Fort Lauderdale, FL- A recently proposed bill would make criminal penalties tougher for individuals who commit crimes against real-estate agents in Florida.
The Tampa Business Journal reports that last week the Criminal Justice Committee approve the bill, S.B. 214, but it must pass through two other committees before it appears before the Senate for a vote. A similar bill has already hit the House floor.
S.B. 214 would increase the severity of robberies, assaults and sex crimes committed against real-estate agents, brokers or sales associated when they show a property.
The sponsor of the bill, Nancy Detert, R-Venice said that crimes against realtors are “premeditated.” Detert added, according to the Palm Beach Post, “They’re making an appointment with you to assault, murder or rob you. It’s the stalking aspect. It’s the fact that it’s mostly a female occupation.”
The law is a response to the danger real-estate agents face when they are simply trying to do their jobs. According to the Business Journal, a 2015 survey conducted by the National Association of Realtors which found that two percent of association members were robbed while working, and one percent of association member said they were assaulted.
If you are convicted of a felony crime in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, you risk losing many of the freedoms and rights you enjoyed before your arrest conviction. For one, you may face incarceration for periods up to five years to life depending upon the severity of the felony offense you face. Once you are released, housing can be difficult to find, and your movements may be restricted and monitored if you are on any form of supervised released. A criminal conviction opens you up to being passed over when you apply for a job and can prevent you from getting out higher-paying jobs or promotions.
With a felony criminal conviction on your record, you could lose your voting rights and your Second Amendment rights. You have too much to lose if you don’t fight your criminal charges, so you should enlist an experienced and assertive criminal defense attorney.
When you have a criminal defense attorney on your side, you have a chance of beating the the charges you are facing and if not, possibly having them reduced or mitigating your exposure (sentence/penalty). You have rights, and the best way to protect those rights and give yourself a greater chance of beating the charge is to retain and criminal defense lawyer to begin working on your defense immediately.
Whether you are facing a misdemeanor or felony in Fort Lauderdale, contact the skilled, aggressive, innovative and knowledgeable representation provided by Michael D. Leader at Leader & Leader, P.A. Mr. Leader has a solid track record of getting justice for South Floridians accused of a crime. You can count on Leader & Leader, P.A., with over eighty years of combined experience, to stand up for your rights and provide you with an assertive and effective defense. The legal team at Leader & Leader P.A. are trustworthy litigators who will approach your case with integrity and honesty.
If you are facing a misdemeanor or felony criminal charge, you need a defense attorney on your side. If you live in Fort Lauderdale or other Broward County location, contact Florida criminal defense attorney Michael D. Leader and set up a consultation.
