Health Care

I watched most of the "debate" yesterday. There was no better entertainment for a Sunday afternoon (except for a couple college basketball games).

The most interesting part was watching C-SPAN and listening to the callers. Those that were for and against the bill were short on details. Most callers repeated things they heard on whatever TV news network they think is telling them the truth.

To me, this debate looked just like any debate over criminal justice reform - the subject of doing anything, causes people to claim the world is coming to an end. They don't know why, but they know that they've heard this, and it scares them, damn the facts.

When someone tells me they "don't like the health care bill," I always ask, what specific part of the bill do you not like? I haven't received an answer. No one has read the bill. I certainly haven't.

Every social change in this country has brought about division. From letting black kids go to school with white kids, to ruling abortion legal, to instituting a government takeover of health care called "Medicare," to yesterday's health care reform.

It seems that everyone wants some type of change, reform, better tax laws, but when that change is certain, we freak.

I have health care, good health care. I understand that something may change in the next few years and I will have to work harder to maintain that same health care. I'm not scared, regardless of the attempts to scare me, and everyone else.

I see the health care debate as an extension of the debate over our President. In some back room somewhere, his opposition made it clear that this was a victory he could not have. Politics in America is not about society, it's about party. It's about which party can stay in power, period. Once you understand that, you understand it all. If the Republicans were in charge, the Democrats would be fighting health care reform at every step.

Each party has an agenda. In sum, the Democrats are about social issues, and the Rebublicans are about fiscal conservatism. There are those in each party who believe in the ideals of the other. This is where compromise happens. But when it comes to major change, each party wants to be the one that created the change. It sets up the next election (although in this case the Republicans claim last nights vote will cause them to become the majority party - who knows?).

The point is, whether it's health care, or criminal justice reform, whenever the issue of serious change comes up, the lies come out, the tempers flair, the name calling becomes a daily occurrence.

And very little happens.

Brian Tannebaum is a criminal defense lawyer in Miami, Florida practicing in state and federal court, and the author of The Truth About Hiring A Criminal Defense Lawyer.



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Criminal Defense Blogger, 2010 Version

When I sat down here a few years ago, my goal was simple, to write my thoughts on criminal justice issues. I didn't know about links or how to post a video or SEO or anything else except that I could write something and it would be on the internet for others to read. I never advertised so I didn't know or think about whether writing here would cause a recently arrested individual to rush in to hire me. I did this for one silly reason - to write.

Now this Miami Criminal Defense Lawyer has seen a new form of criminal defense blogging. It seems someone out there is telling criminal defense lawyers to 1. write daily about a criminal case in their area, 2. link to their website every time the word criminal, defense, lawyer, name of the city, type of crime like murder, robbery, burglary, assault, battery, DUI, other traffic violations, code ordinance violations, probation violations, and any other criminal cases, criminal violations, criminal charges.

To you new bloggers out there, I have two questions:

1. Who is teaching you to do this? (you can respond anonymously)
2. Why are you doing this?

Brian Tannebaum is a criminal defense lawyer in Miami, Florida practicing in state and federal court, and the author of The Truth About Hiring A Criminal Defense Lawyer.



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Criminal Justice Legislation Takes No Back Seat

The headlines before the beginning of the 2010 Florida legislative session were clear:

Jan 2, 2010 ... Creating jobs top priority for Florida Legislature.

Crist called the economy and jobs his top priority for his final year in office ...

Gov. Crist: Priority for Florida Legislature is jobs, jobs, jobs ...Feb 26, 2010 ...

Spurred by state unemployment soon expected to top 12 percent.... Florida lawmakers insist job creation is a priority in this legislative session.

And so the legislature is in session. Their mandate under the Florida Constitution is only one, create a budget.

Based on this mandate and the bold agenda to create jobs, I would assume this session would be like no other. I would assume that leadership would design a session where the bulk of the committee work would be focused on job creation, everyone's biggest priority. I assumed the criminal justice committee rooms would be mostly dark, except to create legislation to address budgetary issues - you know, reclassify offenses, prioritize the system a bit, address court funding and the funding of prosecutors and public defenders.

And then I perused the list of filed bills that mentioned something about "criminal." These are just the Senate Bills. (Hint: hit the "down" arrow and sit back):

0008
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Public Assistance Fraud [CPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Banking and Insurance; Health Regulation; Policy & Steering Committee on Ways and Means -SJ 00014
s0008.pdf (Confidence: 83.47%)

S 0024
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Relief/Hoffman & Weiss/City of Tallahassee
12/09/2009 Referred to The Special Master on Claim Bills
s0024.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 0058
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Relief/Brian Pitts/State of Florida
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to The Special Master on Claim Bills
s0058.pdf (Confidence: 83.51%)

S 0062
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Relief/Lawrence Femminella/Palm Beach Co. Sheriff
10/23/2009 Withdrawn prior to introduction
s0062.pdf (Confidence: 81.69%)

S 0092
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Statutes of Limitations/Wrongful Death Actions [SPSC]
03/10/2010 Now in Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations
s0092.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 0096
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Exercise of Federal Power [SPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Judiciary; Rules -SJ 00018; On Committee agenda-- Judiciary, 02/03/10, 10:00 am, 110-S; Favorable by Judiciary; YEAS 6 NAYS 2 -SJ 00163; Now in Rules -SJ 00163
s0096.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 0122
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Sale of Dogs and Cats [EPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Agriculture; Judiciary; General Government Appropriations -SJ 00019
s0122.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 0128
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Beach Safety [EPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Environmental Preservation and Conservation; Community Affairs; General Government Appropriations -SJ 00019
s0128.pdf (Confidence: 91.16%)

S 0134
Last Action:
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Culpable Negligence/Assault Weapons [SPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Criminal Justice; Judiciary; Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations -SJ 00019
s0134.pdf (Confidence: 79.67%)

S 0136
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Concealed Weapon or Firearm/License to Carry [CPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Commerce; Criminal Justice; General Government Appropriations -SJ 00020
s0136.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 0138
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Public Meetings [EPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Community Affairs; Judiciary; Governmental Oversight and Accountability -SJ 00020
s0138.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 0150
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Sports Coaches/Criminal History Records Checks [SPSC]
03/05/2010 Now in Community Affairs
s0150.pdf (Confidence: 87.88%)

S 0174
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Domestic, Repeat, Sexual and Dating Violence [SPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Criminal Justice; Judiciary; Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations -SJ 00022
s0174.pdf (Confidence: 79.67%)

S 0178
Last Action:
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Tenth Amendment/Constitution of the United States
11/06/2009 Withdrawn prior to introduction
s0178.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 0184
Last Action:
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Adolescent Offenders/Parole [SPSC]
03/10/2010 Pending reference review under Rule 4.7(2) - (Committee Substitute)
s0184c1.pdf (Confidence: 86.55%)
s0184.pdf (Confidence: 85.1%)

S 0200
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Parole Interview Dates for Certain Inmates [WPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Criminal Justice; Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations -SJ 00023; On Committee agenda-- Criminal Justice, 01/13/10, 10:00 am, 37-S; CS by Criminal Justice; YEAS 6 NAYS 0 -SJ 00163; CS read 1st time on 03/02/10 -SJ 00152; Pending reference review under Rule 4.7(2) - (Committee Substitute); Now in Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations -SJ 00163
s0200c1.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 0204
Last Action:
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Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement [WPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Finance and Tax; Policy & Steering Committee on Ways and Means -SJ 00023
s0204.pdf (Confidence: 81.69%)

S 0210
Last Action:
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Leaving the Scene/Crash/Death or Personal Injuries [CPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Transportation; Criminal Justice; Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations -SJ 00024
s0210.pdf (Confidence: 83.47%)

S 0212
Last Action:
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Claims/Law Enforcement and Correctional Officers [WPSC]
03/08/2010 Now in Community Affairs
s0212c1.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 0230
Last Action:
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Discrimination Based on Disability [WPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Community Affairs; Governmental Oversight and Accountability; Judiciary; Policy & Steering Committee on Ways and Means -SJ 00025
s0230.pdf (Confidence: 94.16%)

S 0232
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Domestic Partnerships [SPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Health Regulation; Criminal Justice; Judiciary; Finance and Tax; Policy & Steering Committee on Ways and Means -SJ 00025
s0232.pdf (Confidence: 86.6%)

S 0238
Last Action:
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Procuring a Person for Prostitution [SPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Criminal Justice; Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations -SJ 00026
s0238.pdf (Confidence: 81.64%)

S 0250
Last Action:
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Juveniles/Sentencing [SPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Criminal Justice; Judiciary; Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations -SJ 00027
s0250.pdf (Confidence: 85.1%)

S 0252
Last Action:
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Noose/Public Display [SPSC]
03/10/2010 Now in Judiciary
s0252.pdf (Confidence: 79.67%)

S 0290
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Florida Unborn Victims of Violence Act [SPSC]
03/04/2010 On Committee agenda-- Criminal Justice, 03/09/10, 3:30 pm, 37-S --Temporarily postponed
s0290.pdf (Confidence: 81.64%)

S 0296
Last Action:
View Bill Info
State Attorneys [SPSC]
03/09/2010 CS/CS by Judiciary; YEAS 9 NAYS 0
s0296.pdf (Confidence: 99.98%)
s0296c1.pdf (Confidence: 94.74%)

S 0298
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Motor Vehicles/Soundmaking Devices [CPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Transportation; Community Affairs; Policy & Steering Committee on Ways and Means -SJ 00030
s0298.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 0300
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Officer Andrew Widman Act/Pretrial Proceedings [SPSC]
03/08/2010 Pending reference review under Rule 4.7(2) - (Committee Substitute); Now in Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations
s0300c1.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 0302
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Health Care/Provider Contracts [CPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Banking and Insurance; Commerce; Health Regulation; Policy & Steering Committee on Ways and Means -SJ 00030
s0302.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 0308
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Disorders/Ability to Operate a Motor Vehicle [SPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Health Regulation; Transportation; Governmental Oversight and Accountability; Policy & Steering Committee on Ways and Means -SJ 00030; On Committee agenda-- Health Regulation, 01/19/10, 10:30 am, 412-K; CS by Health Regulation; YEAS 7 NAYS 0 -SJ 00164; CS read 1st time on 03/02/10 -SJ 00153; Pending reference review under Rule 4.7(2) - (Committee Substitute); Original reference(s) removed: Governmental Oversight and Accountability -SJ 00160; Remaining references corrected to Transportation; Judiciary; Policy & Steering Committee on Ways and Means -SJ 00160; Now in Transportation -SJ 00164
s0308c1.pdf (Confidence: 79.67%)

S 0312
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Pub. Rec./Public Defenders/Regional Counsel [SPSC]
03/08/2010 Now in Rules
s0312.pdf (Confidence: 98.49%)
s0312c1.pdf (Confidence: 95.27%)

S 0316
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Child-restraint Requirements/Motor Vehicles [CPSC]
03/10/2010 Pending reference review under Rule 4.7(2) - (Committee Substitute)
s0316c2.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 0332
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Debt Negotiation Services [CPSC]
01/05/2010 Withdrawn from Banking and Insurance; Commerce; General Government Appropriations; Withdrawn prior to introduction
s0332.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 0334
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Child Custody/Temporary and Concurrent Custody [SPSC]
03/08/2010 Now in Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations
s0334c1.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)
s0334.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 0336
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Adult Protective Services [SPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Children, Families, and Elder Affairs; Governmental Oversight and Accountability; Health and Human Services Appropriations -SJ 00031; On Committee agenda-- Children, Families, and Elder Affairs, 01/13/10, 10:00 am, 401-S; Favorable by Children, Families, and Elder Affairs; YEAS 7 NAYS 0 -SJ 00162; Now in Governmental Oversight and Accountability -SJ 00163; On Committee agenda-- Governmental Oversight and Accountability, 02/02/10, 10:30 am, 110-S; CS by Governmental Oversight and Accountability; YEAS 7 NAYS 0 -SJ 00164; CS read 1st time on 03/02/10 -SJ 00153; Pending reference review under Rule 4.7(2) - (Committee Substitute); Now in Health and Human Services Appropriations -SJ 00164
s0336c1.pdf (Confidence: 99.97%)
s0336.pdf (Confidence: 99.97%)

S 0340
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Ex-offenders/Licensing & Employment [GPSC]
03/05/2010 Now in Judiciary
s0340.pdf (Confidence: 100%)

S 0398
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Residential Properties
11/03/2009 Withdrawn prior to introduction
s0398.pdf (Confidence: 79.67%)

S 0400
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Programs to Prevent Violence [SPSC]
03/10/2010 Pending reference review under Rule 4.7(2) - (Committee Substitute)
s0400c1.pdf (Confidence: 79.61%)
s0400.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 0404
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Children of Incarcerated Parents [SPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Children, Families, and Elder Affairs; Criminal Justice; Policy & Steering Committee on Ways and Means -SJ 00036
s0404.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 0428
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Human Services Personnel [SPSC]
03/04/2010 On Committee agenda-- Children, Families, and Elder Affairs, 03/09/10, 3:30 pm, 401-S --Temporarily postponed
s0428.pdf (Confidence: 83.51%)

S 0440
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Legislative Process [WPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Ethics and Elections; Judiciary; Policy & Steering Committee on Ways and Means; Rules -SJ 00039
s0440.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 0470
Last Action:
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Political Contributions and Expenditures [GPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Ethics and Elections; Judiciary; Policy & Steering Committee on Governmental Operations -SJ 00040
s0470.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 0484
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Elderly Rehabilitated Inmate Program [SPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Criminal Justice; Judiciary; Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations -SJ 00041
s0484.pdf (Confidence: 81.69%)

S 0494
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Pretrial Detention and Release
11/04/2009 Withdrawn prior to introduction
s0494.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 0502
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Special Organized Crime Investigators [SPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Criminal Justice; Judiciary; Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations -SJ 00042; On Committee agenda-- Criminal Justice, 01/13/10, 10:00 am, 37-S; Favorable by Criminal Justice; YEAS 6 NAYS 0 -SJ 00163; Now in Judiciary -SJ 00163
s0502.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 0536
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Money Transmitters' Code [CPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Banking and Insurance; Criminal Justice; Judiciary; General Government Appropriations -SJ 00043
s0536.pdf (Confidence: 79.67%)

S 0572
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Wildlife [EPSC]
03/08/2010 Original reference(s) removed: Rules; Now in General Government Appropriations
s0572c1.pdf (Confidence: 85.1%)

S 0600
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Inmates/Illegal or Undocumented Aliens/Deportation [SPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Criminal Justice; Judiciary; Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations -SJ 00046
s0600.pdf (Confidence: 86.58%)

S 0612
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Special Risk Class/DROP [WPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Criminal Justice; Community Affairs; Governmental Oversight and Accountability; Policy & Steering Committee on Ways and Means -SJ 00047; On Committee agenda-- Criminal Justice, 02/03/10, 10:00 am, 37-S; Favorable with 1 amendment(s) by Criminal Justice (733196); YEAS 8 NAYS 0 -SJ 00162; Pending reference review under Rule 4.7(2) - (Amendments); Now in Community Affairs -SJ 00162
s0612.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 0616
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Prescription Drug Monitoring Program [SPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Health Regulation; Criminal Justice; Judiciary -SJ 00047; On Committee agenda-- Health Regulation, 02/18/10, 8:00 am, 412-K --Temporarily postponed
s0616.pdf (Confidence: 81.69%)

S 0618
Last Action:
View Bill Info
OGSR/Domestic Security Oversight Council [GPSC]
03/03/2010 Now in Rules -SJ 00183
s0618.pdf (Confidence: 79.67%)

S 0650
Last Action:
View Bill Info
State Board of Administration Membership [GPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Governmental Oversight and Accountability; Judiciary; Policy & Steering Committee on Ways and Means; Rules -SJ 00049
s0650.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 0654
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Compensation for Wrongful Incarceration [SPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Judiciary; Criminal Justice; Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations -SJ 00050
s0654.pdf (Confidence: 92.82%)

S 0658
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Locksmith Services [CPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Commerce; Community Affairs; Governmental Oversight and Accountability; Criminal Justice; General Government Appropriations -SJ 00050
s0658.pdf (Confidence: 96.16%)

S 0660
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Defined Contribution Retirement Program [WPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Community Affairs; Governmental Oversight and Accountability; General Government Appropriations; Policy & Steering Committee on Ways and Means -SJ 00050
s0660.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 0752
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Health Care Fraud [SPSC]
03/10/2010 Pending reference review under Rule 4.7(2) - (Committee Substitute)
s0752c1.pdf (Confidence: 98.15%)

S 0782
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Pretrial Detention and Release [SPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Criminal Justice; Judiciary; Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations -SJ 00056
s0782.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 0786
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Residential Tenancies [SPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Criminal Justice; Judiciary -SJ 00056
s0786.pdf (Confidence: 92.03%)

S 0804
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Pain-management Clinics [SPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Health Regulation; Criminal Justice; Health and Human Services Appropriations -SJ 00057
s0804.pdf (Confidence: 98.64%)

S 0808
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Murder/Unlawful Distribution of Methadone [SPSC]
03/05/2010 Now in Judiciary
s0808.pdf (Confidence: 81.64%)

S 0822
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Forensic Services/Misdemeanants [SPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Children, Families, and Elder Affairs; Criminal Justice; Judiciary; Health and Human Services Appropriations -SJ 00058
s0822.pdf (Confidence: 83.47%)

S 0834
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Child Care Facilities [SPSC]
03/10/2010 Pending reference review under Rule 4.7(2) - (Committee Substitute)
s0834c1.pdf (Confidence: 81.69%)
s0834.pdf (Confidence: 81.69%)

S 0844
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Insurance [CPSC]
03/08/2010 Original reference(s) removed: Policy & Steering Committee on Ways and Means; Placed on Calendar, on 2nd reading
s0844.pdf (Confidence: 81.64%)
s0844c1.pdf (Confidence: 79.61%)

S 0848
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program [SPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Education Pre-K - 12; Education Pre-K - 12 Appropriations; Policy & Steering Committee on Ways and Means -SJ 00061
s0848.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 0856
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Immigration [CPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Regulated Industries; Community Affairs; Criminal Justice; Children, Families, and Elder Affairs; Education Pre-K - 12; Agriculture; Policy & Steering Committee on Ways and Means -SJ 00061
s0856.pdf (Confidence: 92.81%)

S 0860
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Threats [SPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Criminal Justice; Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations -SJ 00062
s0860.pdf (Confidence: 79.67%)

S 0862
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Funeral and Burial Arrangements [SPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Health Regulation; Regulated Industries; Judiciary; Governmental Oversight and Accountability -SJ 00062
s0862.pdf (Confidence: 79.67%)

S 0864
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Community Associations [CPSC]
03/05/2010 Pending withdrawal
s0864.pdf (Confidence: 86.58%)

S 0870
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Statutes of Limitation for Sexual Battery [SPSC]
03/10/2010 Now in Judiciary
s0870.pdf (Confidence: 79.67%)

S 0874
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Substantial Assistance [SPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Criminal Justice; Judiciary; Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations -SJ 00064
s0874.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 0912
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Clinical Perfusionists [SPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Health Regulation; Governmental Oversight and Accountability; Health and Human Services Appropriations -SJ 00066
s0912.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 0932
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Sexual Offenses Involving the Internet [SPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Criminal Justice; Judiciary; Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations -SJ 00067
s0932.pdf (Confidence: 79.67%)

S 0938
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Debt Settlement Services [CPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Banking and Insurance; Judiciary; Governmental Oversight and Accountability; General Government Appropriations -SJ 00067
s0938.pdf (Confidence: 83.51%)

S 0942
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Practice of Tattooing [SPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Health Regulation; Criminal Justice; Governmental Oversight and Accountability; Finance and Tax; Health and Human Services Appropriations -SJ 00068
s0942.pdf (Confidence: 79.61%)

S 0948
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Domestic Violence/Surrender Weapon [SPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Criminal Justice; Judiciary; Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations -SJ 00068
s0948.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 0952
Last Action:
View Bill Info
State Trust Funds [WPSC]
03/10/2010 Favorable by Governmental Oversight and Accountability; YEAS 5 NAYS 3
s0952.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 0960
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Corrections [SPSC]
03/10/2010 Pending reference review under Rule 4.7(2) - (Committee Substitute)
s0960.pdf (Confidence: 99.62%)
s0960c2.pdf (Confidence: 98.78%)
s0960c1.pdf (Confidence: 98.65%)

S 0966
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Human Trafficking [SPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Health Regulation; Criminal Justice; Regulated Industries; Health and Human Services Appropriations -SJ 00069
s0966.pdf (Confidence: 95.74%)

S 1004
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Local Government [EPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Community Affairs; Judiciary; Criminal Justice; Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations -SJ 00072; On Committee agenda-- Community Affairs, 02/16/10, 10:00 am, 412-K; Favorable with 1 amendment(s) by Community Affairs (554206); YEAS 10 NAYS 0 -SJ 00163; Pending reference review under Rule 4.7(2) - (Amendments); Original reference(s) removed: Criminal Justice -SJ 00161; Remaining references corrected to Judiciary; Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations -SJ 00161; Now in Judiciary -SJ 00163
s1004.pdf (Confidence: 83.47%)

S 1006
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Department of Juvenile Justice/Reports/Functions [SPSC]
03/05/2010 Now in Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations
s1006.pdf (Confidence: 79.67%)

S 1050
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Methamphetamine Pharmaceutical Products/Sale [SPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Criminal Justice; Health Regulation; Judiciary; Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations -SJ 00074
s1050.pdf (Confidence: 86.55%)

S 1058
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Notification of School Personnel/Child Felony [SPSC]
03/08/2010 Now in Education Pre-K - 12
s1058c1.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 1066
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Open House Parties [CPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Regulated Industries; Criminal Justice; Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations -SJ 00075
s1066.pdf (Confidence: 79.67%)

S 1080
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Capital Collateral Representation [SPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Criminal Justice; Judiciary; Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations; Policy & Steering Committee on Ways and Means -SJ 00077
s1080.pdf (Confidence: 83.47%)

S 1106
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Credit Cards/Fraudulently Taking or Using [SPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Criminal Justice; Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations -SJ 00079
s1106.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 1140
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Mental Health [WPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Children, Families, and Elder Affairs; Criminal Justice; Health Regulation; Health and Human Services Appropriations; Policy & Steering Committee on Ways and Means -SJ 00081
s1140.pdf (Confidence: 99.35%)

S 1152
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services Act [CPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Banking and Insurance; Regulated Industries; General Government Appropriations -SJ 00082
s1152.pdf (Confidence: 94.73%)

S 1182
Last Action:
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Motor Vehicle Transactions [CPSC]
03/08/2010 Now in Community Affairs
s1182.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 1196
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Community Associations [CPSC]
03/08/2010 Remaining references corrected to Military Affairs and Domestic Security; Banking and Insurance; Community Affairs; Judiciary; Now in Military Affairs and Domestic Security
s1196c1.pdf (Confidence: 85.1%)
s1196.pdf (Confidence: 85.1%)

S 1198
Last Action:
View Bill Info
OGSR/Identification of a Minor [SPSC]
03/08/2010 Now in Rules
s1198c1.pdf (Confidence: 90.17%)
s1198.pdf (Confidence: 90.17%)

S 1200
Last Action:
View Bill Info
OGSR/Guardians Ad Litem/Identifying Information [SPSC]
03/08/2010 Now in Rules
s1200c1.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)
s1200.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 1204
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Florida Retirement System [WPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Community Affairs; Health Regulation; Governmental Oversight and Accountability; Policy & Steering Committee on Ways and Means -SJ 00087
s1204.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 1214
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Criminal History Records/Expunction [SPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Criminal Justice; Judiciary; Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations -SJ 00087
s1214.pdf (Confidence: 100%)

S 1284
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Sexual Offenders and Predators [SPSC]
03/09/2010 CS by Criminal Justice; YEAS 7 NAYS 0
s1284.pdf (Confidence: 87.92%)

S 1292
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Racial Profiling [SPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Criminal Justice; Judiciary; Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations -SJ 00092
s1292.pdf (Confidence: 83.47%)

S 1298
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Supervised Visitation & Exchange Monitoring Prog. [SPSC]
03/10/2010 Pending reference review under Rule 4.7(2) - (Committee Substitute)
s1298c1.pdf (Confidence: 79.67%)
s1298.pdf (Confidence: 79.67%)

S 1304
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Enforcement of Tolls [CPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Transportation; Finance and Tax; Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations -SJ 00093
s1304.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 1306
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Public Assistance [SPSC]
03/10/2010 Pending reference review under Rule 4.7(2) - (Committee Substitute)
s1306c1.pdf (Confidence: 83.47%)
s1306.pdf (Confidence: 83.47%)

S 1314
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Sexually Violent Predators [SPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Criminal Justice; Judiciary; Health and Human Services Appropriations -SJ 00093
s1314.pdf (Confidence: 81.69%)

S 1316
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Employment of Children/Entertainment Industry [CPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Regulated Industries; Commerce; Education Pre-K - 12; General Government Appropriations -SJ 00093
s1316.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 1330
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Department of Business and Professional Regulation [CPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Regulated Industries; Banking and Insurance; Finance and Tax; General Government Appropriations -SJ 00094
s1330.pdf (Confidence: 86.55%)

S 1334
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Sexual Misconduct/Students/Authority Figures [SPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Criminal Justice; Education Pre-K - 12; Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations; Policy & Steering Committee on Ways and Means -SJ 00095
s1334.pdf (Confidence: 79.67%)

S 1360
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Corporal Discipline/Inappropriate/Excessive [SPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Children, Families, and Elder Affairs; Criminal Justice; Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations -SJ 00096
s1360.pdf (Confidence: 79.67%)

S 1386
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Decennial Census [GPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Reapportionment; Judiciary; Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations; Rules -SJ 00098
s1386.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 1388
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Intellectual Disabilities [SPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Children, Families, and Elder Affairs; Criminal Justice; Judiciary; Health and Human Services Appropriations -SJ 00098
s1388.pdf (Confidence: 95.73%)

S 1412
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Obsolete or Outdated Agency Plans/Reports/Programs [GPSC]
03/08/2010 Now in Finance and Tax; On Committee agenda-- Finance and Tax, 03/11/10, 9:45 am, 301-S
s1412.pdf (Confidence: 98.14%)
s1412c1.pdf (Confidence: 92.81%)

S 1426
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Corporate Tax Credit Scholarship Program [WPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Education Pre-K - 12; Finance and Tax; Education Pre-K - 12 Appropriations; Policy & Steering Committee on Ways and Means -SJ 00102
s1426.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 1428
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Operation of the Florida Lottery [CPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Regulated Industries; Governmental Oversight and Accountability; Finance and Tax; General Government Appropriations; Policy & Steering Committee on Ways and Means -SJ 00102
s1428.pdf (Confidence: 79.61%)

S 1430
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Entertainment Industry Economic Development [WPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Commerce; Finance and Tax; Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations; Policy & Steering Committee on Ways and Means -SJ 00103
s1430.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 1446
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Domestic Violence Fatality Review Teams [SPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Criminal Justice; Judiciary -SJ 00104
s1446.pdf (Confidence: 83.51%)

S 1496
Last Action:
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Public Records/Crime Scene Photos/Images/Videos [SPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Criminal Justice; Governmental Oversight and Accountability; Rules
s1496.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 1506
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Law Enforcement Photographs & Video Recordings/Use [SPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Criminal Justice; Judiciary; Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations -SJ 00106
s1506.pdf (Confidence: 79.67%)

S 1520
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Background Screenings [SPSC]
03/10/2010 Pending reference review under Rule 4.7(2) - (Committee Substitute)
s1520c1.pdf (Confidence: 99.98%)

S 1546
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Criminal Justice [GPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Ethics and Elections; Criminal Justice; Governmental Oversight and Accountability; Judiciary; Policy & Steering Committee on Ways and Means -SJ 00109
s1546.pdf (Confidence: 86.58%)

S 1550
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Juvenile Justice [SPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Criminal Justice; Judiciary; Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations; Policy & Steering Committee on Ways and Means -SJ 00109
s1550.pdf (Confidence: 79.67%)

S 1552
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Appraisers & Appraisal Management Companies [CPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Regulated Industries; Governmental Oversight and Accountability; General Government Appropriations -SJ 00109
s1552.pdf (Confidence: 86.55%)

S 1554
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Public Procurement [GPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Ethics and Elections; Criminal Justice; Governmental Oversight and Accountability; Judiciary; Policy & Steering Committee on Ways and Means -SJ 00109
s1554.pdf (Confidence: 83.47%)

S 1572
Last Action:
View Bill Info
State Budgeting & Planning/DOH/DOC [WPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Health Regulation; Criminal Justice; Governmental Oversight and Accountability; Policy & Steering Committee on Ways and Means -SJ 00110
s1572.pdf (Confidence: 79.67%)

S 1576
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Pub. Rec./Credit History/Credit Scores/DFS [CPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Banking and Insurance; Governmental Oversight and Accountability; Rules
s1576.pdf (Confidence: 79.67%)

S 1598
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Public Records and Public Meetings [EPSC]
03/09/2010 CS by Community Affairs; YEAS 10 NAYS 0
s1598.pdf (Confidence: 81.64%)

S 1608
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Schemes to Defraud [SPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Criminal Justice; Judiciary; Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations -SJ 00112
s1608.pdf (Confidence: 87.89%)

S 1624
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Federal Law Enforcement Trust Fund/DLA [WPSC]
03/08/2010 Placed on Calendar, on 2nd reading
s1624c1.pdf (Confidence: 79.61%)
s1624.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 1636
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Trust Funds [WPSC]
03/08/2010 Placed on Calendar, on 2nd reading
s1636c1.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)
s1636.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 1660
Last Action:
View Bill Info
OGSR/Funeral, Cemetery, & Consumer Services Board [CPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Banking and Insurance; Governmental Oversight and Accountability; Rules -SJ 00114
s1660.pdf (Confidence: 79.67%)

S 1694
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Pretrial Substance Abuse Education and Treatment [SPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Criminal Justice; Judiciary; Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations -SJ 00116
s1694.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 1700
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Sexual Exploitation [SPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Children, Families, and Elder Affairs; Criminal Justice; Health and Human Services Appropriations -SJ 00116
s1700.pdf (Confidence: 79.67%)

S 1714
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Litigation [SPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Judiciary; Criminal Justice; Children, Families, and Elder Affairs -SJ 00118
s1714.pdf (Confidence: 92.01%)

S 1722
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Prescription Drug Monitoring Program [SPSC]
03/10/2010 Pending reference review under Rule 4.7(2) - (Committee Substitute)
s1722c1.pdf (Confidence: 83.51%)
s1722.pdf (Confidence: 83.51%)

S 1762
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Charter Schools/Maximum Class Size [SPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Education Pre-K - 12; Education Pre-K - 12 Appropriations; Policy & Steering Committee on Ways and Means -SJ 00120
s1762.pdf (Confidence: 79.67%)

S 1784
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Florida Statutes [WPSC]
03/10/2010 Read 3rd time; Passed; YEAS 113 NAYS 0
s1784.pdf (Confidence: 90.18%)

S 1816
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Assisted Living Facilities [SPSC]
03/10/2010 Now in Children, Families, and Elder Affairs
s1816.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 1824
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Misrepresentation of Military Status [CPSC]
03/10/2010 CS by Commerce; YEAS 10 NAYS 0
s1824.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 1836
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Title Insurance [CPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Banking and Insurance; Judiciary; Governmental Oversight and Accountability; Finance and Tax; General Government Appropriations -SJ 00124
s1836.pdf (Confidence: 96.16%)

S 1838
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Pub. Rec./Title Insurance, Insurers, & Agents/DFS [CPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Banking and Insurance; Governmental Oversight and Accountability; Rules -SJ 00125
s1838.pdf (Confidence: 79.67%)

S 1856
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Qualified Target Industry Tax Refund Program [WPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Commerce; Finance and Tax; Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations; Policy & Steering Committee on Ways and Means -SJ 00126
s1856.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 1860
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Attorney Representation for Children [SPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Children, Families, and Elder Affairs; Judiciary; Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations; Policy & Steering Committee on Ways and Means -SJ 00126
s1860.pdf (Confidence: 90.17%)

S 1862
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Child Abduction Prevention [SPSC]
03/10/2010 Now in Judiciary
s1862.pdf (Confidence: 81.69%)

S 1864
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Juvenile Justice Standards and Training Commission [SPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Criminal Justice; Governmental Oversight and Accountability; Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations -SJ 00127
s1864.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 1916
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Standards of Conduct [GPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Ethics and Elections; Criminal Justice; Judiciary; Policy & Steering Committee on Ways and Means; Rules -SJ 00129
s1916.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 1918
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Traffic Offenses [CPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Transportation; Criminal Justice; Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations -SJ 00129
s1918.pdf (Confidence: 79.67%)

S 1932
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Retirement/Special Risk Class/Qualifying Injury [WPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Community Affairs; Criminal Justice; Governmental Oversight and Accountability; Policy & Steering Committee on Ways and Means -SJ 00130
s1932.pdf (Confidence: 79.67%)

S 1944
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Solicitation of Funds/Nonprofit Organizations [GPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Ethics and Elections; Commerce; Governmental Oversight and Accountability; Policy & Steering Committee on Ways and Means -SJ 00130
s1944.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 1974
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Public Safety [SPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Criminal Justice; Judiciary; Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations -SJ 00133
s1974.pdf (Confidence: 99.28%)

S 1978
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Violations of Tax Statutes/Criminal Penalties [WPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Criminal Justice; Finance and Tax; Policy & Steering Committee on Ways and Means -SJ 00134
s1978.pdf (Confidence: 89.12%)

S 1996
Last Action:
View Bill Info
FRS/Special Risk Class/Court Deputies [WPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Community Affairs; Judiciary; Governmental Oversight and Accountability; Policy & Steering Committee on Ways and Means -SJ 00135
s1996.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 2004
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Juvenile Justice [SPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Criminal Justice; Judiciary; Community Affairs; Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations -SJ 00136
s2004.pdf (Confidence: 79.67%)

S 2008
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Automated External Defibrillators/Assisted Living [SPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Health Regulation; Children, Families, and Elder Affairs; Judiciary; Health and Human Services Appropriations -SJ 00136
s2008.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 2036
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Motor Vehicle Operation Fees [WPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Transportation; Finance and Tax; Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations; Policy & Steering Committee on Ways and Means -SJ 00138
s2036.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 2120
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Cadmium in Children's Products [CPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Commerce; Criminal Justice; Judiciary; Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations -SJ 00142
s2120.pdf (Confidence: 79.67%)

S 2126
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program [WPSC]
03/08/2010 On Committee agenda-- Finance and Tax, 03/11/10, 9:45 am, 301-S
s2126.pdf (Confidence: 89.12%)

S 2138
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Health Care [SPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Health Regulation; Children, Families, and Elder Affairs; Health and Human Services Appropriations; Policy & Steering Committee on Ways and Means -SJ 00143
s2138.pdf (Confidence: 81.69%)

S 2162
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Illegal Aliens [SPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Criminal Justice; Military Affairs and Domestic Security; Judiciary; Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations -SJ 00146
s2162.pdf (Confidence: 79.67%)

S 2166
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Uniform Traffic Control [WPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Transportation; Criminal Justice; Community Affairs; Policy & Steering Committee on Ways and Means -SJ 00146
s2166.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 2194
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Audits of Pharmacy Records [WPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Health Regulation; Health and Human Services Appropriations; Policy & Steering Committee on Ways and Means -SJ 00148
s2194.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 2204
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Chief Financial Officer Duties [WPSC]
03/10/2010 Favorable by Governmental Oversight and Accountability; YEAS 8 NAYS 0
s2204.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 2206
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Chief Financial Officer/Chart of Accounts [WPSC]
03/10/2010 CS by Governmental Oversight and Accountability; YEAS 8 NAYS 0
s2206.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 2210
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Appraisers & Appraisal Management Companies [CPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Regulated Industries; Governmental Oversight and Accountability; General Government Appropriations -SJ 00150
s2210.pdf (Confidence: 86.55%)

S 2240
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Florida Assisted Reproductive Technology Act [SPSC]
03/02/2010 Introduced, referred to Judiciary; Health Regulation -SJ 00152
s2240.pdf (Confidence: 86.58%)

S 2252
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Truth in Government Act/Legislature [SPSC]
03/04/2010 Referred to Judiciary; Criminal Justice; Rules
s2252.pdf (Confidence: 81.69%)

S 2260
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Faith- and Character-based Correctional Programs [SPSC]
03/04/2010 Referred to Criminal Justice; Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations; Policy & Steering Committee on Ways and Means
s2260.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 2262
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Education/Virtual School [SPSC]
03/04/2010 Referred to Education Pre-K - 12; Education Pre-K - 12 Appropriations
s2262.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 2268
Last Action:
View Bill Info
State Employment [GPSC]
03/04/2010 Referred to Governmental Oversight and Accountability; General Government Appropriations; Policy & Steering Committee on Ways and Means
s2268.pdf (Confidence: 99.92%)

S 2270
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Foreclosure Proceedings for Nonhomestead Property [CPSC]
03/04/2010 Referred to Banking and Insurance; Judiciary; Commerce
s2270.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 2272
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Pain Management [SPSC]
03/04/2010 Referred to Health Regulation; Criminal Justice; Health and Human Services Appropriations; Policy & Steering Committee on Ways and Means
s2272.pdf (Confidence: 99.2%)

S 2316
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Florida Hospital Patient Protection Act [SPSC]
03/04/2010 Referred to Health Regulation; Judiciary; Health and Human Services Appropriations
s2316.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 2318
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Forfeiture of Property/Racketeering [SPSC]
03/04/2010 Referred to Criminal Justice; Judiciary; Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations
s2318.pdf (Confidence: 95.27%)

S 2336
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Community Corrections [SPSC]
03/04/2010 Referred to Criminal Justice; Community Affairs; Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations
s2336.pdf (Confidence: 83.47%)

S 2348
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services [EPSC]
03/04/2010 Referred to Agriculture; Community Affairs; Health Regulation; General Government Appropriations
s2348.pdf (Confidence: 95.26%)

S 2350
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Criminal Justice [SPSC]
03/04/2010 Referred to Criminal Justice; Judiciary; Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations
s2350.pdf (Confidence: 97.95%)

S 2352
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Maternal and Child Health [SPSC]
03/04/2010 Referred to Health Regulation; Children, Families, and Elder Affairs; Health and Human Services Appropriations
s2352.pdf (Confidence: 79.61%)

S 2364
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Criminal Statutes [SPSC]
03/04/2010 Referred to Criminal Justice; Judiciary; Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations
s2364.pdf (Confidence: 98.33%)

S 2380
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Motor Vehicle Sunscreening Material Restrictions [CPSC]
03/04/2010 Referred to Transportation; Commerce; Children, Families, and Elder Affairs
s2380.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 2394
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Early Learning [SPSC]
03/04/2010 Referred to Children, Families, and Elder Affairs; Education Pre-K - 12; Commerce; Policy & Steering Committee on Ways and Means
s2394.pdf (Confidence: 99.92%)

S 2396
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Persons with Disabilities [SPSC]
03/04/2010 Referred to Judiciary; Governmental Oversight and Accountability; Health and Human Services Appropriations; Policy & Steering Committee on Ways and Means
s2396.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 2400
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles [CPSC]
03/04/2010 Referred to Transportation; Criminal Justice; Finance and Tax; Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations
s2400.pdf (Confidence: 85.1%)

S 2402
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Private Investigative/Security/Repossession Svcs. [EPSC]
03/05/2010 Pending withdrawal
s2402.pdf (Confidence: 79.67%)

S 2414
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Amusement Arcades [CPSC]
03/04/2010 Referred to Regulated Industries; Agriculture; Community Affairs; Finance and Tax; General Government Appropriations
s2414.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 2416
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Background Screening [SPSC]
03/04/2010 Referred to Children, Families, and Elder Affairs; Criminal Justice; Health Regulation; Policy & Steering Committee on Ways and Means
s2416.pdf (Confidence: 99.98%)

S 2434
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Health Care [SPSC]
03/04/2010 Referred to Health Regulation; Children, Families, and Elder Affairs; Health and Human Services Appropriations; Policy & Steering Committee on Ways and Means
s2434.pdf (Confidence: 79.67%)

S 2480
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Health Care [SPSC]
03/04/2010 Referred to Health Regulation; Banking and Insurance; Criminal Justice; Health and Human Services Appropriations
s2480.pdf (Confidence: 86.58%)

S 2488
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Guardianship and Protective Proceedings [SPSC]
03/04/2010 Referred to Judiciary; Children, Families, and Elder Affairs
s2488.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 2492
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Public Officers & Employees/Code of Ethics [GPSC]
03/04/2010 Referred to Ethics and Elections; Judiciary; Policy & Steering Committee on Ways and Means; Rules
s2492.pdf (Confidence: 81.69%)

S 2494
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Pub. Rec./Code of Ethics/Commission on Ethics [GPSC]
03/04/2010 Referred to Ethics and Elections; Governmental Oversight and Accountability; Rules
s2494.pdf (Confidence: 81.69%)

S 2516
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Sellers of Travel [CPSC]
03/04/2010 Referred to Commerce; Military Affairs and Domestic Security; Criminal Justice; General Government Appropriations
s2516.pdf (Confidence: 79.61%)

S 2522
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Evidence of Crimes [SPSC]
03/04/2010 Referred to Criminal Justice; Judiciary; Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations
s2522.pdf (Confidence: 87.93%)

S 2526
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Criminal Conduct [SPSC]
03/04/2010 Referred to Criminal Justice; Children, Families, and Elder Affairs; Judiciary; Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations
s2526.pdf (Confidence: 90.15%)

S 2528
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Emergency Volunteer Health Practitioners Act [GPSC]
03/04/2010 Referred to Military Affairs and Domestic Security; Health Regulation; Banking and Insurance; Judiciary; Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations
s2528.pdf (Confidence: 79.67%)

S 2530
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Nursing [SPSC]
03/04/2010 Referred to Health Regulation; Higher Education; Governmental Oversight and Accountability; Health and Human Services Appropriations
s2530.pdf (Confidence: 79.67%)

S 2538
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Criminal Proceedings/Prejudice and Improper Bias [SPSC]
03/04/2010 Referred to Criminal Justice; Judiciary; Rules
s2538.pdf (Confidence: 85.1%)

S 2544
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Civil Citations/Minor's Nonjudicial Arrest Record [SPSC]
03/04/2010 Referred to Criminal Justice; Judiciary; Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations
s2544.pdf (Confidence: 89.12%)

S 2554
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles [WPSC]
03/04/2010 Referred to Transportation; Finance and Tax; Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations; Policy & Steering Committee on Ways and Means
s2554.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 2560
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Offense of Sexting [SPSC]
03/04/2010 Referred to Criminal Justice; Judiciary; Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations
s2560.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 2568
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Criminal Prosecution of Juveniles [SPSC]
03/09/2010 Referred to Criminal Justice; Judiciary; Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations
s2568.pdf (Confidence: 86.58%)

S 2572
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Tax Credits [CPSC]
03/09/2010 Referred to Commerce; Finance and Tax; General Government Appropriations; Policy & Steering Committee on Ways and Means
s2572.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 2582
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Traffic Regulations To Assist Blind Persons [CPSC]
03/09/2010 Referred to Transportation; Criminal Justice; Education Pre-K - 12 Appropriations
s2582.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 2586
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Health Care Regulation [SPSC]
03/09/2010 Referred to Health Regulation; Judiciary; Health and Human Services Appropriations
s2586.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 2588
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Juvenile Proceedings/Use of Restraints/Isolation [SPSC]
03/09/2010 Referred to Criminal Justice; Judiciary; Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations
s2588.pdf (Confidence: 79.67%)

S 2596
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Smoking In Vehicles/Minor Passengers [CPSC]
03/09/2010 Referred to Transportation; Criminal Justice; Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations
s2596.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 2612
Last Action:
View Bill Info
Forensic Mental Health [SPSC]
03/09/2010 Referred to Children, Families, and Elder Affairs; Criminal Justice; Policy & Steering Committee on Ways and Means
s2612.pdf (Confidence: 81.69%)

S 2630
Last Action:
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Florida Commission on Ethics [GPSC]
03/09/2010 Referred to Ethics and Elections; Judiciary; Policy & Steering Committee on Ways and Means; Rules
s2630.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 2636
Last Action:
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State Judicial System [SPSC]
03/09/2010 Referred to Judiciary; Criminal Justice; Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations
s2636.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 2640
Last Action:
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Circuit Courts [SPSC]
03/09/2010 Referred to Judiciary; Children, Families, and Elder Affairs; Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations
s2640.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 2676
Last Action:
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Child Welfare [SPSC]
03/09/2010 Referred to Children, Families, and Elder Affairs; Judiciary; Health and Human Services Appropriations
s2676.pdf (Confidence: 99.2%)

S 2678
Last Action:
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Mental Health [SPSC]
03/09/2010 Referred to Children, Families, and Elder Affairs; Judiciary; Health and Human Services Appropriations
s2678.pdf (Confidence: 92.81%)

S 2692
Last Action:
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Litigation [SPSC]
03/09/2010 Referred to Judiciary; Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations
s2692.pdf (Confidence: 81.69%)

S 2696
Last Action:
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Judiciary [WPSC]
03/09/2010 Referred to Judiciary; Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations; Policy & Steering Committee on Ways and Means; Rules
s2696.pdf (Confidence: 86.58%)

S 2708
Last Action:
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Child Pornography [SPSC]
03/09/2010 Referred to Criminal Justice; Judiciary; Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations
s2708.pdf (Confidence: 85.12%)

S 2720
Last Action:
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Criminal Justice [SPSC]
03/09/2010 Referred to Criminal Justice; Judiciary; Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations
s2720.pdf (Confidence: 99.47%)

S 2724
Last Action:
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Financial Services [CPSC]
03/09/2010 Referred to Banking and Insurance; Judiciary; Governmental Oversight and Accountability; General Government Appropriations
s2724.pdf (Confidence: 81.64%)

S 2730
Last Action:
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Florida Vocational College [SPSC]
03/09/2010 Referred to Higher Education; Children, Families, and Elder Affairs; Higher Education Appropriations; Pending withdrawal
s2730.pdf (Confidence: 86.55%)

S 2732
Last Action:
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Pub. Rec./Florida Vocational College [SPSC]
03/09/2010 Referred to Higher Education; Governmental Oversight and Accountability; Higher Education Appropriations; Rules; Pending withdrawal
s2732.pdf (Confidence: 85.1%)

S 2750
Last Action:
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Career Offenders [SPSC]
03/09/2010 Referred to Criminal Justice; Judiciary; Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations
s2750.pdf (Confidence: 79.67%)

S 7000
Last Action:
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OGSR/Domestic Security Oversight Council
11/04/2009 Submit as committee bill by Military Affairs and Domestic Security (SB 618)
s7000.pdf (Confidence: 79.67%)

S 7014
Last Action:
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OGSR/Identification of a Minor
01/13/2010 Submit as committee bill by Judiciary (SB 1198)
s7014.pdf (Confidence: 90.17%)

S 7016
Last Action:
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OGSR/Identifying Information/Guardians Ad Litem
01/13/2010 Submit as committee bill by Judiciary (SB 1200)
s7016.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 7030
Last Action:
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Enforcement of Tolls
01/19/2010 Submit as committee bill by Transportation (SB 1304)
s7030.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 7040
Last Action:
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OGSR/Funeral, Cemetery, & Consumer Services Board
02/02/2010 Submit as committee bill by Banking and Insurance (SB 1660)
s7040.pdf (Confidence: 79.67%)

S 7048
Last Action:
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Qualified Target Industry Tax Refund Program
02/02/2010 Submit as committee bill by Commerce (SB 1856)
s7048.pdf (Confidence: 77.42%)

S 7062
Last Action:
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Assisted Reproductive Technology
02/18/2010 Submit as committee bill by Judiciary (SB 2240)
s7062.pdf (Confidence: 86.58%)

Since this bold agenda of job creation has been announced, I've seen no follow up. There is no one keeping track in the halls of the legislature of how many jobs are being created. No reporter is going door to door asking the question.

But at least people will feel safer, in their homes, where they spend most of their day these days.

Brian Tannebaum is a criminal defense lawyer in Miami, Florida practicing in state and federal court, and the author of The Truth About Hiring A Criminal Defense Lawyer.



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I Understand Elizabeth Cheney's Attack On Detainee Lawyers

For 15 years, I've heard it. "How can you?"

It's either "How can you represent those people, how can you defend those people, how can you sleep at night, how can you live with yourself?

How can you?

There is no question that better displays a person's ignorance.

The average American believes in our Constitution, but only parts of it. They believe the First Amendment protects them when they say anything they want to say, but not others who say things that offend them. They believe the Second Amendment allows them to carry a gun, period. They believe the Fourth Amendment is only to protect drug dealers, and that the police can come into their house anytime they want because they have nothing to hide. They believe the Fifth Amendment allows them to remain silent, even though they never would, and that if someone accused of a crime remains silent, it should be evidence against them to infer guilt.

And most people believe the Sixth Amendment guarantees people the right to counsel in all criminal prosecutions, unless they are poor, guilty, or in today's America, accused of terrorism.

To be clear, most people believe the United States Constitution is meant to protect them, and not those who they think are guilty of a crime.

Take Elizabeth Cheney. She's on a campaign against current Department of Justice Lawyers who previously represented Gitmo detainees pro bono. She's part of the group behind this YouTube video.

The question is asked - if these are the lawyers defending these accused terrorists, who will..... ready? .......keep us safe?

It's been the mantra of the Right since September 11 - they, and not anyone else, are the ones who will keep us safe, and if we go against them, in any way, even mild disagreement, we will be less safe.

Nothing gets people more interested and excited than the notion that they may be unsafe. Scaring people, making them believe they are unsafe, you know, terrorism, is an easy way to get people's attention. It's done every day in Congress, state legislatures, local city counsels, courtrooms, schools, everywhere.

And it will never stop. It's like negative ads in political campaigns. We can criticize them all we want, but they work. Fear, works.

There are people, though, that understand how our system works - that the highest respect is due to those who take on the most controversial cases, criminal and civil. Any lawyer who agrees, volunteers, or is drafted to represent someone we all hate, deserves nothing but praise. It is easy to toil in uncontroversial cases day after day, it is a sign of character to take on a matter that will cause idiots like Elizabeth Cheney to engage in campaigns that are by definition, un-American.

Two years ago I enjoyed a few beers with Lieutenant Commander Charles Swift, the type of lawyer of whom I speak of here. He was defense counsel for Salim Ahmed Hamdan, a former driver for Osama bin Laden. He appealed Hamdan's writ of habeas corpus petition to the U. S. Supreme Court, obtaining a ruling from the United States Supreme Court holding that the military commission was illegal, violated the Geneva Conventions and the United States Uniform Code of Military Justice. I still remember the exact table where we sat at Sloppy Joe's in Key West while I listened in awe to his experience representing a hated client.

We are shameful for not recognizing that the essence of a lawyer is to stand up for a client - any client. Our system of justice is not based on providing counsel to those clients that we determine are worthy of such counsel.

But I understand Elizabeth Cheney. She doesn't believe in the Constitution. She believes in her own form of terrorism - attacking Americans who seek to defend our way of life.

Brian Tannebaum is a criminal defense lawyer in Miami, Florida practicing in state and federal court, and the author of The Truth About Hiring A Criminal Defense Lawyer.



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Fees

As the economy continues to tumble (no, those "good numbers" on the news are not true, the economy still sucks and it's getting worse) the issue of legal fees becomes, well, more of an issue.

People say to me all the time - "the economy must be great for you - people are probably getting in trouble more." (domestic violence, DUI, theft).

Maybe, but here's the obvious - when people don't have money, they don't have money. When people have no access to credit, they have no access to credit. And when people are looking to save whatever money they don't have, they pay more attention to where they spend it.

Most people, even the ones who deny this, hire a criminal defense lawyer using the following formula:

1. How much money do I have to spend on a lawyer?
2. Who will charge me an amount less than that?
3. Hire that lawyer.

There is also a little tactic that is rearing it's ugly head more and more - trying to get money back.

A colleague told me recently of a case where the client paid half the retainer and then the case was not filed. This was a case that would have had a significant effect on the client's future, as most criminal cases. It was not filed due to some quick and hard work by the lawyer. When the lawyer called the client to advise of the results, the client asked for a portion of the half of the retainer he paid. He said he "needed the money." The lawyer responded by agreeing not to seek payment of the other half of the retainer.

I've heard this throughout the years, but I'm hearing it more and more these days. People have to get money from somewhere - even if it's from someone they agreed to pay.

The request usually comes with some specious threat to file a Bar complaint, so let's review:

Legal fees are determined by the following: The time and labor required, the novelty, complexity, and difficulty of the questions involved, and the skill requisite to perform the legal service properly; the likelihood that the acceptance of the particular employment will preclude other employment by the lawyer; the fee, or rate of fee, customarily charged in the locality for legal services of a comparable or similar nature; the significance of, or amount involved in, the subject matter of the representation, the responsibility involved in the representation, and the results obtained; the time limitations imposed by the client or by the circumstances and, as between attorney and client, any additional or special time demands or requests of the attorney by the client; the nature and length of the professional relationship with the client; the experience, reputation, diligence, and ability of the lawyer or lawyers performing the service and the skill, expertise, or efficiency of effort reflected in the actual providing of such services; and whether the fee is fixed or contingent, and, if fixed as to amount or rate, then whether the client's ability to pay rested to any significant degree on the outcome of the representation.

Note: Time and labor required is one factor.

One, factor.

Brian Tannebaum is a criminal defense lawyer in Miami, Florida practicing in state and federal court, and the author of The Truth About Hiring A Criminal Defense Lawyer.



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The Government's Press Conference - A Slam Dunk

I know I'm supposed to blog about the Supreme Court ruling in Florida v. Powell today, being from Florida and all. So here: I thought it was a silly case.

Now on to a pet peeve.

Yesterday in Miami, a well-known forensic accountant/lawyer surrendered to the FBI on charges of wire fraud. Word of the raid on his office came months ago. Everyone knew this was coming.

After he surrendered, his charging document was released. It was an Information, not an Indictment. Now to the non-criminal lawyer crew reading this - an Indictment is required in all federal cases, unless the defendant waives the right to an Indictment. A defendant only waives that right because he is going to plead guilty.

So it's the perfect resolution for the gub-mint. Investigation, surrender, guilty plea, sentencing. No preparation for trial, no interviewing of witnesses, no motion hearings, no litigation. Just a plea, and sentencing, and a bunch of cooperation (usually) that will help get victims paid and maybe others charged.

And this is what the government wants.

And of course they responded in kind:

"We appreciate the defendant surrendering as promised to these charges of wire fraud. No one is above the law, not lawyers, accountants, and especially those responsible for obtaining money for victims as trustees. We appreciate the defendant acknowledging his wrongdoing and look forward to advocating an appropriate sentence for his crimes."

Actually, they didn't say that.

As the Miami Herald reported:

Both the U.S. attorney and top FBI agent in South Florida slammed the 60-year-old Freeman, a familiar figure in Miami's legal and business circles, for violating the ``fiduciary trust'' of creditors and the courts.

"This is a classic case of how greed can slowly corrupt a person who started out with good intentions,'' said John Gillies, the FBI's special agent in charge. ``It turns out that the wolf was protecting the hen house for the last 10 years."

Great, name calling.

The guy committed a crime. He's taking responsibility for it. He's going to prison. If that is the chronology the government wants defendants to follow, what is the point of driving in the stake? What is the point of using the powerful bully pulpit to "slam" the defendant?

These press conferences are precious to the government. Defense lawyers try, unsuccessfully, to negotiate them out of any deals. That request is always met with wide eyes, and "absolutely not."

It's not as important to let the public know that this is the type of post-investigation conduct the government wants from defendants - acceptance of responsibility, contrition, cooperation.

It's more important for them to be able to express how they feel about the defendant as a person.

It's all about the slam.

For whatever reason.

Brian Tannebaum is a criminal defense lawyer in Miami, Florida practicing in state and federal court, and the author of The Truth About Hiring A Criminal Defense Lawyer.



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What Are Criminal Defense Lawyers Really Worth?

A lively discussion took place in the comments section of the post below regarding fees in criminal cases.

Seems an anonymous police officer takes some pity on defendants he arrests, because they will later encounter bankrupting criminal defense lawyers who are not sensitive to the fact that "most" people cannot afford to hire them.

I have always believed that the demise of respect for lawyers has had much to do with the fact that we charge "a lot" of money for our services. There is the old notion that a "rich" person is someone who makes $1 more than you. If that's true, then someone who makes thousands more than you, is certainly the devil.

There is no sense trying to discredit the notion that those who can afford to hire expensive lawyers get better justice. Public defenders that win impossible cases are not written about as much as when the "marquis" lawyer wins a case. Sure, a defendant with money can afford to hire experts, investigators, and lawyers who don't have volume practices and can afford to put in more time to a case. But it's not always the case that the defendant with the most money, always wins.

The question in the title of this post is one that clients don't like to answer. It's always OK when a personal injury lawyer writes a letter, makes a couple phone calls, and resolves a case for $100,000, taking $30,000 for himself. It's OK because the money doesn't come from the client, technically.

But when a client who gets arrested and is told he will be fired if he is convicted, is asked to pay five, ten, twenty, fifty, a hundred thousand dollars to defend the case - it is then that the criminal defense lawyer is seen as unsympathetic. Don't we "understand?"

Truth be told, there are clients who understand that for the most part they have one shot to defend their case. There are those same clients who understand that a good lawyer costs good money, and that private lawyers are not public defenders. We don't work for free, and we don't have the luxury to tell our staff, landlord, investigators, mortgage companies, grocery stores, court reporters, or anyone else we pay bills to, that we are taking a break from charging fees because certain people believe we should be more sensitive to the fact they were arrested.

No one has an obligation to hire any attorney, and no attorney has an obligation to charge what the client can afford. If it's not worth it to you to hire the lawyer you are talking with, find someone else. My anonymous officer friend says $6,000 is a lot of money for a DUI case. To someone making $30,000 a year, it may be. To someone making $250,000, it may be pocket money. To someone fearing losing their job and wanting to do whatever they need to do to defend the case in a proper fashion, it may be a "bitter pill," that must be swallowed.

It always amazes me when I speak to a client about their life. I will hear them tell me about their job, their obligations, their insistence that they "can't" go to jail. It appears that they are serious about representation, until they hear the fee. And it's not just my fee. Often I will talk to a client who tells me they came to see me after being quoted an "outrageous" fee from another lawyer. When I hear the fee, I'm in shock - not at the fee, but at the low number.

My anonymous officer friend talks about setting up a system like health insurance. A client pays a small co-pay, I guess, and the rest is paid by the insurance company. Sounds good, just find me an insurance company that wants to bankroll criminal defense fees, and a lawyer that wants to take the fees that the insurance company will pay.

I spent 20 years in school. I've been practicing 15 years. I did my work as a public defender, and I still, to this day take court appointed cases in federal court, and when I see a need, help a client out.

But this is my profession. This is how I feed my family. If you can't afford me, pick up the yellow pages, go to Google. You'll find "reasonable fees," and "affordable payment plans" all over the place.

This is America, you are free to hire the lawyer of your choice.

Hopefully it's someone who values your case, as much, or more, than you do.

Brian Tannebaum is a criminal defense lawyer in Miami, Florida practicing in state and federal court, and the author of The Truth About Hiring A Criminal Defense Lawyer.



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The More Things Change, The More Potential Clients Stay The Same

When I first started in private practice, I'd go anywhere to represent someone. I'd drive hours to a courthouse, or meet a client at a convenient place. I went to some interesting places.... Now, a few years later, most meetings are in my office, most cases, close to home.

But then there was last Thursday. A frantic mom called from her home a few hundred miles away - her son, a college student here, was arrested on some serious drug charges. Coming to my office was going to take some serious work, as he had no car and was waiting on a friend to take him back to campus after being recently sprung from the county jail.

So I looked at my schedule and realized that I was soon to head out of town for a conference, and drive right by the college.

"I'll go see him there."

Why not. Nothing wrong with going back to your roots and doing things you haven't done in a long time. It keeps you grounded.

So I went to the college and spend some time with my potential client. Interesting case, nice kid. He tells me to tell mom to hire me.

Now about an hour late for my drive out of town, I call mom and explain the situation as I know it to be and quote her a fee. She doesn't seem fazed by the fee and says she'll get back to me after talking to dad.

This was Thursday.

Today, Monday, I learn who the judge is, and send a message to mom letting her know about the judge and asking whether I should proceed on the case.

"I was going to follow up to let you know that your fee schedule was not affordable so we retained another attorney. My apologies for not calling. Thank you."

First, she was never going to call. We all know that. No one calls back unless they are hiring you or are of that rare breed that want to pay you for your time (that real, real rare breed) or just have that sense that saying "no thanks," never killed anyone.

Second, she violated rule 6 of my ebook: "Be honest with the lawyer. Tell him you want to hire him (if you do) and the details of your financial situation. You just told this lawyer you were plastered, picked up a hooker, stole something, or shot someone. This is not a time to be coy, or shy. Admit you are poor, broke, or need time to pay the fee. Tell the lawyer what you can come up with right now, today."

I also say in my ebook to "not negotiate," but that's mutually exclusive of telling the lawyer "hey, this is what I can afford" and letting the lawyer decide they really want the case, for a different price.

So after I made my house call (my first and last house call this year thank you lady for ruining it for everyone) and calmed her fears, she called another lawyer or 4. A lawyer who didn't go see her son, but gave her the "number" she wanted, got the case. She wasn't looking for a lawyer, she was looking for a fee.

I just hope she got both.

Brian Tannebaum is a criminal defense lawyer in Miami, Florida practicing in state and federal court. Read his free ebook The Truth About Hiring A Criminal Defense Lawyer. To learn more about Brian and his firm, Tannebaum Weiss, please visit www.tannebaumweiss.com



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How Many Innocent People Are In Jail, Right Now?

Scott Greenfield reports this morning on the Innocence Project's announcement of the 250th exoneration of an innocent person. This one was convicted when I was 7, and left prison on parole when I was 12.

We as criminal defense lawyers read about exonerations and react. We shake our heads, we get angry, we roll our eyes when our friends express amazement that an innocent person was in jail, that a prosecutor fought their release even after DNA cleared them, and we wonder how many else there are.

We also hear the deafening silence of the vast majority of the public who don't care.

There are those, you know, that consider this the cost of doing business. They're apologists for the "imperfect system. I'll never forget watching a guest on a TV talk show say that if 1% of the people executed were innocent, that would be a pretty good stat - 99% being guilty.

The problem here is not that 250 people have been exonerated, the problem is that we don't know how many innocent people will spend yet another night in jail, for something they didn't do.

Brian Tannebaum is a criminal defense lawyer in Miami, Florida practicing in state and federal court. Read his free ebook The Truth About Hiring A Criminal Defense Lawyer. To learn more about Brian and his firm, Tannebaum Weiss, please visit www.tannebaumweiss.com



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The Slippery Slope Of Bond

A couple weeks ago there was a tragic accident. A bicycle rider was killed. The suspect, left the scene, and was later arrested. The allegations, not formally filed yet, include driving on a suspended license and DUI.

Miami has a big bicyclist community, and they are vocal. This accident was more than a story of car v. biker, it became bikers v. government, bikers v. not enough safe places to ride, and now, bikers v. criminal justice system.

The suspect appeared before a judge, and was released on bond.

In the local paper appeared this letter in response to an editorial on the issue of bicyclist safety:

The writer should focus some of his outrage on the system and the judge who allowed the perpetrator to bail out of jail. The man who allegedly hit the biker and left the scene was driving while under the influence. He had an invalid license and resisted arrest.

He obviously had no respect for the law. Where is the outrage?

The outrage is there, but letters to the editor aren't as sexy as commenting on the internet where anonymity allows people to say things they would never say, to anyone. A letter to the editor requires a name. Who wants to put their name to something when they can leave it out and write things that incite hate?

The sentiment is typical - how can someone who did this, be given bond after arrest and be allowed to walk out of jail? Why is a conviction required for a defendant to be kept in jail?

Well, it's not. Bond has become more the exception. Legislators have been adding offenses to the "no bond" schedule throughout the country. Few an accused murderer is released on bail, add to that armed robbery, burglary with an assault, a few other violent crimes, and don't forget the judge's discretion to set a high, unaffordable bond when the defendant is a flight risk, and/or has little ties to the community.

People like me talk about the "slippery slope." Bond has slid down this slope at a fast clip.

The top of the slope is here, the Eighth Amendment to the United States Constitution (don't laugh, it really exists):

"Excessive bail shall not be required."

Then there is Florida Law: Article I, section 14 of the Florida Constitution reads:

Unless charged with a capital offense or an offense punishable by life imprisonment and the proof of guilt is evident or the presumption is great, every person charged with a crime or violation of municipal or county ordinance shall be entitled to pretrial release on reasonable conditions.

This is a hard pill to swallow for many - the fact that the public thinks "he did it" and that "he's guilty" and the fact that a judge must follow the law and grant bail, is outrageous to some. I understand.

But this is where public sentiment and law and order diverge.

If we left all aspects of our system up to people emotionally affected by crime, or accusations of crime, there would be a jail on every corner.

I understand the sentiments of the author of this letter, and I hope he understands that while the judge many not have made the ruling he, and other bikers like, he did follow the law, as slippery as it has become.

Brian Tannebaum is a criminal defense lawyer in Miami, Florida practicing in state and federal court. Read his free ebook The Truth About Hiring A Criminal Defense Lawyer. To learn more about Brian and his firm, Tannebaum Weiss, please visit www.tannebaumweiss.com



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