April 28, 2009

Pasco County Criminal Lawyer New Update: New Port Richey, FL Man Charged with Attempted Murder, Aggravated Assault on Law Enforcement, DUI

Despite no known criminal priors, a 23-year-old is behind bars, according to the St. Petersburg Times, in Land O’ Lakes, Pasco County Jail, after a botched traffic stop on Friday night.

Allegedly during a “routine” stop for a missing tag and suspicion of ties to a recent burglary, the defendant tried to ram a Pasco County Sheriff’s Office cruiser in an attempt to hit a deputy who was out of his vehicle.

After the help of a K-9 unit tracking down the defendant who fled on foot, the young man was charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault on law enforcement officers, possession of marijuana, reckless driving and driving under the influence. Pasco County first appearance bond judge levied a bail amount of $120,450.

To make matters more complicated, one of the deputies involved in the apprehension of the defendant had a “ride-a-long” from the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office Explorer program with him. No doubt, that will be a night to remember for that volunteer youngster.

Continue reading "Pasco County Criminal Lawyer New Update: New Port Richey, FL Man Charged with Attempted Murder, Aggravated Assault on Law Enforcement, DUI " »

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Posted In: Assault and Battery , Homicide , Pasco County

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February 11, 2009

Citrus County Sheriff’s Office investigates Inverness, Florida shooting and stabbing…unrelated

According to the Citrus County Chronicle, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office is investigating injuries sustained by a 54-year old Inverness, FL man in an alleged shooting. Not fifteen minutes later, at approximately 5:00 a.m., another Inverness man hobbled into the Inverness, FL Huddle House Restaurant with stab wounds on his neck and wrist. Citrus County is a community that has seen its fair share of criminal episodes in recent years-- having two violent offenses occur in such close proximity in time would seem to indicate that they are connected. However, police believe these incidents are unrelated.

Both alleged Citrus County crimes are being investigated by police at the time of this post. In Florida, arrests for this type of case could range from assault, attempted Murder, Attempted Manslaughter, Felony Battery or Aggravated Battery.

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Posted In: Homicide

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December 23, 2008

Marion County shooting suspect turns himself in to police

According to the Ocala Star Banner, authorities arrested a 20-year-old man who was allegedly involved in shooting at a car in a W. State Road 40 parking lot on Thursday. Witnesses say the man fired several shots at a white Chevrolet Impala that was getting detailed and was occupied by two juveniles.

As the shots were being fired, an off-duty Marion County Sheriff's Office Corrections Officer saw what was occurring and withdrew his personal weapon and fired shots at the shooter. No one was injured during the shooting.

Police say that the alleged perpetrator turned himself in a little more than 24 hours after the incident. He is charged with two counts of aggravated assault with a firearm which if convicted, could subject him to a mandatory minimum prison term.

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Posted In: Homicide , Marion County

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December 9, 2008

Prosecutors will not seek death penalty in Casey Anthony murder case

ABC Action News is reporting that prosecutors will not pursue the death penalty in Casey Anthony’s case- the central Florida woman charged with killing her 3-year-old daughter. The Orange County State Attorney's Office announced in a news release Friday that it is not in the best interest of the people of the State of Florida to pursue the death penalty for Anthony.

The victim was last seen in June but her mother did not report her missing until July. The toddler's body has not been recovered. The 22-year-old defendant has pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder, child abuse, aggravated manslaughter and four counts of lying to investigators about the disappearance of her daughter. She faces life in prison if convicted.

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Posted In: Hernando County , Homicide

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August 15, 2008

Karaoke Causes Jealous Ocala Woman to Commit Attempted Murder

After being found guilty of attempted second-degree murder, aggravated battery and criminal mischief, an Ocala woman faces upwards of 35 years--with a minimum mandatory sentence of seven years-- in state prison. This will be a tough pill for the Ocala defendant to swallow as, according to Suevon Lee from the Ocala Star-Banner, prior to trial the Marion County State Attorney’s Office extended a plea offer of five years state prison.

Oddly enough, the charges related to the attempted murder of the Ocala woman’s ex-husband who had been spotted signing Karaoke in the park with another woman. Later that day, the defendant ran her ex-husband over with a car while he was sitting on a friend’s front porch enjoying a cold beer. Apparently, although the couple had been divorced, prior to the incident they had been staying with each other.

It is unclear whether the victim’s music selection or his choice of female companionship motivated the defendant to take the action she did. Regardless, I have always warned friends and colleagues that nothing good can come of karaoke as “good” and karaoke cannot possibly co-exist. Ocala criminal lawyer Jason M. Melton urges all Karaoke singers and audiences to practice safe Karaoke- namely to perform with one eye on the lyrics and the other on oncoming traffic.

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Posted In: Homicide

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August 14, 2008

Pasco County State Attorney to charge Juveniles as Adults in Attempted Murder of Pasco County Sheriff’s Deputy

According to Nomaan Merchant of the St. Pete Times, attorneys from the Pasco County State Attorney’s Office confirmed their intent to charge two juveniles, ages 15 and 16, as adults for the attempted first-degree murder of a Pasco County Sheriff’s Deputy during an armed burglary.

It is alleged that the two teenagers shot at the Deputy during the burglary of a convenience store in Lacoochee when he blocked their escape route. Both teens could potentially face life in Florida state prison if convicted.

It is likely that the defense will move the court for a change in venue in light of the fact that victim in this case was a Pasco County Deputy as it would be unlikely to find an impartial jury to render a verdict in this matter. This case is an example of the State’s use of the felony-murder rule-- which gives the State Attorney’s Office the ability to bring a more serious criminal charge if they allege that someone other than the defendant was killed, or attempted to be killed during the course of a dangerous felony, such as armed burglary.

If you or a loved one has been charged with or is being investigated for a serious crime, please contact Pasco County Criminal Lawyer Jason M. Melton. You have rights and deserve a fair day in court. Contact our office immediately.

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Posted In: Homicide

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August 6, 2008

Hernando County Grand Jury Indicts Brooksville, FL Man for Murder

The Hernando County State Attorney’s Office has filed a criminal indictment against a Brooksville, FL man charged with the 2006 murder of Patrick and Evelyn DePalma, an elderly couple living in Masaryktown, Florida. John Frank of the St. Petersburg Times reports there may still be other indictments coming down relating to the DePalma murders.

The State Attorney’s Office has yet to make a decision as to its sentencing goals in this matter, but the defendant could face the death penalty if convicted in these cases.

The DePalmas’ murder shocked the Hernando County community where they lived as they were much like any other elderly, retired couple living in the area. As a result, there has been a substantial amount of media attention surrounding the two-year investigation into the murders, which could make it difficult for the defendant to get a fair trial in Central Florida.

In most murder cases, the defendant’s intent to kill comes into question. Defense attorneys often argue that the accused never intended to kill the victim or that the killing was a result of some other motive-- like to scare someone, or just injure them, not necessarily kill them. In addition, because these murders occurred during the course of other felonies, namely armed robbery and armed burglary, the defense will likely focus on challenging the State’s evidence with respect to the elements of those crimes. This is because under the felony murder rule, Prosecutors can hold any participant in a dangerous felony criminally responsible for any deaths that occured during or in furtherance of that felony. Essentially the rule gives Prosecutors an easier way to secure a murder conviction.

If you or a loved one has been accused of a serious crime like Murder, Robbery, Burglary, any Firearms Charge or Grand Theft, contact Brooksville, FL Criminal Lawyer Jason M. Melton now at 1-866-608-5LAW(5529) or go to www.flcounsel.com.

Posted by Jason M. Melton | | Email This Post

Posted In: Hernando County , Homicide

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Jason M. Melton

Criminal Defense Attorney

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