Capital Soup

Florida News Straight From the Source

You are here: Home / Archives for Marsy’s Law for Florida

Marsy’s Law for Florida

Florida Smart Justice Alliance Endorses Marsy’s Law for Florida

Posted on

The Florida Smart Justice Alliance today endorsed Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) Proposal 96, commonly known as Marsy’s Law, which would establish a Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights in the Florida Constitution.

“Marsy’s Law provides common sense protections for crime victims, ensuring they have the right to be heard, the right to be present, and the right to be informed,” said Barney Bishop, CEO of the Florida Smart Justice Alliance. “Many times, victims fall through the cracks of the criminal justice system and, with Marsy’s Law, we have an easy way to remedy that. All that victims are asking is to be treated with the same dignity and respect afforded to those accused of the crimes that have harmed them. By placing Marsy’s Law on the 2018 ballot, voters will have the opportunity to decide if victims should be granted those rights.”

Six other states have enacted Marsy’s Law, including California, Illinois, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Montana. Polling conducted in October showed there is strong interest among Florida voters to enact Marsy’s Law in the Sunshine State. Eighty-seven percent of likely Florida voters believe victims should have, at the very least, the same protections in the state constitution as those given to those accused of committing crimes. When read specific ballot language and informed of the background behind Marsy’s Law, 85 percent of those surveyed said they would vote for a constitutional amendment that guarantees victims’ rights in the Florida Constitution.

Proposal 96 recently passed the full body of the CRC by a vote of 30-3. Pending one final vote, Marsy’s Law for Florida will be placed on the 2018 General Election ballot as a constitutional amendment. The proposal must be approved by 60 percent of voters to be placed in the Florida Constitution.

About Marsy’s Law
Marsy’s Law is named after Marsalee “Marsy” Nicholas of California who was stalked and killed by her ex-boyfriend in 1983. Only one week after her death, Marsy’s mother and brother, Henry T. Nicholas, walked into a grocery store where they were confronted by the accused murderer. The family, who had just come from a visit to Marsy’s grave, was unaware that the accused had been released on bail. In an effort to honor his sister, Dr. Nicholas, co-founder of Broadcom Corporation, has made it his mission to give victims and their families constitutional protections and equal rights. He formed Marsy’s Law for All in 2009, providing expertise and resources to victims’ rights organizations nationwide.

Florida Sheriffs Endorse Marsy’s Law for Florida During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

Posted on

Sheriffs from 24 counties joined the growing list of law enforcement leaders endorsing Marsy’s Law for Florida/Constitution Revision Commission Proposal 96, which would place equal rights and protections for victims in the state constitution. Endorsing Marsy’s Law for Florida today:

  • Alachua County Sheriff Sadie Darnell
  • Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell
  • Collier County Sheriff Kevin Rambosk
  • DeSoto County Sheriff James Potter
  • Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly
  • Franklin County Sheriff A.J. Smith
  • Hendry County Sheriff Steve Whidden
  • Lafayette County Sheriff Brian Lamb
  • Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil
  • Levy County Sheriff Bobby McCallum
  • Liberty County Sheriff Eddie Joe White
  • Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells
  • Martin County Sheriff William Snyder
  • Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay
  • Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings
  • Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco
  • Santa Rosa County Sheriff Bob Johnson
  • Sarasota County Sheriff Tom Knight
  • Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma
  • St. Lucie County Sheriff Ken Mascara
  • Volusia County Sheriff Michael Chitwood
  • Wakulla County Sheriff Jared Miller
  • Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson, Jr.
  • Washington County Sheriff Kevin Crews

Marsy’s Law for Florida was previously endorsed by the Florida Police Chiefs Association and Florida Sheriffs Association.

In a letter to Marsy’s Law for Florida/Proposal 96 sponsor Constitution Revision Commissioner Tim Cerio, Walton County Sheriff and Florida Sheriffs Association President Mike Adkinson said, “Florida has always been a state with strong safeguards in place for crime victims. Previous state legislatures made certain that crime victims were both protected and properly compensated. Proposal 96 will further strengthen these efforts by guaranteeing crime victims have a meaningful role in the criminal justice system. Victims of crime must be treated with fairness and Proposal 96 respects victims by providing them with access to information on every step of the judicial process.”

The measure has also received the support of Governor Rick Scott, former Governor Jeb Bush, State Attorney Andrew Warren (13th Judicial Circuit, Hillsborough County) State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle (11th Judicial Circuit, Miami-Dade County) State Attorney R.J. Larizza (7th Judicial Circuit, Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns and Volusia Counties), State Attorney Brad King (5th Judicial Circuit, Marion, Lake, Citrus, Sumter, Hernando Counties), State Attorney Dave Aronberg (15th Judicial Circuit, Palm Beach County), former State Attorneys Rod Smith of Gainesville and Willie Meggs of Tallahassee, and State Senator Lauren Book.

The sheriffs’ endorsements come in the midst of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 8 – 14, a time to promote victims’ rights and honor crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf.

The full Constitution Revision Commission has already voted favorably on Marsy’s Law for Florida and will vote again one final time to determine if the measure should be placed on the November ballot as a proposed constitutional amendment. To be placed in the Florida Constitution, the amendment must pass with at least 60 percent of the vote.

About Marsy’s Law
Marsy’s Law is named after Marsalee “Marsy” Nicholas of California who was stalked and killed by her ex-boyfriend in 1983. Only one week after her death, Marsy’s mother and brother, Henry T. Nicholas, walked into a grocery store where they were confronted by the accused murderer. The family, who had just come from a visit to Marsy’s grave, was unaware that the accused had been released on bail.  In an effort to honor his sister, Dr. Nicholas, co-founder of Broadcom Corporation, has made it his mission to give victims and their families constitutional protections and equal rights. He formed Marsy’s Law for All in 2009, providing expertise and resources to victims’ rights organizations nationwide.

Marsy’s Law for Florida Joins Justice Coalition in Honoring Crime Victims at Jacksonville Event

Posted on

MEDIA ADVISORY

WHAT: Serving as a kick-off to the National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, Marsy’s Law for Florida will honor victims who have lost their lives to violent crime by joining the Justice Coalition at the annual “Tossing of the Roses” event, where surviving families and friends will toss yellow roses into the St. Johns River in memory of their loved ones.

WHO: Members of the Justice Coalition, a nonprofit organization serving crime victims on Florida’s First Coast; Marsy’s Law for Florida advocates; families of violent crime victims and other supporters.

WHEN: Monday, April 9
6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Jacksonville Landing
2 Independent Drive
Jacksonville, Fla. 32202

Lake Eola Goes Purple to Honor Crime Victims

Posted on

MEDIA ADVISORY

WHAT: In commemoration of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW), Lake Eola will honor Florida crime victims and the Marsy’s Law for Florida effort by lighting the park’s signature fountains in purple for one night on Monday, April 9, at 5:59 p.m. The color represents Floridians who have been victimized by violent crime, recognizing their bravery and reminding them they are not alone. Championed by victims, families, advocates and elected officials, Marsy’s Law for Florida is a proposed constitutional amendment (CRC Proposal 96) to provide crime victims and their families with clear, enforceable rights in our state constitution.

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week raises awareness of victims’ rights for one week during April. This year, NCVRW’s theme is “Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims” – emphasizing the importance of ensuring all crime victims, regardless of age, race, gender or sexual orientation, have access to services and support. By celebrating NCVRW, Marsy’s Law for Florida hopes to educate Floridians about the gap that currently exists in our justice system, which ultimately leaves crime victims feeling voiceless and alone.

WHEN: Monday, April 9
5:59 p.m. through 11:59 p.m.

WHERE: Lake Eola
512 East Washington Street
Orlando, Florida 32801

Marsy’s Law for Florida Lights the Florida Old Capitol Purple in Recognition of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

Posted on

Florida’s iconic old capitol building will be set aglow in purple lighting every night this week by Marsy’s Law for Florida in recognition of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW), April 8 through 14. The purple lights are a reminder that victims should be entitled to equal rights and protections under the law.

Floridians who have been victimized by a crime do not have rights that are equal to those already afforded the accused and convicted. Marsy’s Law for Florida has been advocating for change by placing a Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights in the Florida Constitution through a proposed constitutional amendment. Proposal 96, currently under consideration by the Florida Constitution Revision Commission (CRC), would enumerate clear, enforceable rights and protections for victims in our state’s most powerful legal document.

“We’re shining a bright light on this issue because far too often victims are forgotten. Through no fault of their own, victims and their families are thrust into the criminal justice system. Once there, victims are often left without a voice, made to feel invisible, or worse, retraumatized by the process itself,” said Commissioner Tim Cerio, CRC member and sponsor of Proposal 96. “We’re lighting the old capitol purple this week to send a message: Florida victims should be treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.”

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week raises awareness of victims’ rights for one week during April. This year, NCVRW’s theme is “Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims” – emphasizing the importance of ensuring all crime victims, regardless of age, race, gender or sexual orientation, have access to services and support. By celebrating NCVRW, Marsy’s Law for Florida hopes to educate Floridians about the gap that currently exists in our justice system, which ultimately leaves crime victims feeling voiceless and alone.

If passed by the CRC, and ultimately voters, Marsy’s Law for Florida would provide victims with basic, commonsense rights and protections, such as:

  • The right to be present at any court proceedings related to their case.
  • The right to speak at their perpetrator’s plea hearing or sentencing, especially if the outcome may result in the offender’s release.
  • The right to know if the person who victimized them is about to being released from prison.

Marsy’s Law for Florida has garnered broad, bipartisan support from leaders across the state, including Governor Rick Scott, former Governor Jeb Bush, State Attorney Andrew Warren (13th Judicial Circuit, Hillsborough County) State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle (11th Judicial Circuit, Miami-Dade County) State Attorney R.J. Larizza (7th Judicial Circuit, Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns and Volusia Counties) State Attorney Dave Aronberg (15th Judicial Circuit, Palm Beach County), State Senator Lauren Book, Florida Police Chiefs Association and Florida Sheriffs Association.

The measure is co-sponsored by CRC members: Patricia Levesque, Darlene Jordan, Fred Karlinsky, State Representative Jeanette Nuñez, Brecht Heuchan, Belinda Keiser, Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch and State Senator Darryl Rouson.

Last month, the full CRC voted in favor of Marsy’s Law for Florida. The measure will go before the full CRC again for a second vote and must receive a minimum of 22 votes in order to be placed on the 2018 General Election ballot. The proposal must be approved by 60 percent of voters to be placed in the Florida Constitution.

About Marsy’s Law
Marsy’s Law is named after Marsalee “Marsy” Nicholas of California who was stalked and killed by her ex-boyfriend in 1983. Only one week after her death, Marsy’s mother and brother, Henry T. Nicholas, walked into a grocery store where they were confronted by the accused murderer. The family, who had just come from a visit to Marsy’s grave, was unaware that the accused had been released on bail. In an effort to honor his sister, Dr. Nicholas, co-founder of Broadcom Corporation, has made it his mission to give victims and their families constitutional protections and equal rights. He formed Marsy’s Law for All in 2009, providing expertise and resources to victims’ rights organizations nationwide.

The Old Capitol Goes Purple in Recognition of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

Posted on

MEDIA ADVISORY

WHO: Marsy’s Law for Florida, an effort to place clear, enforceable rights and protections for victims in Florida’s constitution

WHAT: In recognition of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 8 through 14, Marsy’s Law for Florida will light Florida’s old capitol in purple lights all week as a reminder that victims should be entitled to equal rights and protections under the law.

WHEN: Sunday, April 8 through Saturday, April 14
sunset to sunrise each evening

WHERE: Florida Old Capitol
400 S Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399

Florida Speaker of the House Richard Corcoran Endorses Marsy’s Law

Posted on

Florida Speaker of the House Richard Corcoran announced his support for Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) Proposal 96 (also known as Marsy’s Law for Florida) in a letter to commissioners, calling on his appointees to support the proposal, which would provide crime victims and their families with clear, enforceable protections in the Florida Constitution.

“Florida should join the growing list of states that have enshrined these important protections in their state constitutions,” Speaker Richard Corcoran wrote in his letter. “As a member of the Commission, you have the tremendous opportunity to ensure that crime victims’ rights and interests are protected by law … This provision puts the constitutional rights of a crime victim on equal footing with the rights of the accused. Victims of crime deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.”

Last month, the full CRC voted in favor of Marsy’s Law for Florida. The measure will go before the full CRC again for a second vote and must receive a minimum of 22 votes in order to be placed on the 2018 General Election ballot. The proposal must be approved by 60 percent of voters to be placed in the Florida Constitution.

Speaker Corcoran’s endorsement comes just before National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 8-14, where communities across the country will come together to raise awareness for victims’ rights and encourage access to important protections for all crime victims.

About Marsy’s Law
Marsy’s Law is named after Marsalee “Marsy” Nicholas of California who was stalked and killed by her ex-boyfriend in 1983. Only one week after her death, Marsy’s mother and brother, Henry T. Nicholas, walked into a grocery store where they were confronted by the accused murderer. The family, who had just come from a visit to Marsy’s grave, was unaware that the accused had been released on bail.  In an effort to honor his sister, Dr. Nicholas, co-founder of Broadcom Corporation, has made it his mission to give victims and their families constitutional protections and equal rights. He formed Marsy’s Law for All in 2009, providing expertise and resources to victims’ rights organizations nationwide.

Statement by CRC Commissioner Tim Cerio regarding passage of Proposal 96 on the floor

Posted on

Following the passage of Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) Proposal 96 on the floor, Commissioner Tim Cerio, Proposal 96 sponsor, issued the following statement:

“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to my fellow Constitution Revision Commissioners for their support of Proposal 96, Marsy’s Law for Florida, during today’s floor vote. After spending the past two months traveling the state of Florida for the CRC’s public hearings, we heard somber stories from countless crime victims and victims’ advocates about the pain victims and their families endure in the criminal justice system. Florida voters have made it overwhelmingly clear they want the chance to vote for victims’ rights laws on the 2018 ballot, and now we are one step closer to giving Floridians a voice on this important policy decision.

I am especially grateful for our Proposal 96 co-sponsors, Commissioners Patricia Levesque, Darlene Jordan, Fred Karlinsky, Rep. Jeanette Nuñez, Brecht Heuchan, Belinda Keiser, Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch and Sen. Darryl Rouson, for their unwavering dedication to bringing balance to Florida’s criminal justice system through Marsy’s Law for Florida.”

About Marsy’s Law
Marsy’s Law is named after Marsalee “Marsy” Nicholas of California who was stalked and killed by her ex-boyfriend in 1983. Only one week after her death, Marsy’s mother and brother, Henry T. Nicholas, walked into a grocery store where they were confronted by the accused murderer. The family, who had just come from a visit to Marsy’s grave, was unaware that the accused had been released on bail.  In an effort to honor his sister, Dr. Nicholas, co-founder of Broadcom Corporation, has made it his mission to give victims and their families constitutional protections and equal rights. He formed Marsy’s Law for All in 2009, providing expertise and resources to victims’ rights organizations nationwide.

Volusia County State Attorney R.J. Larizza Endorses Marsy’s Law

Posted on

Calls on Florida Constitutional Revision Commission to send Proposal 96 to the
voters, to place enforceable rights for crime victims in the Florida Constitution

The Marsy’s Law for Florida effort today announced the endorsement and support of R.J. Larizza, the elected State Attorney for the 7th Judicial District, which includes Daytona Beach, and between its four counties has nearly a million residents.

“As a prosecutor, I have devoted my professional career, and my time in public office, to ensuring that victims of crime are treated with dignity and respect.  On a weekly basis I meet with Victims and their families to discuss and prepare them for the grueling process they are about to experience. Because supporting victim’s rights is the right thing to do, I endorse Marsy’s Law and urge CRC members to advance it to voters,” said State Attorney Larizza, in supporting the measure.  “I have reviewed the language in Proposal 96, Marsy’s Law, as it heads to the full Constitutional Review Commission (CRC), and I am confident that these enumerated rights will guarantee that victims of crime have meaningful and enforceable rights.”

Proposal 96, known as Marsy’s Law, proposes to enshrine key rights for victims of crime into the Florida constitution. Highlights from the proposal include:

  • The right to be treated with dignity and respect.
  • The right to be notified of proceedings in their cases.
  • The right to be present at proceedings, including the trial.
  • The right to be heard at key moments such as at sentencing or a release hearing.
  • The right to confer with the prosecuting attorney about the case.
  • The right to decline a request from the defense for pre-trial interview or discovery.
  • The right to be notified when the accused is to be released or if there is an escape.
  • The right to full and timely restitution.
  • The right to go to a judge to assert their rights if they feel they are being violated.
  • The right to be notified of their rights.

“The constitution of a state is where we place those things we value as a society – and as a values proposition Marsy’s Law is a tremendous idea.” said Larizza.

Larizza joins a growing list of State Attorneys who have endorsed Marsy’s Law, including Miami-Dade County prosecutor Katherine Fernandez Rundle, Tampa prosecutor Andrew Warren, Ocala prosecutor Brad King, as well as former State Attorneys Rod Smith of Gainesville and Willie Meggs of Tallahassee.

If passed by the CRC, Marsy’s Law for Florida would be placed on the 2018 General Election ballot as a constitutional amendment. The proposal must receive 60 percent of the vote to be placed in the Florida Constitution.

About Marsy’s Law
Marsy’s Law is named after Marsalee “Marsy” Nicholas of California who was stalked and killed by her ex-boyfriend in 1983. Only one week after her death, Marsy’s mother and brother, Henry T. Nicholas, walked into a grocery store where they were confronted by the accused murderer. The family, who had just come from a visit to Marsy’s grave, was unaware that the accused had been released on bail.  In an effort to honor his sister, Dr. Nicholas, co-founder of Broadcom Corporation, has made it his mission to give victims and their families constitutional protections and equal rights. He formed Marsy’s Law for All in 2009, providing expertise and resources to victims’ rights organizations nationwide.

Governor Rick Scott Joins State Leaders and Victims’ Rights Advocates in Support of Marsy’s Law for Florida

Posted on

Governor Rick Scott today announced his support of Marsy’s Law for Florida – a measure which would provide crime victims and their families with rights and protections equal to those already afforded the accused and convicted. Currently under consideration by the Florida Constitution Revision Commission as Proposal 96, Marsy’s Law for Florida would embed a Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights into the Florida Constitution.

Governor Rick Scott said, “Today, I am proud to announce my support of Marsy’s Law, which will amend the state constitution to ensure crime victims and their families are treated fairly in Florida. Florida stands with victims – we have taken important steps in our state to protect those who need it most, and we must continue to do that in the future.”

Criminals and those accused of crimes have 20 distinct rights outlined in the U.S. Constitution. Victims and their families are provided no rights under the U.S. Constitution. Most states have addressed this disparity by adding victims’ rights and protections into their state constitutions. Florida is one of only 15 states that does not provide clear, enforceable rights for victims of crimes in its constitution.

“As a husband still grieving the tragic murder of my wife, I commend Governor Rick Scott’s support of constitutional protections for crime victims and their families through Constitution Revision Commission Proposal 96, Marsy’s Law,” said Michael Liles, executive director of the Justice Coalition. “My wife’s murderer has more rights in the criminal justice process than myself or my children. As we fight for basic privileges such as the right to be notified of court hearings and the right to provide a victim impact statement without Judicial editing or review, I am thankful our state leaders are fighting with us to ensure the scales of justice are equal for both the victim and the accused. It is important to note that we are seeking equal rights not superior ones. As victims, we have paid the dearest price for the impact of crime. It is only fair and reasonable that we receive equal consideration.”

Marsy’s Law for Florida would provide victims: the right to receive notification of proceedings and major developments in the criminal case; the right to receive timely notification if the offender is being released from custody; the right to be present at court proceedings and provide input to the prosecutor before a plea agreement is finalized; the right to be heard at plea or sentencing proceedings or any processes that might result in the offender’s release; and the right to restitution.

One of the most important rights Marsy’s Law for Florida would provide to victims is the right to choose whether or not to participate in a deposition by the defense. The federal government and 45 other states do not allow victim depositions. Only in Florida, New Hampshire, North Dakota and Vermont are victims required to let the defense depose them. In Texas, the defense can take a victim deposition, but only if they get court approval first.

“At age 11, I clearly never asked to be a victim of sexual abuse – but during my deposition, the defense repeatedly asked me if I wanted it, and insinuated that I, a child, had been complicit in the six years of abuse I ultimately endured. Vulnerable crime victims should never be treated with such blatant disrespect as they bravely pursue justice, yet this happens almost daily in Florida,” said Senator Lauren Book. “Crime victims deserve to be treated with dignity and compassion. I applaud Governor Rick Scott’s commitment to Florida crime victims through his support of Marsy’s Law for Florida, which would bring fairness and humanity to the criminal justice system. This is the right step for Florida.”

Six other states have enacted Marsy’s Law, including California, Illinois, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Montana. Polling conducted in October showed there is strong interest among Florida voters to enact Marsy’s Law in the Sunshine State. Eighty-seven percent of likely Florida voters believe victims should have, at the very least, the same protections in the state constitution as those given to those accused of committing crimes. When read specific ballot language and informed of the background behind Marsy’s Law, 85 percent of those surveyed said they would vote for a constitutional amendment that guarantees victims’ rights in the Florida Constitution.

“As a survivor of incest and sex trafficking, I know what it is like to feel invisible, to have nobody to go to. I know what it is like to have my voice stripped from me. It is a very powerful thing when you find your voice and I’m proud to work with other victims of sex trafficking to help them find their voices. We need a system that supports victims, encourages them to use their voices and to tell their stories in a safe zone,” said Connie Rose. “My deepest gratitude to Governor Scott and all the other state leaders who have stepped forward and called for real rights and protections for victims.”

If passed by the CRC, Marsy’s Law for Florida would be placed on the 2018 General Election ballot as a constitutional amendment. The proposal must be approved by 60 percent of voters to be placed in the Florida Constitution.

“I am honored to sponsor Marsy’s Law and I want to thank Governor Scott for his support today,” said Tim Cerio, CRC member and sponsor of Proposal 96/Marsy’s Law for Florida. “With Governor Scott’s support, and the support of the public in November, we will give crime victims the same constitutional standing as those accused and convicted of crimes. Victims’ voices will no longer be ignored.”

About Marsy’s Law
Marsy’s Law is named after Marsalee “Marsy” Nicholas of California who was stalked and killed by her ex-boyfriend in 1983. Only one week after her death, Marsy’s mother and brother, Henry T. Nicholas, walked into a grocery store where they were confronted by the accused murderer. The family, who had just come from a visit to Marsy’s grave, was unaware that the accused had been released on bail. In an effort to honor his sister, Dr. Nicholas, co-founder of Broadcom Corporation, has made it his mission to give victims and their families constitutional protections and equal rights. He formed Marsy’s Law for All in 2009, providing expertise and resources to victims’ rights organizations nationwide.