There’s no doubt that some crimes are worse than others. However, in today’s legal system, the umbrella of criminal charges holds under it everything from traffic offenses and simple misdemeanors to serious felonies. If you’ve been arrested and need a criminal attorney in Fort Lauderdale, we can help. At Leader & Leader P.A., we have extensive experience defending clients who have found themselves on the wrong side of the law.
Two of our partners are former prosecutors, which means we have in-depth insight into the criminal justice system. If you need a skilled criminal lawyer to handle your case, call us today at 954-523-2020 to arrange an initial consultation.
Police Arrested Cab Driver in Late November After He Allegedly Kidnapped a Passenger
According to 6SouthFlorida, police arrested a cab driver late last month after he allegedly kidnapped and raped a female passenger in Fort Lauderdale on Oct. 9. Police have charged the suspect with one count of sexual battery and one count of kidnapping. After arresting him, police held him on a $500,000 bond at the county jail.
According to police, the 29-year-old cab driver picked up the victim and her friend on East Sunrise Boulevard and drove them to an ATM near Northeast 1st Street. When the victim’s friend got out of the cab to use the ATM, the driver proceeded to drive off with the victim. Police claim he took her to a parking lot near Southeast 4th Street and Southeast 3rd Avenue.
Driver Assaulted the Victim in a Parking Lot
Local10 reports on the story and claims that after stopping in the parking lot, the cab driver got out and proceeded to pull the woman out of the cab. He then sexually assaulted her before getting back in his cab and driving off, leaving the victim on the ground. The woman reported the incident to local police, and responders took her to the Nancy J. Cotterman Sexual Assault Treatment Center so medical staff could evaluate her.
Police were able to positively identify DNA obtained from the evaluation as that belonging to the cab driver, making him the prime suspect. The incident remains under investigation, and law enforcement personnel have asked that anyone with any more information, or stories regarding similar incidents, contact the authorities.
The suspect’s employer, Yellow Cab, released a statement claiming they take their passengers’ safety incredibly seriously. Since becoming aware of the situation, they claim they have cooperated fully with the police.
Do Not Take a Criminal Charge Lightly
Even if your criminal charges have nothing to do with assault or kidnapping, you should not take them lightly. At Leader & Leader, we have extensive experience in cases involving drug offences, probation violations, warrants and felonies. Don’t wait to speak with a criminal lawyer in Fort Lauderdale; call us today at 954-523-2020, and let us know what we can do for you.