Armed wrote:
I noticed he waived his right to jury trial. I would think that was a bad move.
Depends... In the particular County in FL that I live, I have witnessed plenty of circumstances where the defendant has no choice. sure, the technicality of law exists that says you have a right to a trial, etc... but
One Judge in particular around here, is quite bold in stating that if you choose to go to trial, then
his mind is already made up that you are guilty and if you waive your right, at least you'll see the light of day again someday. This man also
forbids any public viewing, monitoring, or recording of any of his proceedings (no public trials) not even other defendants ('the guilty' as he calls them) are allowed in the room. His SOP is that if you have been charged with a misdemeanor,
you'll get the maximum allowable for it if you waive your right. But if you choose to fight the charge,
he'll find any way possible to make the most serious felony of it that he can imagine, and you are guilty no matter what evidence (or lack of it) is presented in your defense.
This man has NEVER, not even once, determined that a defendant was 'not guilty.' Most of his 'trials' have no minutes available to review.
Been this way for almost 15 years.