11-25-2014, 11:13 AM
Marissa Alexander Case Resolved
Finally some rationality and reasonable compromise in this case.
![[Image: ma.jpg]](http://d1o2xrel38nv1n.cloudfront.net/files/2013/07/ma.jpg)
Marissa Alexander was charged with three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon for a 2010 shooting. She originally received a mandatory 20-year-sentence for a crime involving a firearm, despite no one having been injured and her claim that it was a warning shot to deter her abusive ex-husband (his son backed her story). Her conviction was tossed because of improper verdict instructions given to the jury and she was facing up to 60 years if convicted at retrial.
Under the deal just announced, Alexander pleaded guilty in exchange for a 3 year sentence, receiving credit for the 1,030 days she has already served. Alexander's chief attorney, Bruce Zimet, said his client agreed to the deal after it was offered.
Alexander was willing to accept 65 more days in jail as part of the plea deal. Alexander will be released Jan. 27. The state waived the minimum mandatory 20-year prison sentence under the deal. Alexander also will have to wear an electronic device to track her movements for two years, though she will be able to lead a fairly normal life, including taking her kids to school and shopping.
The plea deal came soon after the judge in the case decided to allow evidence that Alexander's ex-husband had abused women in the past. That was a major advantage for the defense and would have been a big obstacle for the prosecution in the retrial, IMO.
Jackie Barnard, the spokeswoman for State Attorney Angela Corey, said no one ruling prompted a decision in this case. "This case was handled like any other case in this office," said Barnard. (HOTD: Sure, okay.)
Ref: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/florida-warn...plea-deal/
Finally some rationality and reasonable compromise in this case.
Marissa Alexander was charged with three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon for a 2010 shooting. She originally received a mandatory 20-year-sentence for a crime involving a firearm, despite no one having been injured and her claim that it was a warning shot to deter her abusive ex-husband (his son backed her story). Her conviction was tossed because of improper verdict instructions given to the jury and she was facing up to 60 years if convicted at retrial.
Under the deal just announced, Alexander pleaded guilty in exchange for a 3 year sentence, receiving credit for the 1,030 days she has already served. Alexander's chief attorney, Bruce Zimet, said his client agreed to the deal after it was offered.
Alexander was willing to accept 65 more days in jail as part of the plea deal. Alexander will be released Jan. 27. The state waived the minimum mandatory 20-year prison sentence under the deal. Alexander also will have to wear an electronic device to track her movements for two years, though she will be able to lead a fairly normal life, including taking her kids to school and shopping.
The plea deal came soon after the judge in the case decided to allow evidence that Alexander's ex-husband had abused women in the past. That was a major advantage for the defense and would have been a big obstacle for the prosecution in the retrial, IMO.
Jackie Barnard, the spokeswoman for State Attorney Angela Corey, said no one ruling prompted a decision in this case. "This case was handled like any other case in this office," said Barnard. (HOTD: Sure, okay.)
Ref: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/florida-warn...plea-deal/