Division in the Stand Your Ground Law Forum in Fort Lauderdale

Andrew Stine — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 17:15:42 GMT

Senator Chris Smith, D-Fort Lauderdale,invited members of the public to an open forum Wednesday to discuss their opinions and issues over the Stand Your Ground Law. The Stand Your Ground Law justifies a person in using deadly force when there is a reasonable belief of imminent threat. It is the main point of defense for shooter Zimmerman in the case of Trayvon Martin's death on Feb. 23 - a case rivaling the media attention of Casey Anthony. The forum was a direct response to Gov. Rick Scott's hesitance to form the task force he promised after the shooting.

Division in the Crowd

Over 100 members of the general public attended the forum in Fort Lauderdale highlighting a clear division in the public opinion over the law and whether it should be repealed or whether it should stand. The Palm Beach Post reported that there is even division within law enforcement over the law.

The Palm Beach Post reported a statement by Arthur Jacobs, general counsel for the Prosecuting Attorneys Association (an organization that represents all 20 state attorneys in Florida). The Post said that the organization recently voted unanimously that the law should be repealed. The argument is that because self-defense was already a right before the Stand Your Ground Law was passed in 2005, there really is no need for the law. He also claimed that the law is consistently being invoked as criminal defense in inappropriate circumstances, such as gang members shooting rivals and using the law as a scapegoat.

According to the article, Palm Beach County Public Defender Carey Haughwout, a member of the legal panel, stated that she believed the law should not be repealed, but that it may not apply to the shooting of Trayvon Martin. She said:

"If Mr Zimmerman was the aggressor, I hope he can be and will be prosecuted."

Stand Your Ground Defense

It is important to note that even though many members of the public and law enforcement believe it is possibly an inappropriate defense strategy in the Zimmerman-Martin Case, the law still stands and is being used as a viable defense in many cases. If you have been accused of aggravated assault, but you believed you were in immediate danger of being killed or severely harmed, there is room for using the Stand Your Ground defense. Because this is becoming a controversial issue due to the media attention in the Martin Case, you are going to need a skilled and experienced criminal defense lawyer to present this particular defense strategy. Contact a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer immediately after your arrest.

Distributed by Viestly

How can I get a Job as a Convicted Felon?

Andrew Stine — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 13:59:52 GMT

Trying to get a job with a felony conviction can be one of the most frustrating processes to go through. You’ve served your time, paid your dues, and you still can’t get a job and get back on track. How much more difficult do things have to be? While it may seem like there’s not much hope for you, there are a few steps you can take to increase your chances of getting a decent job.

Where to look for a job as a convicted felon

You don’t have very high chances of getting a top of the line position, but you can still get a job. Here are a few options for you:

Temporary employment services – a lot of temporary employment agencies have been known to cooperate with convicted felons. If you prove yourself to be a hard worker and committed to turning your life around, you should be able to get a full time position.
Smaller companies – larger companies have a lot more to lose if they hire someone they don’t trust right away. Smaller companies (usually family owned) can be more compassionate and understanding. Leniency is key.
Factories – Factories and unskilled labor jobs are a great option for convicted felons, you always have the option to work your way up the ladder.
Government reentry programs – there are plenty of government programs that can help you reenter society with an easier chance of getting a job. Some may hire only those who were recently incarcerated to teach them useful skills.

Definitely make an effort to better your life before you try to get a job. By being upfront and honest with your potential employers, you show integrity and your willingness to change. A lot of interviewers like to hear that you have done some volunteering or community service after your incarceration. The number one thing you need to think about every day to give yourself a better chance at getting a job is just this: stay out of trouble.

Felony Criminal Defense

If you have ever faced felony charges, you are going to need help right away. Based on all the information above, living with a felony conviction can be one of the most difficult situations you will ever face in life. If you are facing a felony charge right now, call a criminal defense lawyer. An experienced lawyer will at least answer your questions so you have a better shot at a brighter future.