Navigation Florida Legislature sends measure to provide greater protections to defense counsel to the governor
Eric Atria and and his boss, Candice Brower, the Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel. Atria was surprised at the amount of positive attention the bill received and he initially thought he’d get quite a lot of pushback because this law did not exist yet.
Following successful passage in both chambers of the Florida Legislature this week, the measure offering greater protections to defense counsel by enhancing the penalties for anyone who attacks any court-appointed officer is headed to Gov. DeSantis’ desk for signature.
SB 384, sponsored by Sen. Jennifer Bradley, R-Fleming Island, passed through the Senate April 12 by a unanimous 40-0 vote, which was then sent to the House. The measure would amend F.S. §775.0823 and makes it a felony to attack a defense attorney or public defender acting in their courtroom capacity.
