New Penalties for Threatening First Responders in Fort Myers
The passing of a new year often brings new laws into effect, and 2025 will be no exception in Florida. Fort Myers residents should prepare for various new laws in January of 2025, including regulations on senior financial abuse and social media restrictions for children. One of these new laws could lead to heightened criminal penalties for anyone caught threatening first responders in Fort Myers. What does this new law entail, and how can you defend yourself if charged?
Senate Bill 184 Explained
Senate Bill 184 will go into effect on January 1st, 2025. This new law creates heightened penalties for anyone who threatens first responders – including paramedics, firefighters, and police officers. As soon as you threaten one of these individuals with physical harm, you face a first-degree misdemeanor. First-degree misdemeanors in Florida can lead to maximum jail sentences of one year, plus a further year of probation and a maximum fine of $1,000.
Aside from threatening physical harm, you may also face a first-degree misdemeanor if you:
- Interrupt a first responder’s duties
- Disrupt first responder activities
- Hinder a first responder
- Impede a first responder
- Interfere with a first responder
- Harass a first responder
Virtually anything that affects a first responder’s ability to do their job could fall under this new law. If you see a first responder carrying out their duties, you should avoid speaking with them, walking into their space, or doing anything else that might disrupt or impede them.
How to Defend Yourself Against Charges Under Senate Bill 184
Although the consequences of this offense can be severe, you may be able to defend yourself in various ways. First and foremost, the bill states that the first responder must warn you not to approach before this becomes a crime.
If the first responder fails to give you a clear warning before your alleged interference, you may be able to escape criminal penalties. The statute states that this warning must be verbal in nature. If the first responder provides a different type of warning (such as waving their hands or pushing you away), you may also escape criminal charges.
You might also defend yourself against these charges by arguing that you didn’t know the individual in question was a first responder. The obvious example is an undercover or plainclothes police officer. In this situation, prosecutors may struggle to argue that you “reasonably should have known” that they were in fact a first responder.
Can a Defense Attorney in Fort Myers Help?
If you have been accused of threatening a first responder, you may face heightened penalties due to new legal changes in Florida. As a result, it makes sense to take these charges seriously and seek help from an experienced Fort Myers violent crimes attorney. The Foley & Wilson Law Firm has helped many defendants charged with making threats over the years, and we can do the same for you. Reach out today to get started with an effective defense strategy.
Sources:
clickorlando.com/news/local/2024/11/29/here-are-all-of-the-new-florida-laws-going-into-effect-on-jan-1-2025/
flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2024/184/BillText/er/PDF
