Florida Criminal Lawyer Blog

Our South Florida criminal defense lawyers have read about a case involving a former Davie police officer charged with assaulting his pregnant wife. According to the South Florida Sun Sentinel, the officer failed to show up for his first trial, then fled the country before the judge and jury could hear more serious charges in a second trial.

Two of the jurors involved in the first trial have come forward saying they wished they’d known about the other charges and the defendant’s history. Since prosecutors are not allowed to share background information or information about pending charges because it might prejudice jurors, they say they had no idea about the aggravated assault charges against the defendant.

The Davie Police Department fired the officer last month. The ex-wife said he had relatives in Switzerland and Serbia, so authorities suspect he may have gone there. His defense attorney says it’s doubtful that he’ll be found. Local agencies and federal FBI officers said they are not actively pursuing him.

Source: Jurors regret acquitting fugitive Davie officer, South Florida Sun Sentinel, May 9, 2010

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Our South Florida criminal defense attorneys have learned that Florida's crime rate dropped by more 6% last year compared to 2008. Violent crime fell by almost 11%, according to statistics released earlier this week.

This trend played out across South Florida, including Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade counties. However, a spokesman for the Broward County Sherriff's Office said that while the county's 3% drop is encouraging, domestic violence continues to be an issue for the county. In fact, two recent cases involve men who were arrested in connection with their wives' murders.

Governor Charlie Crist said on Wednesday that crime in Florida has dropped to the lowest level in 39 years. He added that this reflects well on law enforcement officers.

Source: Broward County crime drops, South Florida Sun Sentinel, April 7, 2010

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According to statistics from Florida's Department of Juvenile Justice, the number of youths charged with violent felonies dropped 7% statewide between fiscal year 2003-2004 and 2007-2008. The decrease was 2% in Broward County, 12% in Palm Beach County, and 13% in Miami-Dade County. The drop in juvenile crime rates came despite a rise in population.

Crime experts attribute the decrease to better support programs for teens and a general drop in crime levels, including teenage crime. Another factor may be the departure from zero-tolerance policies from the past. For instance, instead of automatic arrest an officer can now turn minors over to the wrath of their parents.

While overall statistics show a drop in juvenile crime, several recent incidents in South Florida show that teens are still committing violent crimes. Last month, a 17-year-old Miami student stabbed a teen classmate to death at Coral Gables High School. And in 2008, a 12-year-old Lauderhill boy bludgeons his infant cousin to death with a baseball bat.

Brutal cases aside, juvenile crime down in South Florida, figures show, South Florida Sun Sentinel, October 14, 2009

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According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, violent crime decreased last year across the county, but it is on the rise in some South Florida cities.

Homicides went up six for a total of 18 in West Palm Beach, while the overall number of murders nationwide declined. West Palm Beach rapes also increased, though West Palm Beach's population shrunk by around 2,600 people last year according to state statistics. A spokesman for the West Palm Beach police said that overall, crime was down 17 percent; despite increases in certain types of crimes, there were 193 fewer violent crimes last year.

In Fort Lauderdale, rape increased by 17 to a total of 73, while robbery rose 112 to a total of 848. The population in Fort Lauderdale remained roughly the same. Burglaries also increased in Fort Lauderdale. The FBI noted that with the economy in a slump, more people are turning to non-violent crimes like burglary or larceny.

FBI: Violent crime down nationally, up in some South Florida cities, South Florida Sun Sentinel, June 2, 2009

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Two men were arrested in connection with the Saturday evening shooting of a Coral Spring police officer. As of yesterday, Jeremiah Derico, 20, and Yancy Polk, 24, were being held without bond. They are accused of robbing an Advance Auto Parts store, then fleeing the scene after threatening workers with an assault rifle.

Police Officer Paul Kempinski, 27, chased both men, and the suspect fired at him, piercing the officer's legs, arm, and his side with bullets. Kempinksi was listed in stable condition at North Broward Medical Center. Today he will undergo surgery on his left arm, which was pierced by a bullet.

Polk is charged with attempted murder. Police officers announced yesterday that Polk faces three more counts of attempted murder for allegedly shooting at three other officers, two Coral Springs officers and one a Coconut Creek police officer. Those three police officers were not injured. In addition to attempted murder charges, Polk is charged with armed burglary, kidnapping, and shooting into an occupied dwelling. Deico is charged with attempted murder and armed robbery.

Dozens donating blood today in honor of injured Coral Springs police officer, South Florida Sun Sentinel, May 26, 2009

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The Florida Department of Law Enforcement released its 2008 crime statistics on Friday. The report showed that overall the Florida crime rate decreased approximately 2.8 % from 2007 to 2008. Violent crime dropped statewide, while larcenies and burglaries rose.

In Broward County, overall crime increased by less than 4%, although the population of the county dropped at the same time. In particular, Broward saw increases in the number of rapes, larcenies, and burglaries.

In Palm Beach County, the crime rate dropped in every category but murder. According to the report, the number of murders remained at 96. Overall, Palm Beach Country's crime rate dropped by nearly 4%.

Crime up in Broward, down in Palm Beach County, FDLE says, South Florida Sun Sentinel, April 16, 2009

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