Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Florida’s “stand your ground” law has been a popular defense for convicted, oftentimes-violent criminals who have used it after committing other crimes.
The Tampa Bay Times reviewed more than 100 “stand your ground” cases that involved a fatality and found:
· Nearly 60% of those claiming self-defense had been arrested at least once before.
· More than 30% had been accused of violent crimes, including assault, battery, or robbery. Dozens of them had broken drug laws as well.
· About 40% had three arrests or more. Dozens had at least four arrests.
· More than 30% had threatened someone with a gun or had illegally carried a weapon.
In total, the 119 who claimed self-defense had been arrested 327 times for major crimes.
-Noel Brinkerhoff
Many Killers Who Go Free With Florida 'Stand Your Ground' Law Have History Of Violence (by Kameel Stanley and Connie Humburg, Tampa Bay Times)
Drug Dealer Used “Stand Your Ground” Law to Avoid Murder Charges…Twice (by Noel Brinkerhoff and David Wallechinsky, AllGov)
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