Legal Question in Criminal Law in Florida

in Florida. My friend was arrested for burglary-unoccupied dwelling unarmed-2nd degree, 2 counts of theft of a firearm, and a few other things. His friend is the one who did the burglary while my friend and his other friend(driving) were only picking him up unaware on what he had done. They were all arrested for it. In the evidence including a cops statement along with witness statements, it even proves they only saw the one friend at the house. How is my friend still locked up? They're trying to say he knew about what his friend with doing (even though he didn't)..Shouldn't they at least drop the charge to an accessory.. especially with all the evidence?


Asked on 6/05/13, 6:06 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Joseph Justice The Justice Law Firm

the principal law in Florida implies any member of a joint effort is guilty of the whole offense (the typical example is a get away driver). Accessory is more of a charge for helping someone after a crime is committed (hiding someone in your home from the cops). I am guessing depending on how you interpret the facts your friend can be considered a principal. He needs to speak with attorney as these are extremely serious charges (generally 20 months in prison at a minimum)

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Answered on 6/05/13, 6:10 pm


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