It appears that the legal troubles of one Florida man have finally been resolved. After being acquitted for rape, the 20-year old man was then charged with felony vandalism. This individual was accused of breaking a jail cell window while awaiting trial for the rape charges. Sheriff's deputies allege that he used a bolt removed from a shelf to break the window.
While such vandalism charges would normally have been tried as a misdemeanor, the young man was charged with a felony because the window in question was on government property. However, as part of a plea deal the vandalism charges were reduced to a misdemeanor.
There is a possibility that he could still serve as much as six months time in jail. This appears to be up to the discretion of the judge. The Florida man is currently free on a personal recognizance bond.
This individual had previously been accused of raping two teenage girls. The rape trial was tried by a judge instead of a jury and the three-day trial ended with his acquittal on Nov. 20.
We don't know all of the circumstances that led up to the charges concerning either the vandalism or the rape charges. That the individual charged would opt for a possible six month sentence rather than go to trial on the vandalism charges would seem to indicate that he could have been facing a lengthier sentence.
Anytime an individual is facing a violent criminal offense he would be highly advised to speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney. The attorney can explain all of the person's legal options. Conviction of violent crimes can result in long terms in prison and therefore it is important to be represented by an attorney who is experienced in criminal law. The Florida Bar certifies lawyers as specialists in criminal trial law. You should inquire of any attorney if he or she has the bar certification.
Source: The Medina-Gazette, "Felony vandalism charges reduced with plea deal," Nick Glunt, Feb. 7, 2014
