Kicked Out In Florida

Angela Corey, the notorious state attorney from Jacksonville — the very same appointed special prosecutor we faced in the Zimmerman case — was thoroughly trounced in Florida’s August 30th election.  Known for overzealously pursuing the death penalty, for prosecuting children as adults and for grossly overcharging defendants, Corey has been roundly criticized for the widespread abuse of her prosecutorial powers.  In the wake of her defeat, The Florida Times Union published a list of comments from notable legal minds applauding her ouster.

http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2016-08-30/story/john-legend-yes-one-happy-state-attorney-angela-corey-lost-tuesday-night

Being voted out of office is about the only realistic consequence an elected prosecutor can face for abusing her power.  During the Zimmerman case, we complained of multiple ethical violations from Corey’s office, but we never got anywhere with the judge and there was no other recourse while Ms. Corey was in office.    When a state attorney abuses her prosecutorial discretion but does not actually violate the law,  it usually  takes the voters to deliver the message.  And the voters delivered it in a big way.

But that’s small consolation for all the unfortunate ones  who have been victims of her overzealous prosecution since the last election in 2012.

There is an important lesson here for the concealed carrier.  Many who carry a firearm do so with some confidence that should they ever use their weapon justifiably in self-defense, they won’t face criminal prosecution.  In theory, this is true — but in practice, prosecutors like Angela Corey can use their discretion to file charges despite the evidence and no one can stop them.  In the Zimmerman case, it was Angela Corey who chose not to take the case to a grand jury and filed second degree murder charges on her own.

I mention this because CCW Safe doesn’t impose a limit on the coverage we provide to our members who find themselves facing charges in a self-defense case.  Our competitors say that we’re being unrealistic or even foolish.  I say we’re being honest.  I’ve defended enough self-defense cases to know what it takes to fund the effort, and most of the time the costs fall within a predictable range.  But I’ve also defended cases against overzealous prosecutors  and know what it takes to mount an effective defense when all hell breaks loose.

What’s the value of a  plan  that only covers you for an “average” defense in an “average” case?  (I guarantee you that you won’t think your case is “average” if you get prosecuted, nor will you want to hear your lawyer say,  “We could prove your innocence if we had some expert witnesses or more investigation, but your plan doesn’t cover that. Sorry.”

What’s the value of a plan that doesn’t take into account overzealous prosecutors like Angela Corey and sticks you with the rest of the cost when you use up your coverage before the case is over?  Obviously, very little.

That’s why I’m proud to be associated with CCW Safe.  Not only does CCW Safe  help people defend themselves in court after they’ve been forced to defend themselves in life, but CCW Safe is ready and prepared to devote the time and the money it takes to stand up to ruthless prosecutors like Angela Corey.