See FAQ‘s below. Governor Rick Scott FORGOTTENMAJORITY.COM is petitioning Governor Rick Scott to take action to reinstate Parole in Florida for those who have demonstrated a change of heart, More »
FEDERAL JUDGE MARY SCRIVEN RULES FLORIDA’S DRUG LAWS UNCONSTITUTIONAL. As quoted below from National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) 1660 L St., NW, 12th Floor, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 872-8600 More »
Historically, masturbation was socially prohibited as a physically and psychologically destructive behavior. Today it is more widely accepted as a normal and enjoyable part of human sexuality (Hillman 1975). However, masturbation, when More »
Florida law allows a person who has never been convicted (adjudicated guilty) of a crime to seal or expunge their arrest record. Doesn’t seem that a person would have to be concerned More »
What do these laws mean for teens? Linda Lowen {About.com} writes, “You Say Boyfriend – Some States Say Child Molester.” When Shakespeare brought Romeo and Juliet to life, he was intentional in More »
FRESH OUT OF PRISON? LOOKING FOR WORK? If you’ve served your time and live in Jacksonville, Florida, you may be in luck. Founded in 1999, Operation New Hope is dedicated to providing More »
COURTESY OF PROJECT R.E.A.C.H. INC
Several months after the shooting death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin by George Zimmerman in Sanford, Florida, a task force held its first meeting to examine the controversial “Stand Your Ground” law that has been at the center of the uproar surrounding the Florida teen’s death.
Marissa Alexander is a 31 year old mother of three is facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in a Florida prison for discharging her firearm into the ceiling of her home to ward off further abuse at the hands of her husband, Rico Gray. Mr. Gray had just assaulted Marissa and was at her home in violation of an order for protection. Marissa is scheduled for sentencing on Friday, May 11, 2012 at the Duval County Courthouse, Jacksonville, Florida, Judge James Daniel presiding.
UPDATE
Angela Corey, special prosecutor from Duval County, Florida, appointed by Governor Rick Scott, formally charged George Zimmerman with second degree murder for the shooting death of Trayvon Martin on February 26, 2012. Trayvon was unarmed and walking through a Sanford community wearing a hoodie when he was followed and confronted by Mr. Zimmerman who claimed that Trayvon appeared ‘suspicious’. A struggle ensued and Mr. Zimmerman fatally shot the 17 year old, claiming self defense.
(WP Politics) Press
Murder in the second degree, under Florida law, refers to a killing carried out without premeditation but with “a depraved mind regardless of human life.” If convicted, Zimmerman faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. His attorney, Mark O’Mara, said Wednesday that Zimmerman will plead not guilty.
GENERAL BILL by Judiciary Committee; Rulemaking and Regulation Subcommittee; Criminal Justice Subcommittee; Porth; Campbell; (CO-INTRODUCERS) Baxley; Costello; Fullwood; Glorioso; Grant; Pafford; Pilon; Rogers; Rouson; Sands
OEDInmate Reentry; Directs DOC to develop & administer reentry program for nonviolent offenders; requires substance abuse treatment & rehabilitative programming; specifies eligibility criteria; requires notice to court & state attorney; authorizes state attorney to object; directs court to screen & select eligible offenders for program based on specified considerations; requires court to notify DOC of decision within specified period; requires education & substance abuse assessment; requires enrollment in adult education in specified circumstances; requires assessments of vocational skills & career education be provided; provides that offender is subject to disciplinary rules; requires that DOC report to sentencing court before offender is scheduled to complete program; requires court to hold hearing to consider modifying sentence & authorizing placement on drug offender probation if performance is satisfactory; authorizes revocation of probation & imposition of original sentence in specified circumstances; requires annual report; authorizes administrative or protective confinement; authorizes incentives to promote participation & orderly operation; directs DOC to develop system for tracking recidivism; provides for nonseverability of certain provisions.
Last Action: 04/06/2012 Vetoed by Governor
Effective Date: October 1, 2012
Message From Ben Todd Jealous
NAACP President and CEO
Trayvon Prosecutor foregoes grand jury
Florida State Attorney, Angela Corey, made a surprising announcement. She decided to forego a grand jury in the Trayvon Martin case. Her decision has put the responsibility of whether or not to prosecute George Zimmerman squarely on her shoulders and hers alone.
Thousands of NAACP members around the country have marched on behalf of Trayvon Martin and his family in the last few weeks. Thousands more have prayed and held vigils in his name. In light of today’s news, we’ve got to redouble our efforts. Please share the petition to Prosecutor Corey with your family and friends today: http://action.naacp.org/share-our-letter
From day one, Trayvon’s parents, Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin, have been pillars of courage. Even in their suffering, they have stood unwaveringly for justice. Their example has inspired a global movement for justice for Trayvon. Clearly, the Sanford police mishandled the investigation into Trayvon’s death from the beginning. But we now have an opportunity to ensure that justice delayed does not become justice denied. Our most important task is to act now to make sure Prosecutor Corey handles Trayvon’s case with an eye for justice.
Watch the video of highlights from our ‘Justice for Trayvon Rally’ held recently in Sanford, Florida.
http://http://www.naacp.org/news/entry/naacp-organizes-march-rally-for-trayvon-martin?utm_medium=email&utm_source=NAACP&utm_campaign=20120409prosecutorcoreyshare&utm_content=video&source=20120409prosecutorcoreyshare
Thank you for your support. Together, we will continue our fight for justice.
Trayvon Martin, 17 years of age was shot in the chest and killed by a neighborhood watch captain in Sanford, Florida on February 26, 2012. He’d just purchased a bag of skittles and an Arizona iced tea and was headed home, walking through a gated community with his hoodie pulled over his head when George Zimmerman, an overly zealous 28 year old community watch volunteer, pursued him ignoring the warning of the police dispatcher to stop and desist. Zimmerman approached Trayvon who was unarmed and claims that he shot Trayvon in the chest in self defense. He has yet to be arrested. Craig Sonner, Zimmerman’s attorney, declined to detail what transpired between Zimmerman and the 17-year-old Martin, but he said he believes the case falls under Florida’s stand-your-ground law, which dictates that a person has the right to stand his or her ground and “meet force with force” if attacked. Zimmerman has not returned to work since the incident.
Meet some of the group. Left to right -
1st row: Jack Canatsey, Marcia Jentsch
2nd row: Bonnie Barnes, Jean Canatsey
3rd row: Raymond Welsh, Judy Thompson
On Saturday, March 17, 2012, Judy Thompson, President of Forgotten Majority, Inc. addressed the members of ‘Families Ministering to Families’ (FMTF) concerning the Reinstatement of Florida’s Parole. Some of the group members were enlightened when they learned that parole ended for most offenders in October 1983. Florida now struggles with the fiscal and moral dilemma of mass incarceration. Inmates are without hope, families and communities remain fractured and our taxes cannot sustain the $2.3 billion dollar price tag Corrections has stapled to our collars. Members of FMTF have become involved in getting the word out about this critical mission to reinstate parole. These meetings are more than talk, they are action venues. The group meets every third Saturday at 9 AM at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church located at 861 Maitland Avenue, Altamonte Springs, FL. If you’d like more information about the Families Ministering to Families meetings, call Jean at (407) 695-6818.
Take a moment to sign the petition to reinstate parole at the forgottenmajority.com website. It’s time for Florida to get smart on crime by giving those who have made positive adjustments and are striving to become law-abiding citizens, the opportunity to do so.
Black History Reception
Governor Rick Scott, First Lady Ann Scott and Lt. Governor Jennifer Carroll graciously hosted a reception on February 22, 2012 at the Governor’s Mansion honoring African-Americans who made significant contributions in the areas of Education, Aeronautical Science and Information Technology.
Meeting the Governor was memorable. His handshake was warm and genuine, his eye contact not distracted by the goings on in the room. Most importantly, Governor Scott expressed his willingness to meet and discuss the Reinstatement of Parole. This Governor could be the one to rescue Florida from the bottom of the barrel of antiquated statutes that have led to mass incarceration. This Governor could raise the bar of progressive ingenuity to a level that would reunite families, strengthen communities and keep only dangerous criminals incarcerated. This Governor could leave behind a legacy that would be far superior to any other former Governor of this state, a legacy of fiscal and moral proficiency that would be coveted nationwide.
Timing was on my side. On a subsequent trip to Tallahassee, March 8th, I met the Governor once again who reassured me that he looked forward to meeting with Forgotten Majority and would make sure that the appointment was set.
It is important to know that Governor Scott cannot reinstate parole via executive order, it requires the passage of legislation. However, with his support and the support of other legislators like Senator Greg Evers who are bold enough to take a not-so-popular stand, we can posture ourselves for victory.
Lt. Governor Jennifer Carroll at the Podium presenting student and educational awards.
Guest speaker, Mr. Harry Alford, CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce, flanked by the Governor, First Lady and other guests.
For more details about the reception follow the link: http://www.flgov.com/2011/02/24/governor-scott-and-lt-governor-carroll-commemorate-black-history-month-honor-student-and-teacher-contest-winners/ .
To sign the petition for the Reinstatement of Parole: http://www.petitionbuzz.com/petitions/floridaparole
Senator Greg Evers, District 2, took a bold step on Lobby Day, Tuesday, February 21, 2012, when he spoke in favor of Parole in Florida. This Senator is not ‘soft’ on crime, he is smart on crime! Senator Evers proposed that parolees wear monitoring devices and be subject to severe penalties for violating. Monitoring would cost significantly less than the $22,000 annual price tag hanging from the necks of Florida’s 103,000 inmates. And that basic cost continues to climb in direct proportion to the age of the inmate. Costs of supervision would be reduced by monthly fees and payments collected from the parolee. At the same time, reformed felons would return to their families and work while complying with their parole requirements.
Senator Evers’ constituency consists of Holmes, Washington, and parts of
Bay, Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and Walton counties. He chairs the Criminal Justice Committee and is one of a distinguished group of legislative champions who is not afraid to openly address the ills of mass incarceration and the unsustainable cost.
Let’s all take a moment to thank Senator Evers for being part of the solution.
District Offices:
598 North Ferdon Blvd.
Crestview, FL 32536
(850) 689-0556
Fax (850) 689-7932
Legislative Assistants: Gregory Brown and Ann McGraw
24 North Tarragona
Pensacola, FL 32502
(850) 595-0213
Fax (850) 595-0214
Legislative Assistant: Molly Caddell
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