Stupid Criminals

Geez - we were supposed to have a trial today, but the Defendant took a plea.  The reason: the bozo got arrested last night on new charges.  Most likely those new charges wouldn't have been allowed/mentioned during the trial, but things aren't looking good for him.  Not the sharpest tool in the shed for sure!

LC

Ouch!

Found out about a clerical mistake today: in a sentencing order, a clerk put a 3 year minimum mandatory sentence for a vehicular homicide when it should have been 4.  I'm not a lawyer, but the term of double-jeopardy came up and that the court couldn't amend the sentencing order since too much time has passed.  Argh - I feel so sorry for the victim's family.  I just hope this defendant realizes how lucky he is and turns his life around.

LC

Going to Work Tomorrow

I'm going to work tomorrow.  And it almost didn't happen.  The Governor finally signed a bill for additional funding for the State Courts, so we could stay open.  That's right: we ran out of money.  Only the third branch government, that is.  Our funding comes from fees and costs and since foreclosure filings are down... well, we ran out of money.  Crazy.

At least we're good for the next two months.  We'll just have to wait and see how much of a hit we take during the legislative session for the fiscal year.  Six years of this crisis and still no end in sight.  But at least I have a job to go to tomorrow.

LC

Court Funding

Rumors have been flying this week regarding funding to the court system.  The judiciary received .07 funding from the State.  Our budget comes from court fees which have fallen off dramatically the past few months.  There's a strong possibility of furloughs for April through May.  Not good.

For myself as an employee facing a paycut and for the public, as well.  If the state doesn't have the money for judges, state attorneys, public defenders and jail staff, then a lot of bad folks will be out on the streets.

LC

To Good Friends

This recession is certainly taking its toll.  Spoke to a good friend today who works for a lawyer in private practice: 3 years without a raise and business is down.  I usually hear from friends in county and state positions where furloughs, layoffs, and more work with less personnel is the norm.  Very frustrating times - for those of us who work.  Hang in there!  I still think a bad job is better than no job.

LC

When Writing a Judge

For heaven's sake if you decide to write the judge a letter, please don't admit to a crime.  In fact, don't write the judge at all.  The judge's role in a criminal case is as the tryer of the facts only.  A judge can not act as an advocate or give legal advice.  The defense attorney will present any evidence during hearings and trial.  The judge does not care that your mother is sick or your girlfriend is expecting a baby.  You should have thought about that before you got into trouble!!

Good luck!

LC

Florida Judges

Working in the court system gives me the opportunity to tell you about state courts system judges.  In our circuit, the judges work very, very hard.  Not only do they work hard on their own dockets, but also volunteer and fill in when other judges are on vacation or out sick.

The notion of judges taking Friday off and spending the day playing golf is outdated and untrue.  When the judges aren't in court hearing cases, then they're up in their offices signing paperwork, composing orders and doing research.  They are often out in the community, as well, as guest speakers at schools and community outreach programs.

Judges have been given a lot of bad press lately in our state newspapers.  What I can say is that I'm honored to work with the judges here in our circuit.  They serve the State and our local community well.

LC