Taylor with a Twist??

[GTripp0012]

Originally Posted by 12thMan

I'm sure many of you have already read the article on Sean Taylor's case being reviewed by the State. I really see this in Taylor's favor.

The article doesn't give any details about what exactly they are reviewing, but I was wondering where you guys potentially see this leading?

It's probably a great thing, because the state realizes that if they go after him with felony assault charges, they will never get him. Maybe they are looking to change it to misdemeanor stuff, so they can win the case, but he will serve a much much lighter sentence. And that's assuming they convict him, which still probably won't happen.

[amorentz]

Originally Posted by GTripp0012

It's probably a great thing, because the state realizes that if they go after him with felony assault charges, they will never get him. Maybe they are looking to change it to misdemeanor stuff, so they can win the case, but he will serve a much much lighter sentence. And that's assuming they convict him, which still probably won't happen.

I was curious about what this all meant, so I emailed by Criminal Law professor (who spent a lot of time as a public defender). Here said that this state review is pretty common and doesnt really mean much of anything. Id definitely say its probably nothing to get excited about...below is the email exchange:

ME:

I have sort of an odd question, for which I thought I may draw on your
expertise as a defender.

I am not sure how big of a football fan you are, but Sean Taylor of the
Redskins is currently facing some gun charges in Florida that carry mandatory minimum sentences. The trial is scheduled to start on April 10, and today the state announced that it would be reviewing the charges
and possibly making changes.

Is this unusual? Does this usually bode well or poorly for the trial? (i.e.are charges more likely to be increased, lessened or perhaps dropped?)

I know this is sort of a strange request, but it would really calm all the questions knocking around this football-obsessed fan's skull!

Thanks so much, and see you in class tonight!

RESPONSE:

This is common; sometimes the changes get made the day before trial.
The defense can get a continuance sometimes if the changes require additional time to investigate, but typically that is the only remedy. The judge does have the power to deny the govt's attempt to change the charges, but that is rarely exercised.