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CS/SB 384 — Violent Offenses Committed Against Criminal Defense Attorneys
by Criminal Justice Committee and Senators Bradley and Martin
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Criminal Justice Committee (CJ)
The bill amends s. 775.0823, F.S., to provide for enhanced punishment for certain violent offenses committed against a public defender or a regional counsel acting in his or her capacity as defense counsel or against a court-appointed counsel or a defense attorney in a criminal proceeding acting in his or her capacity as defense counsel.
These professionals are added to a list of criminal justice professionals in s. 775.0823, F.S. The following sentence point multiplier in s. 921.0024(1)(b), F.S., of the Criminal Punishment Code must be applied when the violent offense is committed against a listed criminal justice professional when such offense arises out of or in the scope of the professional’s official duties:
- Multiplier of 2.5 for:
- Attempted first degree murder;
- Attempted felony murder; and
- Second degree murder.
- Multiplier of 2.0 for:
- Attempted second degree murder;
- Third degree murder;
- Attempted third degree murder;
- Manslaughter committed during the commission of a crime; and
- Kidnapping under s. 787.01, F.S.
- Multiplier of 1.5 for:
- Aggravated battery under s. 784.045, F.S.; and
- Aggravated assault under s. 784.021, F.S.
If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor’s signature, these provisions take effect July 1, 2023.
Vote: Senate 40-0; House 109-0