When Judge J. Michael Traynor sentenced Nathaniel Juratovac to four years in prison for the attempted murder of Flagler County firefighter Jared Parkey last week, the judge managed to blame both men for the violent incident that led them to the courtroom, a stunning and immoral leveling of blame in a state that too easily excuses gun violence.
Circuit & County Court
Ex-Flagler Beach Cop Juratovac Sentenced to 4 Years in Prison in Attempted Murder of Flagler Firefighter
Nathaniel Juratovac, the 41-year-old ex-Flagler Beach cop who twice shot an unarmed Flagler County firefighter in what was then termed a road-rage incident by the side of U.S. 1 was sentenced this afternoon to 51 months in prison in a plea agreement. Had he been convicted at trial, he could have faced up to 25 years in prison on the attempted murder charge.
Six Gay Couples and Equality Florida File Lawsuit in State Court Seeking Freedom to Marry
The lawsuit argues that Florida’s laws barring same-sex couples from marriage violate the United States Constitution by denying them the legal protections and equal dignity that having the freedom to marry provides.
Your Backpack Please: Florida Appeal Court Rules Legal Search Based on Anonymous Tip
A high school student who took a loaded gun to school argued that the search of his back-pack, based on an anonymous tip, was illegal. A 2-1 ruling of the Third District Court of Appeal disagreed.
Florida Sentencing Guidelines
Overview of Florida’s sentencing policies, guidelines, first, second and third degree felonies, life sentences.
Court Appearance Adds to Puzzles Behind Mobil Mart Murder Suspect as Victim’s Mother Looks On
A Tuesday court appearance by Joseph Bova II, accused of murdering Roman Rosado in an execution-style killing at the Mobil Mart on SR 100 in February, added to questions surrounding his case, including about his competence and a mysterious incident involving him that took place at the jail on Thanksgiving Day.
Hubert L. Grimes, First Black Judge in 7th Circuit, Will Retire After 25 Years on the Bench
Volusia County Circuit Judge Hubert L. Grimes, the first black judge to serve on County Court, will retire from the Seventh Judicial Circuit, effective Jan. 30, 2014, after 25 years on the bench. The Seventh Circuit includes Volusia, Flagler, St. Johns and Putnam counties.
23-Year-Old Charged With DUI Manslaughter Over Deaths of Lane Burnsed and Meredith Smith
Louis Prinzo, a 23-year-old resident of Ormond Beach, was arrested on eight charges, including four felonies, in the deaths of Lane Burnsed, 19 at the time of the July 26 wreck on I-95, and Meredith Smith, 17 at the time. Burnsed’s family issued a statement remarkable for its forbearance regarding Prinzo’s arrest.
Flagler’s Public Safety Council Endorses Court-Ordering Ex-Felons to Evangelical Recovery House
The council—a collection of local police, court and other government agencies—provided the endorsement sight unseen and legalities untested, and based exclusively on a brief presentation by Charles Silano, the local pastor. Open Door Re-Entry and Recovery Ministry will be run out of a former church on Booe Street in Bunnell.
Appeal Court Orders New Trial for Marissa Alexander, But No Redo on Stand Your Ground
Marissa Alexander, a 32-year-old mother of three, was convicted on improper self-defense instructions to the jury, the court ruled. Alexander was serving a 20-year sentence for shooting a gun during an argument with her abusive husband, against whom she had a restraining order.