Pompano Beach Lawyers Discuss Florida Road Rage Case

Earlier this month, a stand-off between two angry motorists left a 33-year-old man dead. The Broward Sheriff’s Office says the case is closed and the shooter will not be charged because investigators determined that he acted in self-defense.

Florida’s ‘Stand Your Ground’ law states that a person may shoot to kill if he or she feels in danger of death or great bodily harm. According to witnesses, the slain man jumped out of the Honda Civic his girlfriend was driving and charged towards the shooter’s Toyota Tacoma and tried to open the door to grab him. He was only holding a cigarette lighter in his hand, but he was fatally shot in the heart.

A criminal defense attorney not involved in the case said that the shooter was in the clear after the victim reached into the truck. Prosecutors have fought the ‘Stand Your Ground’ law, saying it can be misinterpreted and manipulated. Prior to 2005, Florida residents only had to the right to fight back in the their homes, but a new law passed in 2005 allows them to do so regardless of location.

Source: Florida law backs shooter in Pompano road rage case, South Florida Sun Sentinel, September 17, 2010
Our South Florida criminal defense lawyers can answer questions regarding your legal rights.