A 37-year-old man was sentenced to 121 years in federal prison for a series of three carjackings, two attempts at carjackings and five weapons offenses he committed in Broward County in December of 2014. Now he faces the death penalty in a state court prosecution on a charge of first-degree murder. He faces yet another prison term on attempted murder charges from when he shot his former girlfriend five times at close range and killed her new boyfriend. The man died shortly after being shot.
Federal prosecutors characterized the testimony that the former girlfriend gave about the defendant as being compelling. When given an opportunity to say something in mitigation, the convicted carjacker had nothing to say. Just days before the series of carjackings and the murder, the defendant had been jailed for a short time after police found him asleep in the female victim’s bed with a gun in his hands. He had broken into her apartment. Regardless of his lengthy criminal history, he was able to post a bail bond without being required to appear before a judge.
The former girlfriend told the sentencing judge that the defendant began offending as a juvenile, and he had never been out of prison for more than three years. Although the convicted carjacker intends to appeal his sentence, it’s likely that he will be spending the rest of his life in prison unless a death sentence is given in the state’s case against him. A trial date in that case has yet to be set.
Kenneth Hassett is a Fort Lauderdale federal criminal attorney. He also maintains offices in Davie and Miami. He represents clients charged with a broad spectrum of serious crimes. When Kenneth Hassett is your criminal defense attorney, he’ll put his vast knowledge of Florida’s state and federal criminal justice systems to work for you.
If you’ve been arrested, don’t put your freedom and job at any further risk. You’ll need a respected criminal defense attorney with a history of success. Remember that you’re presumed innocent unless you’re proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Contact Hassett & Associates, P.A. right away after any arrest at 954-791-3939. Kenneth Hassett is an experienced Florida criminal law attorney who recognizes your rights and protects them. You deserve quality and effective representation. Don’t hesitate to contact Hassett & Associates, P.A. for a free consultation after any arrest.
