Monthly Archives: February 2009

Rejecting negotiated pleas

Judges can accept or reject pleas. Remember general contractor Catalfumo? I was an assistant public defender in front of Lucy Brown at the time. She rejected a probation plea for Catalfumo. Richard Lubin took it to trial and won. Catalfumo still has many government contracts, including the new City Center, poised to open late March. [...]

Posted in Miller, plea deal, Rejecting

Second opinion lawyer

Got a call yesterday. It was from the wife of the defendant. Strike one. He has a federal case. Ball one. This could be a big fee. She asks for a “free case evaluation.” Strike two.We talk for a few minutes. I size up the case. 15 year minimum mandatory. 10 years on the drugs, [...]

Posted in Second opinion lawyer

Judges must retire at 70

The Daily Business Review has a great article on the mandatory retirement age for judges in Florida. Hat tip to Rumpole. The fastest growing age group is people over age 100. 70 years old is not that old. Medical science is advancing at a rapid pace. With the new Obama administration lifting the ban on [...]

Posted in 70, Judges mandatory retirement

Closing today turnpike murders

Closing statements in the turnpike murder trial are set today. Judge Hurley is presiding. As reported here months ago, Judge Hurley will soon be on senior status. Brian Tannebaum has a great post today about judges and being in private practice. You have to read it. See you at the PBACDL happy hour tonight, Clematis [...]

Posted in Closing, turnpike murders