The Lakeland Police Department was in the news again tonight. Fox New Tampa Bay did a story on the investigation of LPD. The focus this time was on LPD's internal affairs division. An officer was reassigned from that division. This again delat with the DUI case I tried last month. You can watch the story...
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Lakeland DUI cases to be dismissed in Polk County
As a follow up to yesterday's News Channel 8's story on LPD, The Ledger is reporting that "The letter also said Hill will no longer accept testimony from Sgt. Raymond Lloyd and Officer David Edds. In addition, nearly 40 pending DUI cases will be dismissed." The full article can be viewed at: http://www.theledger.com/article/20130716/NEWS/130719456?p=1&tc=pg The article...
Read MoreNews Channel 8 continues investigating Lakeland PD
Last night News Channel 8 did a story regarding the Lakeland Police Department. The station reported a "bombshell" announcement regarding further problems at LPD. You can see the story at this link: http://www.wfla.com/story/22856459/lakeland-police-scandals-could-place News Channel 8 also has copies of the letters the State Attorney sen Chief Womack regarding some of the LPD officers. In...
Read MoreProblems at Lakeland Police Department continue
The ongoing problems and investigation into the Lakeland Police Department continue. The Ledger reported today that the State Attorney for the 10th Judicial Circuit issued a "No Confidence' letter for two LPD officers. You can read the article here: http://www.theledger.com/article/20130716/NEWS/130719456?tc=cr That means that the prosecutor's office will no longer accept testimony from Sgt. Raymond Lloyd and...
Read MorePolk DUI attorney files Response to DHSMV Response to Formal review writ.
Today, I spent over 12 hours (on a Saturday) preparing my Response in a writ I filed against the Dept. of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). My client lost his Formal Review and filing a "Writ of Certiorari" is the means by which a driver appeals the administrative suspension of their Florida driver's license....
Read MoreRules of sequestration, does it apply to alleged victim's family?
The George Zimmerman case may be over soon. The prosecution has rested their case, so now the defense may present evidence if they wish. Normally in a criminal trial, the attorneys will invoke the "Rule of Sequestration" that prevents witnesses from being present in the court room when another witness is testifying. It also prevents...
Read MoreFlorida DUI law changes for hardship license if arrested for DUI
You only have 10 days to request a “Formal Review” to challenge the administrative suspension of your driver’s license for blowing over 0.08 on the breath test machine or refusing the breath test. The Florida legislature has now changed the law that can dramatically affect your ability to drive! Now, you can AUTOMATICALLY obtain a...
Read MoreFlorida rules on expert witness testimony change July 1. Polk County will now use "Daubert" test for expert witnesses.
The Florida legislature has adopted a new standard for the admission of expert witness testimony in Florida criminal and civil cases. In the past, Florida courts have used the Frye standard which allowed an expert to testify if the expert opinion was based on a scientific technique that is generally accepted as reliable in the...
Read MoreFlorida expected to make juveniles and parents responsible for damages in commission of a crime
While a contentious issue, Florida is expected to make juveniles and their parents responsible for damages incurred during the commission of a crime. Florida is taking a tougher approach to juvenile crime by fostering a bill that would make it mandatory for children and their parents or guardians to pay out for damages caused by...
Read MoreArticle in the Ledger gives a thorough review of problems at Lakeland Police Department
The Lakeland Ledger did a very thorough investigation into the on-going problems at the Lakeland Police Department. These issues include my DUI case regarding how DUI reports are completed in criminal cases, bra-shaking searches conducted by patrol officers, FDLE's investigation of LPD, and other issues. You can read the full article here: http://www.theledger.com/article/20130620/NEWS/306215002/1358/news06?p=1&tc=pg If you...
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