This is not about racing but since many racers and fans are families, this does pertain to you.
Here in Florida we have State Attorneys. All charges filed with the Sheriff's Office goes thru channels to them and it is their final word whether the charges are enough to go to trial or not. Almost two years ago, my daughter filed charges against her step-dad for voyeurism, in other words being a peeping tom and invading her privacy. The state picked up these charges and for almost two years, we have gone thru hell with them.
The first time we went to trial, the charges were wrong and had to be dropped and refiled. The second time, the Judge knew the detective involved in the case and he removed himself from judgement. The third, that is why this is being written.
The third time, there was a motion for dismissal which we knew nothing about. Being that we are the victims, you would think that we should but we did not. We were not there, we were not called, we had no voice and due to a statement from the detective written in anger against the defendent, the case was dismissed due to a 90 day time clock for misdemeanors.
I understand that the Judge felt he was upholding the law but in any case, that Judge also should have asked and known that the victims in the case were not present. This was a young girl in the beginning, and no case, none, should ever be decided after such a long time period without that girl.
We have been told that charges can never be refiled and that eight years of her life are just not important. But we can make sure that all victims, in all states, are never informed like we were about such a decision. To call in for a hearing date and be told that the charges were dismissed two weeks prior, IS NOT RIGHT.
If you have children, please take the time to write one of the following officials and let them know that this will never happen again. Victims are sent letters stating that they have rights but as of yet, I have not seen them upheld. I have seen the defendent's well taken care of to the point that he was allowed to live right around the corner from us for almost three months. Can you imagine having the man who invaded your privacy for 8 years and bragging about it, living right around the corner.
Voice your opinions to: Governor Jeb Busch State of Florida Executive Office of the Governor The Capital Tallahassee, Fla. 32399-0001
Norman Wolfinger State Attorney 2725 Judge Fran Jamison Way Viera, Fla. 32940
Judge A. B. Majeed 2825 Judge Fran Jamison Way Viera, Fla. 32940
Case: 05-1999-MM-045478
Thanks and for once, let's make a difference and make things better for our children.
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