In many cases, an emergency or natural disaster can result in the temporary suspension of important governmental functions. It can destroy buildings and vital equipment. It can also threaten the the safety of governmental personnel.
But, some governmental agencies are undeterred. After the September 11, 2001, al-Qaeda terrorist attack on the World Trade Center and the subsequent anthrax mailings, the United States Postal Service created a "Proud to be an American" style television commercial that featured the following creed:
- "We are mothers and fathers. And sons and daughters. Who every day go about our lives with duty, honor and pride. And neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night, nor the winds of change, nor a nation challenged, will stay us from the swift completion of our appointed rounds. Ever."
Emergencies and disruptions in Pinellas County courts are nothing new. There have been:
- Evacuations for bomb threats,
- The shooting of a bailiff,
- The hit & run of a Bailiff walking into work,
- A criminal defense attorney punched in the head by his client during a court proceeding,
- A criminal defense attorney arrested on forgery charges while appearing in court on behalf of a client,
- The response of fire and rescue personnel,
- suspected anthrax mailed to a criminal court judge,
- The finding of "Legionnaires Disease" bacteria,
- The theft of an expensive watch at the metal detector,
- Scientology litigation,
- The prosecution of the famous "Hiccup Girl" for first degree murder,
- Rock star gawking,
- Controversial "facial recognition" technology used at the court house entrance,
- A "Tea Party" protest, and most recently,
- A media circus associated with the selection of jurors for the Casey Anthony trial.
But, what about catastrophic emergencies that result in the loss of one or more court facilities?
On July 22, 2010, designated "Emergency Response Team Members" assembled behind the Pinellas County Criminal Justice Center to prepare for just such a contingency.
Their formal practice session incorporated the use of a high tech inflatable tent, auxiliary power generator, a computer command center and a trailer of necessary supplies. These efforts, demonstrated that our local court system is just as committed as the United States Post Office when it comes to maintaining essential court operations, in the aftermath of a natural disaster, (hurricane, tornado, fire, etc) or, other emergencies that could arise from a terrorist attack, civil unrest or any hazardous condition.
All of this activity was predicated in compliance with Pinellas County Administrative Order No. 2005-042 PA/PI-CIR. This very detailed court mandate requires that crucial "court operations" continue in the face of any disaster. It also requires the cooperation between personnel from the State Attorney's Office, the Public Defender's Office, Deputy Clerks, bailiffs, a court reporter and the acting Administrative Judge.
Crucial operations include, but are not limited to:
- Defendant's "First Appearance" or "Advisory Hearings" for felony and misdemeanor arrests in compliance with Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.130;
- Pinellas County Juvenile Criminal Detention hearings mandated by Florida Statute Section 985.215;
- Pinellas Injunctions for dating, domestic violence, repeat, or sexual violence in accordance with Florida Statute Section 784.046
- Requests for the issuance of Pinellas warrants or authorization for wiretaps.
We have recently seen natural disasters and resulting civil disorder in Charlotte County, Florida and New Orleans, Louisiana. Pinellas officials are hoping to avoid both.
Have You or a Relative Been Arrested ?
Call a Pinellas County criminal defense team with substantial background & experience. We can discuss possible remedies to get the charge dismissed through diversion programs, or avoiding conviction through a withhold of adjudication.
Free consultation: (727) 578-0303
See our Criminal Defense website at: www.defensehelp.com
See our Pinellas Drunk Driving site at: www.duistpetersburglawyer.com
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