Legal Question in Criminal Law in Florida

Back in 1996 a friend of mine and the loose girl of the school(yes he was 16 at the time)got caught in the bathroom stall having sex by the school resource officer....at that point he was send back to class...and the young lady went the office.at which time her parents were contacted.the young lady said it was rape..it absolutely devastated him,it was nothing more then two horny teenagers.as time passed by the young lady stated her mother co-hearse her to state she was raped..i sincerely believe my friend was not adequately represented...ooops.. i should add why i sat that,at sixteen i don't understand how an attorney could allow him to plea guilty..i should also mention he is hearing impaired..


Asked on 6/15/12, 2:20 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Craig Epifanio Craig Epifanio, P.A.

The attorney doesn't (usually) let a person plea guilty if the person doesn't want to. Other times, the person decides that the risks of a trial or not worth whatever "deal" they get. The attorney is there to offer advice. In fact, the defendant, could even refuse to listen to the attorney when it comes time to decide whether or not to go to trial. ONLY the defendant can make that final decision. A lot of times, people regret their decision after a plea. Sometimes, it is within minutes of the plea, or it can be months or years later they regret the decision. Bottom line is they have to live with whatever decision they make even if it means going to trial or taking a deal.

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Answered on 6/15/12, 7:33 pm


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