Warning: Constant ABSPATH already defined in /home/flanews/public_html/wp-config.php on line 34
Capitol News Service » Blog Archive » Threatened Use of Force Now the Law in Florida

Welcome to

Capitol News Service

Florida's Best Political Coverage on Television

 


 


 


Recent Posts

RSS Quote of the Day

  • Charles Baudelaire
    "Everything that is beautiful and noble is the product of reason and calculation."
  • Wilson Mizner
    "The best way to keep your friends is not to give them away."
  • Benjamin Disraeli
    "Silence is the mother of truth."
  • H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
    "Never forget the three powerful resources you always have available to you: love, prayer, and forgiveness."

Threatened Use of Force Now the Law in Florida

June 23rd, 2014 by Mike Vasilinda

People who feel threatened can now use non lethal force to scare away potential attackers without the fear of prison time. The so called “Warning Shot” legislation was inspired by a mother sent who was sent to jail.

It took a jury less than 15 minutes to find Marissa Alexander guilty of aggregated assault after she fired a shot in the direction of her estranged husband. She got 20 years but she’s now out, awaiting a new trial.  But it was her case that first  inspired the so called warning shot legislation championed by Marion Hammer and the  NRA.

“Self defense is not a crime. Self defense is a right guaranteed by the Constitution” says Hammer, who admits she doesn’t like the bill being labeled warning shot. “This bill is not really about warning shots. This bill is about stopping abuse and protecting your right of self defense.”

At a pawn shop a block from the Governor’s mansion, the signing of the legislation was hailed by owner Mark Folmar as common sense.

“You shouldn’t shoot somebody unless you have no other choice. Given this as one last choice, it may prevent some people from being shot” says Folmar.

The legislation encourages anyone convicted under the statute to apply for Executive Clemency. Hammer says the message is clear:  “It absolutely is a message to the Clemency Board. The Clemency Board can make right the wrongs committed by prosecutors.”

A number of cases could qualify for clemency under the legislation, but how many is unknown until they start making applications.

And anyone who is initially charged and later has the charges dropped can apply to have their arrest record expunged.

Marissa Alexander was originally offered a plea deal which included 3 years in prison. She turned it down. Her retrial is scheduled for December. She would only need to apply for clemency if she is re convicted.

 

Posted in State News | Comments Off on Threatened Use of Force Now the Law in Florida

Comments are closed.

copyright © 2016 by Capitol News Service | Powered by Wordpress | Hosted by LyonsHost.com