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Voting rights depend on truly completed sentences, law protects crime victims

Friday, November 27, 2020

Marsy’s Law meant for victims

Recently, the Daytona Beach News-Journal wrote about crime victims’ rights, known as Marsy’s Law for Florida, and law enforcement’s use of the law. As a crime victim, I wanted to share my experience with Marsy’s Law so your readers can also understand the good it has brought for crime victims.

Shortly before Marsy’s Law for Florida become effective, I obtained a domestic violence injunction against my former boyfriend who had a history of domestic violence in another state. After violating the injunction, he was charged criminally.

I filed a notice that I wanted to be present at hearings. Everything went fine up to the time it was set for trial. Before trial was to proceed, the defendant entered a plea without my input or notification. The plea did not take my concerns into consideration, including concerns that his prior record of abuse of other women and children had not been considered.

At the time of my case, Marsy’s Law for Florida was only weeks old. The trial judge and prosecuting attorney were both new to their posts. I immediately informed the state and the court, resulting in corrective action and a modified sentence taking into account all factors; a result that was just to everyone.

Marsy’s Law is the only reason the sentence was made right. My former boyfriend was adjudicated guilty, his prior record was made known and he was required to attend the appropriate batterers class and supervision.

Marsy’s Law gave me legal recourse and a voice in the process.

Misty Hicks, Lakeland

Read in the Daytona Beach News Journal: https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/opinion/letters/2020/11/27/voting-rights-depend-completed-sentences-law-protects-crime-victims/6421546002/ 

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