Sorry, merit based entry only (for a change) ...There's an exclusive club in Broward County, and probably in your town too. The First Degree Murder Club, or FDMC for short. Lawyers with two or more not guilty verdicts in First Degree Murder cases. Lessers or compromise verdicts don't count. It's got to be a flat out not guilty or JOA to qualify, and you have to do it twice to show the first time wasn't a fluke.
These cases are the ones police and the SAO thoroughly investigate, and they're handled by the most talented and experienced prosecutors. No mismatches here. Adding to the stress is the media scrutiny these trials often attract, not to mention how some of them test stamina by dragging on and on and on. Attorneys who overcome the incredible odds and pressure even once in a career are masters of their craft, but to do it multiple times puts them in a league of their own.
And without further ado, here are the known members of Broward's FDMC:
John Cotrone, John George, Barbara Heyer, Pete Laporte, Jim Lewis, Hilly Moldof, Mitch Polay, Chris Pole, Pat Rastatter, Keith Seltzer, Raag Singhal, Don Tenbrook, Mike Tenzer, and Dohn Williams.
Well done!
(Post a comment if you know of others, and we'll follow-up. Most homicide lawyers were contacted, but it's a certainty there's more. Interestingly, the majority of those named above have three or more NG's, with one attorney boasting SEVEN)
Coming Soon- Your new circuit court judge is ...; Eugene Pettis follows through; How come no one wants to calculate time served?