Attemped Murder Case

July 25, 2002: An appeals court ruled that a judge had the authority to sentence a youth as a youthful offender even if the youth was facing the mandatory sentencing provisions of 10-20-Life. Vincent Beatrice had been one of the first persons charged in Palm Beach County in July 1999, with attempted murder, under the 10-20-Life statute, and faced life. In the end, a jury convicted him of a lesser offense, and he was given a 10 year sentence, and because of his appeal, the court said that judges could even give youthful offender sentences for such cases. (See Palm Beach Post article titled: Ruling Opens Way for Young Convicts to Avoid 10-20-Life, published on July 25, 2002).

Val Rodriguez also argued a case of first impression in the Florida Supreme Court for a father who had been deprived of his parental rights after a he failed to receive competent representation during the parental rights termination trial. He also successfully defended that same father when he was charged with criminal charges in conjunction with alleged neglect of his two sons. (E.T. v. State of Florida, 910 So.2d 901). As a result, the father who faced 10 years imprisonment was acquitted of all charges, and went free. Furthermore, the Florida Supreme Court directed that the State create more comprehensive rules so that parents who have their rights terminated have due process.  All of this hard work led to a state-wide revision of juvenile procedures ensuring due process rights for parents. [Link to Opinion]