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Harsher Penalties for Crimes against Law Enforcement
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April 3rd, 2008
"Florida’s House of Representatives Unanimously Passes Bill"
Florida’s House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill to increase the penalties for individuals convicted of murder or attempted murder of a law enforcement officer.
Mandatory Life Imprisonment
Under the proposed measure, a life sentence would be mandatory for killing or trying to kill an officer. Currently, a first, second, or third degree murder conviction carries a penalty ranging from 22.5 years to life imprisonment, and attempted murder carries 7.5 to 30 years.
Bill Draws Criticism
Though the bill won unanimous support in the House, it has drawn some criticism. Opponents claim that the law is unnecessary because penalties are already considerable for most offenders. They also argue that the law will deter plea bargains and force more cases to trial.
“This is unnecessary legislation that accomplishes only two purposes: it makes the sponsor look tough on crime and it makes the cost of prosecuting and defending these cases skyrocket,” said A. Russell Smith of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
Senate Bill
A similar bill in the state Senate has unanimously passed two of three committee votes, but has yet to reach the floor.
(Source: The Florida Times-Union)
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