Tampa Bay Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog
From the BayNews9 website, a local Saint Petersburg man finds himself in hot water after posting a threat to local police online…
Here is how not to do it: 35-year-old Bruce Santee of Saint Petersburg was arrested and charged with a felony after offering $100 to anyone who killed the police officer who pulled his ride over on a traffic stop. Local police were not amused…
It started over a simple traffic ticket. Santee was a passenger in a car that was pulled over by a Pinellas Park police officer when the driver failed to yield. Instead of just watching the driver pay the ticket or hiring an attorney to fight it, the defendant had other plans.
Arriving home late Monday night, Santee instead sounded off on Facebook. In the late night post Santee proceeded to name the officer by name, threatening him and offering $100 to anyone who would kill him.
Police responded with a late night arrest, charging him with a violation of 836.10– written threat to kill/do bodily harm. While at first glance the allegations seemed laughable, the charge is nothing if not serious. The crime, a second-degree felony, is punishable by up to 15 years in prison and an automatic conviction. At least in Pinellas county, Santee appears to have no prior criminal record. To potentially be a convicted felon after what at first glance appears to be blowing off steam (in a perhaps foolish manner) would be a tough pill for him to swallow.
LEGAL OPTIONS
Are there potential options for first time offenders? Is it possible to avoid a conviction and perhaps get the case dismissed? With early intervention and the help of a criminal defense lawyer, there may be several option to help first time offenders! Options may include, but are not limited to: pre-trial intervention (PTI), a negotiated plea with the state,and a departure hearing (if otherwise qualified) among others.
Have you or a loved one been arrested for a criminal charge or issued a traffic ticket? Then call the Saint Petersburg criminal defense lawyers of Blake & Dorsten, P.A. today! These former prosecutors are experienced trial attorneys.
The lawyers of Blake & Dorsten, P.A. handle all criminal and car accident cases throughout the Gulf Coast of Florida including Saint Petersburg, St. Pete Beach, Clearwater, Tampa Bay, Indian Shores, Pinellas Park, Largo, Seminole, Madeira, Reddington, Treasure Island, Gulfport and Tarpon Springs.
To speak directly with your St. Pete criminal defense attorney click on the contact button above or call 727.286.6141. Blake & Dorsten, P.A…when your case matters!