Bill Text: FL H0129 | 2011 | Regular Session | Introduced

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Bill Title: Intimidation of a Judge

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 2-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2011-05-07 - Indefinitely postponed and withdrawn from consideration [H0129 Detail]

Download: Florida-2011-H0129-Introduced.html

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HB 129

1	A bill to be entitled
2	An act relating to intimidation of a judge; subjecting a
3	person who intimidates or threatens a judge or a member of
4	the judge's immediate family to criminal penalties under
5	certain circumstances; defining the terms "intimidation or
6	threats" and "judge"; providing an effective date.
7
8	Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
9
10	Section 1.  Intimidation of a judge.-
11	(1)  A person who has a significant interest in a legal or
12	administrative proceeding and who knowingly attempts to alter or
13	affect a decision or ruling through intimidation or threats
14	commits:
15	(a)  A misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as
16	provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083, Florida Statutes, if:
17	1.  The underlying proceeding is a civil or administrative
18	proceeding or the prosecution of a misdemeanor; or
19	2.  The offender is acting on behalf of another person who
20	is a party to the proceeding.
21	(b)  A felony of the third degree, punishable as provided
22	in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084, Florida Statutes, if
23	the underlying proceeding is the prosecution of a felony.
24	(2)  For purposes of this section:
25	(a)  "Intimidation or threats" include, but are not limited
26	to, actions or words that:
27	1.  Directly or indirectly threaten physical force,
28	economic loss, damage to property, damage to career, or damage
29	to the reputation of a judge or a member of the judge's
30	immediate family;
31	2.  Are intended to create a situation requiring recusal or
32	disqualification of a judge; or
33	3.  Consist of contacts or attempts to contact or that
34	create a pattern of contact with a judge or a member of the
35	judge's immediate family under false pretenses which would
36	reasonably cause a judge or a member of the judge's immediate
37	family to fear for his or her safety.
38	(b)  "Judge" means:
39	1.  A judge or justice authorized by the State
40	Constitution.
41	2.  An administrative hearing officer.
42	3.  An administrative law judge.
43	4.  A magistrate.
44	5.  An officer of the state acting in an adjudicatory
45	capacity.
46	Section 2.  This act shall take effect October 1, 2011.

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.