The Michael Dunn Retrial is Underway

Michael Dunn mug shot

Dunn was previously convicted of several counts of attempted murder and discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle. The first jury hung on the First Degree Murder count, and jury selection for the retrial has begun today. He is claiming justifiable use of force (self defense). His attorneys attempted to move the case due to the local publicity, but the judge declined to do so. He faces a mandatory life sentence if convicted of the final charge. He already faces a mandatory 60 years combined on the charges fro which he has been convicted, but not yet sentenced, which makes the cost of a retrial seem to be not very cost effective. Keep in mind the first trial cost nearly $100,ooo!

http://www.cnn.com/2014/09/22/us/florida-loud-music-trial/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

Shaq is a Cop Again

Shaq. Apparently he played basketball, too

Shaquille O’Neal, former NBA basketball player and move genie, is revisiting his love of law enforcement. He recently got a gig as a reserve officer for the Doral, FL, Police Department. As a reserve officer, O’Neal won’t be paid, or go on any SWAT runs (unlike Chuck Norris… Does Doral PD have an MRAP?), but he will speak to kids at events and that sort of thing. And he’ll get a uniform and badge, which I am sure is his primary interest in joining up with another police force! I think it’s great that he’s supporting law enforcement, and showing a positive influence for kids in the community. Keep it up, Shaq!

Happy Friday!

via NY blogs: http://blogs.miaminewtimes.com/riptide/2014/09/shaq_flouts_dorals_smoking_ban_gets_cop_job_despite_hookah_habit.php

Elmo Busted! Another Character Caught in NYC Crackdown

Elmo Arrest: Photo courtesy NYPD @nypdmts

The other day it was Batman, and Spider-Man again. You can’t go anywhere without having to worry about a furry fiend! Today Elmo was booked for aggressive solicitation in Times Square. NYPD officers had previously been giving warnings for solicitation cases, but the recent violent encounters seems to have convinced the cops that more aggressive action needs to be taken to prevent out of control characters running amok in Times Square, a major tourist draw.

Elmo Shocked at Spidey Arrest

And think, just a few weeks ago it was Elmo who was shocked at Spider-Man’s arrest…

Burglar Caught Sleeping on the Job – Literally!

Dion Davis, the Sleeping Burglar

Dion Davis must have worn himself out breaking into a Nokomis, Florida, home. The cleaning lady found him sleeping, next to a bag of jewelry he had looted from the home, and called police. He was still out cold when deputies arrived, and they were able to take a picture of him asleep on the victim’s bed, booty lying next to him.

Dion Davis

Sounds like he was high, probably on an opiate or other depressant. That’s not going to be a legal defense to the Burglary of a Dwelling and Theft charges he’ll be facing.

I recently questioned a local deputy who testified that there were no cameras available for him to take pictures when he was called out to investigate. It’s a shame, he could end up missing out on the best evidence photo, ever.

Spider-Man Arrested Again: This Time Batman is Busted, Too

Clip from footage of Spidey’s earlier bust

More shenanigans from the Times Square performers in New York City. We covered the story a few weeks back when Spider-Man got in a fight with cops. Now he and Batman got in a fight with a heckler, and all three went to jail. Our costumed crusaders are now facing assault charges. New York City is contemplating making street performers register with the city, before they go out and beat people up. Ya think?

Fort Myers Police Are Getting Body Cameras

Some good news for Friday, the City of Fort Myers is going to outfit all FMPD officers with body cams. The first 40 cameras are arriving, and will be deployed soon on patrol officers. Chief Baker has been vocal and instrumental in pushing for this equipment upgrade, and I support his efforts.

I’m a big fan of more cameras. It is for the benefit of everybody… I think there is often pushback from law enforcement, but the cameras really benefit them. If there is a real need to use force, the cameras will demonstrate when they are justified. Conversely, it will catch officers if they break the law, but I think we can all agree that we don’t want officers breaking the law. Much of finding real justice in criminal court is trying to determine what really happened. They call is the the criminal justice system, after all. Cameras are a wonderful tool in discovering the true facts in disputed cases. Cameras collect indisputable evidence.

I encourage all of our local law enforcement departments to look into expanded use of cameras for officers in the field.

http://www.news-press.com/story/news/local/fort-myers/2014/09/10/police-body-cameras-arrive-fmpd/15421785/

Oscar Pistorius Not Guilty of *Premeditaded Murder [Update]

The final verdict has NOT been rendered, but the judge has announced that Pistorius will not be found guilty of murder. I would not be surprised for him to get a lesser charge, but the ultimate decision has yet to be announced.
http://www.cnn.com/2014/09/11/world/africa/oscar-pistorius-verdict/index.html?hpt=hp_t1

UPDATE: Pistorius Not Guilty of Premeditated Murder, still facing possible Culpable Homicide Charge.

MKA Blog Post Regarding Reporters in Courtroom being Subpoenaed

http://mkallenlaw.com/problems-presented-subpoenas-reporters-judge-tracy-hunter-trial/

A First Amendment Victory in Cincinnati

Nadel is back. I GET TO STAY. FREEDOM OF THE PRESS

— Kimball Perry (@kimballperry) September 10, 2014

Judge Nadel refused to bar Enquirer reporter Kimball Perry from the courtroom in the Trace Hunter trial this morning. He is live tweeting from the courtroom: https://twitter.com/kimballperry

Reporter @kimballperry live tweets as attorneys argues for and against his presence in front of Judge Nadel @Enquirer pic.twitter.com/5MOiqrZQIQ

— Carrie Cochran (@carriecochran) September 10, 2014

Fishermen Pull 10-foot Alligator Out of Gulf of Mexico

Don’t Molest Gators!

Some men fishing from a Sarasota pier saw a gator in the surf, and pulled him out before authorities could get to the scene. They could be facing charges, it is illegal to take, feed, bother or otherwise molest a gator in Florida, even one in the ocean (it’s not unusual for gators to take a swim- they don’t mind the salt.)

Remember, if a nuisance alligator seems threatening, call FWC!

Captured Gator, via WFLA

via NBC-2 : http://www.nbc-2.com/story/26482685/10-foot-alligator-caught-in-gulf-waters-off-venice-charges-possible#.VA_UjfmwKRo