio, of Clearwater, was booked into the Pinellas County Jail around 3:00 p.m. Tuesday afternoon. And I'm sure the arresting officer(s), detention deputies and jail staff enjoyed listing his "Scars, Marks & Tattoos" (as is routinely done when being booked into the Pinellas County Jail.

Unfortunately for Mr. Hernandez-Ambrosio, his "F*CK THE POLICE" Tattoo, going straight across his face, problem didn't earn him any brownie points, or an extra juice cup, or an extended, long-distance phone call.

Fuck the Police Tattoo.jpg

If there is any moral to this story, it has to be "think twice" or three (3) times before inking yourself in such a negative way. As the former Gang Unit Prosecutor in Pinellas County, Florida, I've seen negative tattoos become damaging evidence used by prosecutors against arrested individuals.

All of us at the Blake & Dorsten, P.A. wish Mr. Hernandez-Ambrosio a pleasant trip down to the Krome Detention Center in Miami and a happy and safe stay before he appears in the Krome Immigration Court (prior to arriving at his final point of destination -- which appears to be Burma / Myanmar).

ICE Badge.jpg

July 15, 2011

ORLANDO: Casey Anthony to Appeal Her 4 Misdemeanor Convictions

Casey Anthony's defense team has announced that they will be appealing her four (4) Misdemeanor convictions from her recent First Degree Murder trial.

Friday morning, Casey's defense attorneys filed their Notice of Appeal for the four (4) counts of misleading law enforcement, for which she was convicted by the same jury that acquitted her of First Degree Murder.

Casey Anthony #1.jpg

It was almost three (3) years ago that Casey told Orange County deputies the following:

(1) That she worked at Universal Orlando Resort in 2008,
(2) That she left Caylee with a babysitter named Zenaida Gonzalez,
(3) That she told Jeffrey Hopkins and Juliette Lewis that Caylee was missing,
(4) That she spoke to Caylee on the phone on July 15, 2008.

Casey was charged and convicted of a separate count for each of the above false statements. She was fined the maximum $1,000 for each count, totaling $4,618 after court costs.

Casey Anthony Crying.jpg

Judge Belvin Perry also sentenced Casey to a total of four (4) years in jail, which has already been shortened based on the time she has spent behind bars (awaiting trial), and her good behavior in jail. Casey is due to be released Sunday.

From a strategic standpoint, an appeal could have a huge effect on Casey's civil case involving Zenaida Gonzalez, which took a bizarre turn Friday morning after a quick end to an emergency hearing.

Once the appeal is formally filed, she can legitimately assert her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination in any deposition or interrogation until the appeal is exhausted!

As far as Casey is concerned, there is no downside to this legal maneuver. If she loses the appeal, she will still be released from jail on Sunday. She cannot be punished for appealing.

Casey Anthony Partying.jpg

Another bright move by her defense team to, once again, protect her from having to tell the truth about what happened to her daughter Caylee.

Continue reading "ORLANDO: Casey Anthony to Appeal Her 4 Misdemeanor Convictions" »

July 14, 2011

POLK COUNTY: No More Free Underwear for Male Inmates

As reported by BayNews9, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd is at it again.

In another "cost-cutting" measure, the Polk County Jail will no longer provide free underwear to its inmates.

Polk County Underwear.jpg

Normally, when an inmate is booked in the jail, they are given an orange shirt, orange pants and underwear.

In order to save money, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd has proposed making males inmates pay if they want their "tighty whities."

The cost-saving measure was part of the sheriff's 2011-2012 budget he presented to county commissioners Thursday afternoon. Judd said it will save the county $45,000.

Although women behind bars will still be provided underwear, the men will have to pay.

"For those who don't want to pay, they can let the breeze blow up one leg and out the other," Judd said (in classic Grady Judd fashion).

The idea drew smiles from several county commissioners and laughter from the crowd.

"You and I buy it at the store. So, if they want it, they can buy it," he said. Judd said they are also cutting eleven (11) positions, including six (6) supervisors.

Judd says while his department is doing more with less, his highest priority remains keeping the people of Polk County safe.

Judd said the new policy will not cause the quality of service from the department to go down.

"None of these cuts will keep us from answering the call," Judd said.

FYI -- As for the underwear, it's about $2.50 for briefs and $4.50 for boxers. The choice is up to the inmates.

"We give our inmates choices at our jail," he said.

The new underwear rule will breeze into effect Aug. 1st.

Continue reading "POLK COUNTY: No More Free Underwear for Male Inmates" »