Legal Question in Criminal Law in Florida

Victims have the right to provide input so the prosecutor will usually run it by the victim, however, the prosecutor gets the final decision. While victims have the right to give input, they do not have the right to dictate the decisions of the prosecutor. Prosecutors represent the State of Florida, not individuals.

I agree with attorney Trabin. As a former prosecutor I have experience dealing with victims. We would seek their input keep them informed on the case and explain the strengths and weaknesses of the case etc. However, it is the prosecutor's job to charge consistent with the evidence and to resolve the case. The prosecutor is in a better more trained position to determine what is an appropriate punishment.