Glenn R. Roderman Criminal Law Blog on Lawyers.com

High-Profile Crimes in Florida

Wednesday, August 5, 2009 by Glenn R. Roderman

Few crimes actually make it into the headlines. The crimes that do receive attention usually involve extraordinary people or circumstances. High-profile crimes require a seasoned, high-profile criminal law attorney in Fort Lauderdale to ensure that the case is handled properly, regardless of the spotlight on the trial.

The Case of Lionel Tate

The story of Lionel Tate, in Broward County, Florida, is an example of a high-profile case that drew public attention not only for the extraordinary details of the crime, but also for the court’s sentencing. In 1998, Lionel Tate, who was then 12 years old, killed a 6 year old girl by stomping on her in what the defense alleged were wrestling moves seen on television.

In 2001, the court convicted Lionel Tate of first-degree murder and sentenced him to life imprisonment sentence without parole. The sentence was controversial because Tate was just 12 years old at the time of the murder. This inspired debate about juvenile justice in Florida.

In 2003, an appeals court ordered a retrial, claiming that he should have been mentally evaluated before his trial in 2001. As a result, the state offered Tate the same plea bargain for second-degree murder that he had turned down before the first-trial. As a result, Tate was released on one year’s house arrest and 10 years’ probation. After Tate accepted the plea bargain, the criminal defense attorneys in Fort Lauderdale representing the victim’s family, Glenn R. Roderman remarked that deal was fair and that he should have taken it before the first trial.

Lionel Tate’s case shows how a crime like first or second-degree murder can result in a high-profile case because of unique circumstances. Tate’s case became a rallying cry for juvenile justice and the system’s sentencing of African American youth.

There are countless examples Florida and beyond when verdicts, and sentences have implications reaching beyond the courtroom. In these types of high profile cases, there is always a need for a skilled criminal defense lawyers in Fort Lauderdale to perform their duty of protecting the rights of the accused.

Glenn R. Roderman
200 SE 6th Street
Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Posted at 16:55 PM

Topic: Criminal Law