HomeMy WebLinkAboutSubmittal-1Katherine Fernandez Rundle
STATE ATTORNEY
R E P OR T
Public Corruption
(305) 547-3300
MAIN NUMBER
(305) 547-0100
CHILD SUPPORTQ
(305) 530-264
VAN (VICTIM ACCESS NE ORK )
1 800-398-2808
JOB HOTLINE
(305) 547-0533
OFFICE OF THE STATE ATTORNEY
KATHERINE FERNANDEZ RUNDLE
ELEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF FLORIDA
KATHERINE FERNANDEZ RUNDLE
STATE ATTORNEY
E.R. GRAHAM BUILDING
1350 N.W. 12T., AVENUE
(305) 547-0535 MIAMI, FLORIDA 33136.21 1 1
(3051 547-0735 FAx E-MAIL: Kathed femandszRundMOM1amISAO.com
Submitted
Into the public
record in connection with
item _-�
Priscilla A. Thompson
City clerk
tMIJj
Katherine Fernandez Rundle,
State Attorney
ii
MITI
011
Submitted Into the public
record in connection with
item e4-1 on 3
Priscilla A. Ththipson
City Clerk
A service provided by the Office of Katherine Fernandez Rundle, State
Attorney, and Miami -Dade County, Department of Human Services
'Justice In Motion" (J.I.M.)
is a 37-foot mobile office equipped with state-of-the-art
technology for community -based interviewing and public education.
Learn in-depth information on the services available through the State Attorney's
Office:
• Criminal Prosecution
• Investigations of Community Complaints
• Child Support Enforcement
• Truancy Intervention Services
• Assistance and Specialized Services for Families of Homicide Victims, Sexual Battery
Victims, Victims of Tourist Crimes, Robbery and Domestic Violence
• Forensic Interviewing of Child Victims
• Worthless Checks Investigations
• Community and Prosecution Partnerships
• Grand Jury Investigations
• Domestic Violence Arrest Response Team (MOVES)
• Victim Access Network for victims and community information (VAN)
• Special Response for Elderly and Vulnerable Adults who cannot come to us for help and
services (J.I.M.)
Schedule "Justice In Motion" for your
next community event!
Child ID Program • Law Enforcement Support
• Inform and educate the public about the
functions and services of the State Attorney's Office
Call Elises Martinez (305) 547-0844 or E-mail: UlisesMartineziPMiamiSao.com
or Luis Martinez (305) 54--0754 or E-mail: LuisMartinez6DMiamtSao.com
FAX : (305) 547-0534
*Funded by a Jic
S 0
Crime Oct Grant the Miami -Dade Department of Human Services
STICJA EN MOYr(Jjrt)
Katherine Fernandez Rundle,
Fiscal Estatal
Un servicio proveido por la Oficina de Katherine Fernandez Rundle, Fiscal
Estatal y el Condado de Dade, Departamento de Servicios Humanos.
Justicia en Movimiento (J.I.M.)
es una oficina movil de 37 pies equipada con to ultimo
en equipos de tecnologia para entrevistas y education publics.
Informese, en detalle, acerca de los servicios disponibles a travel de la Oficina de la
Fiscalia Estatal:
• Prosecution criminal
• Investigaciones de quejas criminales
• Manutencion infantil
• Asistencia y servicios especializados pare las familias de las victimas de: homicidio, abuso
sexual, crimenes relacionados al turismo, robo y violencia domestica
• Entrevistas forense para victimas infantiles
• Investigaciones de cheques sin fondo
• Sociedad de cooperation entre la comunidad y la oficina de la fiscal
• Investigaciones de gran jurado
• Grupo especializado que responde a los arrestos de violencia domestica
• Red de acceso para victimas en information para la comunidad
• Servicio especial de asistencia para ancianos y adultos vulnerables que no puedan venir a
nuestra oficina a recibir sus servicios
Haga una cita con la Oficina de Justicia en Movimiento
para que sea parte del proximo evento comunitario.
• Programa de identificaci6n para los jovenes • Asistencia a la comunidad policiaca
• Informando y educando al publico acerca de los
servicios y funciones de la Fiscalia Estatal
LLAME A: Nombre: Telefono: Correo Electronico (E-Mail):
Ulises Martinez (305) 547-o844 UlisesMartinez@MiamiSao.com
LLAME A: Nombre: Telefono: Correo Electronico (E-Mail):
Luis Martinez (305) 547-0754 LuisMartinez(i MiumiSuo.com
Fondos para esta publication fueron obtenidos de la Concesion Para Victimas de
Crimenes (Victims of Crime Act Grant) y el Departamento de Servicios Humanos del
Condado de Miami -Dade.
ustice Starts Here
A Guide for
Victims & Witne
Katherine Fernandez Rundle
STATE ATTORNEY
Eleventh judicial Circuit, Miami -Dade County
Dear Citizen
The criminal justice process is dependent on citizen involvement for it to
work. The system would fail without each and every one of you taking an
interest in your community. From reporting to prosecuting, the participation
of victims of crime or witnesses to one is critical to the functioning of our
system of justice.
This brochure will help you understand how the justice system works, what
your involvement would be and what services are available to assist you. It will
attempt to answer questions that you may have and explain the procedures
that will be followed in your case. Keep this brochure handy and refer to it.
During your involvement, you will be working with an Assistant State
Attorney (prosecutor) and a Victim Witness Counselor or Trial Coordinator.
They will keep you advised as the case progresses and you may contact them
at any time if you have any questions.
Nothing takes the place of personalized and individual contact by a person
who may be able to help you. In Miami -Dade County, I am pleased to tell you
about a service called VAN, Victim Access Network. VAN is a service
available to you to help supplement that personal touch, giving you up-to-date
information about your case 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I hope that you
find this service helpful.
I am committed to developing a Miami -Dade County environment free of
fear and violence where all of you and your children can flourish. But if you
are touched by crime, I will insure that your pleas and concerns do not go
unheeded. The personal, emotional, and financial wounds inflicted upon you
must receive the necessary care and attention.
Sincerely,
//774e1cy/e.,._
KATHERINE FERNANDEZ RUNDLE
State Attorney
CALL VAN 24 hours a day
7 days a week
(305) 273-HELP or 1-800 388-2808 j
Submitted Into the public
record in connection with
item P4 - I on 3) Ps
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
What is the
VICTIM ACCESS NETWORK (VAN) ?
The VAN system will
• Send you postcards about your case;
• In some cases, call you with a computerized phone message;
• Provide advance notice of scheduling changes, dates and events, such as case
filing decisions, hearings, reports, and the trial date. You will receive a
suhpoena if you need to attend any of these events;
• Give information on the offender's release, eligibility for furlough, work
release or release to community control or escape while in local jail custody
prior to trial or after the completion of sentence;
• Provide information on the criminal and juvenile justice process, your rights
as a victim of crime and general services in the community.
Why am I here?
You are here because you are a
victim of a crime or a witness —
because you have seen, heard, or
know something about a crime.
• Your involvement is important;
• Please keep our office informed
of your present address, telephone
numbers and any plans you have for
leaving the area.
• Your case may involve a felony,
which is a more serious crime or a
lesser offense called a misdemeanor,
traffic offense or an ordinance
violation. When the crime committed
is a felony, the letter preceding your
criminal court case number is an
"F". All hearings, motions and trials
for these cases will be held in the
Circuit Court Division at the
Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building
at 1351 NW 12 Street.
• If your case involves a misdemeanor,
the letter preceding your case
numher will be an "M" and if
traffic, a "T". These cases are
handled in the County Court and
Traffic Divisions. Some of these
cases may he scheduled at the
building listed above or at the
various hranchcs.
• All misdemeanor cases involving
domestic violence are heard at
Courthouse Center, 175 NW 1st
Avenue. However, these rules do
not apply ifa juvenile committed
the crime. If a juvenile committed
the offense and it is determined that
it will remain in the Circuit Court
Juvenile Division, your case numher
will always begin with a "J". This
division is located at 3302 NW 27th
Avenue. It is important to understand
that all matters concerning a juvenile
offender are confidential. Because of
the seriousness of some juvenile
cases, they may be handled in the
"adult" Circuit Court Division. You
will he advised of any such changes.
2
What is a Crime Victim?
A crime victim is a person who was directly harmed by a criminal act or is the victim's parents or guardian if the victim
is a minor, or the victim's next -of -kin in the case of a homicide, the lawful representative of the victim or of the victim's
parent or guardian if the victim is a minor, or the family if the victim is deceased.
Why do I have rights?
Our Florida Constitution and Florida Statute960.001 guarantees those rights.
What are my rights?
To be informed, present, and heard
when relevant, at all crucial stages of
criminal or juvenile proceedings:
• You cannot be excluded from a
court event based on witness
status alone;
• You have a right of standing in the
criminal/juvenile justice process
and with your consent, the
Assistant State Attorney (prosecu-
tor) can assert these rights on
your behalf.
You will be notified of...
• Offender's arrest, release, escape
and/or approval for community
control, work release, and furlough;
• Scheduling changes, advance
notice of all court proceedings
and, if time permits, the results of
court proceedings;
• The opportunity to submit an oral
or written impact statement at the
time of sentencing, and if you are
an incarcerated victim, that you
can suhmit written statements at
all crucial stages of criminal,
juvenile, or parole proceedings;
• The opportunity to review the pre -
sentence investigation report on
adult and youthful offenders, prior
to the sentencing of the offender.
:3
You have the right to...
• Information on the address
confidentiality program through
the Attorney General's Office if
you are a victim of domestic vio-
lence. You may call the Attorney
General's Office at 1-800-266-6667.
• Request HIV testing of the accused
in certain sex offenses, and receive
information on the results oldie
testing within two weeks of the
court's receipt of such results.
• If you are a victim of a sexual
offense, request the courtroom be
cleared in certain instances during
your testimony;
• Request to have a victim advocate
present during depositions, and the
right to be excused from depositions
held at any correctional facility;
• If you are a minor victim and/or
their siblings who attend school
with the offender, you or your
parent or legal guardian may
request at sentencing or disposition
hearing that the defendant be
required to change schools;
• If you are a victim of sexual
battery, aggravated child abuse,
aggravated stalking, aggravated
battery, harassment or domestic
violence, you may request in
writing that your identifying
inforniafio'n be kept confidential.
However, this request will only
impact the records kept by the State
Attorney's Office and not affect
other court documents or files.
Other things that MATTER!
• You can ask us to contact your
employers to get time off and/or to
explain to creditors of the serious
financial strain resulting from
victimization;
• If you are a victim of a felony
where you suffered an injury or
emotional trauma, or you are a
parent ofa minor child victim, or a
family member of a person who
has been killed, your Assistant
State Attorney (prosecutor) shall
consult with you about the case
disposition, pleas, diversion and
sentencing of the accused;
• Some cases get continued, but you
have a right to a prompt and timely
disposition of your case;
• You don't have to attend deposi-
tions held at any corrections facility;
• Any information obtained from
cases handled in juvenile court
should be kept confidential, not
revealing it to anyone unless
necessary for other legal remedy.
Submitted Into the public
record in connection with
item P - l on E
Priscilla A► Thompson
City Cletk
Restitution and Crimes Compensation
In some cases, you or families of deceased victims may be eligible for financial
compensation from the State of Florida. Those determined eligible by the
Office of the Attorney General may receive assistance with medical/dental
costs, burial expenses, lost wages, relocation money for domestic violence
victims and mental health counseling. For further information, please ask
your Victim/Witness Counselor or Trial Coordinator for an application, or
you may contact the Bureau of Victims' Compensation at 1-800-226-6667.
Unless you are elderly or disabled, you cannot recover money due to property
Toss or damage through the Victim's Compensation Trust Fund. For those
losses, it may he possible to have the court order the defendant to pay you back
as a part of the defendant's sentence. This is called "RESTITUTION". You
have the right to request and receive restitution (Florida Statute 775.089), and
we will assist you in enforcing these orders. Please keep good records of all
your losses. Present the itemization and documentation to your
Victim/Witness Counselor, Trial Coordinator or Assistant State Attorney
(prosecutor) as soon as possible. You must be precise.
Remember, we can always ask for restitution, but it is up to the Court to order
it and in what amount. You will he informed if and when restitution is
ordered. If you have questions about restitution and what constitutes damage
or loss, contact your Victim/Witness Counselor or Trial Coordinator.
What if I am afraid?
If you have any fears or concerns,
discuss them immediately with your
Assistant State Attorney (prosecutor)
or Victim/Witness Counselor or
Trial Coordinator. If you or your
family is threatened in any way as a
result of your being a witness, imme-
diately take the following steps:
I. Notify your local police to report
the incident. If possible, speak with
the lead detective or officer assigned
to your case.
2. Call your Assistant State Attorney
(prosecutor), Victim Witness
Counselor or Trial Coordinator
between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and
5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday,
or after hours, call (305) 547-0100
Will I have a lawyer?
An Assistant State Attorney (prose-
cutor) will handle your case. Please
feel free to call your Assistant State
Attorney should you have questions.
If, for any reason, another Assistant
State Attorney is assigned to your
case, you will he informed and given
the new name and number.
How about
help for me?
A Victim/Witness Counselor or
Trial Coordinator will be your
contact with our office throughout
the prosecution of your case. They
will provide you with information
and guidance concerning your case.
4
Other services
Counseling, shelter, emergency
financial aid as well as many other
services, are available from pro-
grams in the community —just ask!
Information is available on topics
such as sentencing alternatives,
dealing with the media, domestic
violence, appeals, stalking, etc., just
ask your Victim/Witness Counselor
or Trial Coordinator. Specialized
Victim/Witness Counselors are
available to help if you are a victim
of domestic violence, robbery, sexual
assault (adult or child), and if you
have lost a loved one due to a crime.
In addition, translator services are
available. If driving to the State
Attorney's Office, please allow I5
extra minutes to locate a parking
space. Parking in the area may be
difficult. Please observe restricted
parking zones so that your car is
not towed. In some instances,
transportation for court events
may be available.
Can I get my
property back?
If property was stolen as part of
the crime, it becomes important
evidence. It is helpful for the jury
to actually sec the property at trial.
Thus, the State prefers to keep the
property until trial to make sure
nothing happens to the evidence.
However, if you need the property
before trial, please let the Assistant
State Attorney (prosecutor) know
and we will do everything possible
to promptly return your property.
What sgain
to
happen next.
You will receive a subpoena, which
is a court order directing you to be
present at the time and place stated.
Read your subpoena carefully. It
may be a Mandatory or a Standby
Subpoena. A Standby Subpoena will
ask you to call us immediately so
that we can tell you the exact clay
and time your testimony will be
needed. You will then be spared
unnecessary trips to court since
your case may not be heard at the
time indicated on the subpoena. A
Mandatory Subpoena requires your
appearance on that specific date and
time. If you have any questions
regarding a subpoena, you may
call us at the number indicated
on the subpoena.
Who will I
have to talk to?
Under Florida law, the attorney for
the defendant has the right to inter-
view most witnesses in a case. This
will occur sometime after formal
charges have been brought against
the defendant, but before the trial.
In this interview, which is called a
"deposition", the defendant's lawyer
takes your statement and asks you
what you know about the case. The
statement is recorded under oath. Be
prepared! What you say at the depo-
sition can be used against you if you
testify in court. Be truthful and con-
sistent! Remember that, unless you
are subpoenaed for deposition, you
do not have to talk to the defendant,
his lawyer or his representative.
Submitted Into the public
record in connection with
item PAS - i on 4241) or
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
What are motions?
Lawyers will often ask the Judge to
make legal decisions in a criminal
case prior to the actual trial. These
requests are made by documents
filed with the Court, called
"motions". For example, the
defense attorney may file a motion
to suppress evidence on the grounds
that it was illegally seized.
What are pleas?
The Assistant State Attorney
(prosecutor) may agree to reduce
charges or to recommend to the
Court that the defendant receive
a certain sentence in return for a
guilty plea. The State Attorney
requires that the victim and
arresting police officer be consulted
about any such plea negotiated
by the Assistant State Attorney
(prosecutor). If you do not agree
with a negotiated plea, you may
discuss it further with the Assistant
State Attorney (prosecutor), or ask
to speak with the Assistant State
Attorney's supervisor. However,
the Judge may negotiate a sentence
with the defense attorney directly
without the State's participation.
Also, the Court can accept a plea
without the State agreeing to it.
What about the trial?
In most criminal cases, the defendant
will plead guilty before the trial.
However, if the case goes to trial,
you may be required to testify in
court. At that time, you will have
to tell your story under oath and
be questioned by all parties. Your
presence at the trial is required.
Please stay in contact with your
Victim/Witness Counselor or Trial
Coordinator after you receive the
subpoena for trial. This will keep
you informed of the exact status of
the case. We try to do everything
possible to avoid witnesses having
to wait once they have arrived at the
E.R. Graham Building or Juvenile
Justice Building. Sometimes, the
matter is beyond our control and
you may have to wait.
What are the
stages in the process?
Criminal cases generally follow the
sequence below, however, no two
cases are alike and variations do
occur in some instances.
Crime Committed
Police Investigation
Arrest
First Appearance (Bond Hearing)
Arraignment
Hearings, Reports, Motions &
Depositions
Trial
Sentencing
6
Where can I find t more!
Our website r; www.state.fleusisall/
Important Numbers
State Attorney's Office
Main Office (305) 547-0100
Helpline (305) 545-HELP
County Court Division (305) 324-2900
Criminal Intake Division (305) 547-0250
Domestic Crimes Unit (305) 547-0150
Domestic Violence MISD (305)349-5830
Juvenile Division (305) 637-1.300
Sexual Battery/Children's &
Special Needs Center (305) 547-0115
VAN 1-800-398-2808
(Victim Access Network) (305) 273-HELP (4357)
In accordance with the American Disabilities Act, persons needing reasonable
accommodations to attend any criminal proceeding _should contact their Victim/Witness
Counselor or Secretary or for the hearing impaired, call (FI)U) I-8(I0-9SS-8771 via
Florida Relay Service.
Important Numbers
Community Resources
Victims' Compensation Bureau 1-800-226-6667
Domestic Violence Coordination Unit (305) 349-5888
Family and Victim Services Program (305) 571-7750
Miami -Dade Advocates for Victims
North Dade (305) 758-2546
South Dade (305) 247-4249
Orlowitz-Lee Children's Advocacy Center
"Kristi House" (305) 5474)800
Rape Treatment Center (305) 585-RAPE
Switchboard of Miami (305) 358-HELL'
Elder Helpline (305) 670-4357
This project was supported by Award Number \' I028 awarded by the Office or Victims of
Crime, Office of Justice Programs, and sponsored by Mu State ,Auorney's ( )((ice, I',levrnth
J udici,I Court and the State of Florida.
Katherine Fernandez Rundle
State Attorney
1 350 N.W. 12th Avenue
Miami, Florida 33136
21II 111 42
Submitted Into the public
record in connection with
item PA- ► on 3 or
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
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Submitted Into the public
record in connection with
item P4 - I on as
Priscilla A. Th pson
City Clerk
- A MESSAGE FROM THE STATE ATTORNEY
Our Office ...
As State Attorney for the past ten years and as a prosecutor in the Miami -Dade
County State Attorney's Office for an additional 15 years, I know firsthand about
the sacrifices that employees make when they choose to work in the public sector.
In light of that, I want to first state that I am very proud of the dedicated
prosecutors and support staff in this Office and of the professional environment
we have created. We are the largest prosecutor's office in Florida and the fourth
largest in the nation. Our mission is to see that the guilty are convicted through
due process, while ensuring that the innocent are protected. Our Office's
commitment also focuses on the rights of children, in establishing and enforcing
child support obligations. We recognize that the work of this Office is vital to this
community as we strive towards creating a safer place in which to live, work, and
raise our families. When all is said and done, we realize we work for you —the
more than 2 million citizens and residents of Miami -Dade County.
Our Partners ...
The primary mission of our Office is to prosecute those who have been accused of
committing crimes in this County. To permanently reduce crime also mandates
that Nye look at ways to prevent crime. I know that there is no simple answer,
solution or strategy that will achieve this result. However, as a member of a
diverse team that is truly representative of this community, I am proud to say that
over the past ten years the State Attorney's Office has worked hand -in -hand with
our partners in this effort, i.e., police, schools, business leaders, legislators,
prosecutors, courts, corrections and citizens, to effectively reduce crime rates in
our community. I am committed to having our Office continue its role as one of
the primary leaders in this partnership against crime. If we are to maintain these
successes we must remain diligent in this commitment, stay focused and continue
to work together.
Our Past...
In the past ten years, we have confronted many obstacles and faced many
challenges. This publication is designed to inform the public of our office's
functions and services, to identify innovative ideas we instituted to improve the
criminal justice system, and to highlight some of the many accomplishments we
have made in the past ten years.
Our Future ...
Working in concert with our business and criminal justice partners, I believe our
future looks bright. I am committed to working jointly with all of our partners to
continue to keep our community safe. As we have demonstrated in the past
decade, together, we can make it happen.
Sincerely,
Katherine Fernandez Rundle
Table of Contents
Historical Overview
10 Years of Leadership
Crime Decreases
1
Focus on Serious & Career Criminals 1
Public Corruption & Prosecution
of Public Employees
Gang Strike Force and Prosecutions
Auto Theft
Bad Checks Restitution Program
Juvenile
Child Support Enforcement
Victim Witness Services
Domestic Violence
Hurricane Andrew Task Force
Environmental Crime
Sexual Predator Unit
Community Prosecution
Other Accomplishments
Legislative Achievements
2
3
3
4
4
4
5
5
5
6
6
6
6
7
Organizational Structure
of the State Attorney's Office
Felony Division
Specialized Units
County Court
Grand Jury
8
8
10
10
Submitted Into the public
record in connection ith
item VA -A on
Priscilla A. Thompson
�Clerk
Hitoricai Overview
za Years of Leadership
Submitted Into the public
record in connection with
item Ph-1 on 3 ) os
Priscilla A. Tho pson
City Clerk
Today, the Office has over 1,200 positions, including over 300 attorneys. In 2002, the Office handled a total of 104,917 cases: 36,286
were felonies; 13,657 juvenile cases; and, 54,9.74 misdemeanor cases. In addition, the State Attorney's Office Child Support
Enforcement Division handled 85,182 cases for the year 2002.
Under Ms. Katherine Fernandez Rundle's tenure over the past ten years, the Office has succeeded in obtaining funding for
special projects from the Florida Legislature. For example, Ms. Fernandez Rundle obtained more than 33.3 million for office
automation, funding for a "Hurricane Fraud Task Force" following Hurricane Andrew in 1993, funding for a "Retired Judge
Strike Force" in 1995 to address the career criminal epidemic, funding for additional computers and retired judges to expedite
the processing of child support orders in 1996, and funding for a countywide truancy prevention program in 1997, which was
the first of its kind in Florida.
Crime Decreases
While the population of Miami -Dade
County has grown 15.3% in the past 10
years, crime has decreased.
• Murders have decreased 42.6%,
• Robberies have decreased 52.8%,
• Burglaries have decreased 41.2%,
• Aggravated assaults have
decreased 19.2%,
• Thefts have decreased 17.8%,
• Motor vehicle thefts have decreased 30%
Miami -Dade County has had a larger
percentage decrease in crime than the
state overall.
HOMICIDE COMPARISON
210
1Se
331
1 42.6%
Decrease
•
190
1992 2001
Career Criminals from Miami -Dade
Sent to State Prison 07/01/1992—12131/2002
FISCAL YEAR STATE RANKING NUMBER OF CARF,ER
CRIMINALS SENT
TO PRISON
7/02-12/02
(6 months)
FY 01/02
FY 00/01
FY 99/00
FY 98/99
FY 97/98
FY 96/97
FY 95/96
FY 94/95
FY 93/94
FY 92/93
Is
1st
1st
1st
1st
1st
1 st
1st
1st
1st
5th
REPRESENTS STATEWIDE
PERCENT OF
t..\REER CRIMINALS
SENT TO PRISON
385 32.7%
7I0
637
615
585
737
704
473
445
295
225
31.7%
29%
25.2%
22.4%
27.5%
28%
26%
23.4%
14.2%
7.9%
Based on prison admission statistics supplied by the Florida Department of Corrections
Focus on Serious
& Career Criminals
In the early 1990's, our community was
victimized and demoralized by early
prison releases, weak sentencing
guidelines, and the brazen acts of career
criminals. It may be hard for the average
citizen to believe, but convicted criminals
were serving as little as 25% of their
sentences once they entered prison. Since
becoming State Attorney on March 12,
1993, Ms. Fernandez Rundle has
embarked on a coordinated program to
reduce the level ofcrime and violence.
In 1993, the State Attorney tripled the
staff for the Career Criminal Unit.
Since then, the Miami -Dade State
Attorney's Office has led the state each
year in the number ofcareer criminals
sent to prison.
• Over 5,500 career criminals have gone
to prison with enhanced prison
sentences under the administration of
Katherine Fernandez Rundle.
• Because 75% of the crime is
committed by 20% of the criminals,
effective prosecution ofcareer
criminals has a huge impact on crime.
1
Since 1993, there has been a 33%
reduction in the number of
reported crimes.
REDUCING GUN VIOLENCE
THROUGH CONSTITUTIONAL
REVISION 12
In 1998, as a member of the Florida
Constitutional Revision Commission,
Katherine Fernandez Rundle proposed
a Constitutional Amendment to close
effort fought to maintain the integrity of
our governmental system. The decrease
in violent crime allowed Ms. Fernandez
Rundle to shift resources to public
corruption by establishing an aggressive
Public Corruption Unit. This Unit
investigates and prosecutes those who
use their public offices for their own or a
third party's gain. Additionally, the Unit
has special expertise in the prosecution
of police and correctional officers who
have abused their legal authority, and
works hand -in -hand with the Internal
Affairs detectives from the various 34
police departments in our community. It
also coordinates many cases with the
Public Corruption Inspector General,
the Commission on Ethics, the Florida
Department of Law Enforcement, and
the Joint Federal Local Task Force on
Public Corruption.
The decrease in violent crime allowed Ms. Fernandez
Rundle to shift resources to public corruption by
establishing an aggressive Public Corruption Unit. This
Unit investigates and prosecutes those who use their public
offices for their own or a third party's gain.
the "gun -show loophole." This
loophole allowed convicted felons and
potential juvenile offenders to buy
firearms at gun shows and flea markets
with "no questions asked" and without
a background check. Ms. Fernandez
Rundle traveled around the state for
nearly two years to seck support for
closing this loophole. In Florida, 72%
of the electorate voted in favor of
Constitutional Revision 12; in Miami -
Dade County 85% of the electorate
favored the revision. The passage of the
amendment was an important step in
the overall effort to reduce gun violence
on out streets.
Public Corruption &
Prosecution of
Public Employees
The battle against public corruption and
dishonest public employees is a constant
In the past two years this unit
successfully prosecuted 160
individuals. Successful efforts in
this area have included:
• Pursuit of Commissioner joeGersten
led to his flight to Australia.
• The conviction and forced resignation
from office of County Commissioner
Bruce Kaplan for falsifying his state
financial reports.
• in a case riddled with legal problems,
Ms. Fernandez Rundle also
convicted former County
Commissioner Pedro Reboredo, and
forced bite from office.
• The arrest of b5 people in a
fraudulent absentee ballot scandal
that tainted the 1997 election in the
City of Miami.
• The arrest,conviction and
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incarceration of former City of Miami
Commissioner Humberto Hernandez
for voter fraud.
• The conviction of former Port of
Miami Director Carmen Lunetta.
• The conviction of Hialeah Gardens
Mayor Gilda Oliveros for voter fraud.
• The conviction of James Nabors,
former Miami Airport Supervisor,
who was incarcerated for accepting
illegal gratuities at the Airport.
• The criminal prosecution of
Opa-Locka City Manager Ernie Neal
which led to his resignation from
public office and to an ethics
complaint.
• The charging of another County
Commissioner, Miriam Alonso, also
caused the Governor to remove her
from office.
• The arrest of 14 Miami -Dade
Department of Corrections employees
for bribery and the introduction of
contraband into a correctional facility.
Since the 2000 session of the Florida
Legislature, Ms. Fernandez Rundle
fought to get a new law passed that
woulcl assist in the fight against
corruption. Finally, during the 2003
session, this law was passed and will go
into effect October 1, 2003. "The Paul
Mendelson Citizen's Right to Honest
Government Act," named after her
deceased Deputy Chief Assistant State
Attorney, Paul Mendelson, who
worked tirelessly to encourage the
Legislature to pass these laws, will
toughen the penalties for Bribery and
Bid -Tampering. In addition, this law
will make it a crime for "Public
Servants" to use their jobs for profit.
Formerly, the majority of those who
violated the public trust, as first-time
offenders, faced maximum sentences
of probation. After October 1, 2003,
a conviction for most corruption
charges may now actually include
a jail sentence.
Gang Strike Force
and Prosecutions
In recent years, criminal street gangs
have established large-scale drug
distribution networks and committed
countless violent crimes to secure
territory, instill fear and intimidate the
residents of affected communities. In
1997, the Miami -Dade State Attorney's
Office, in partnership with the Miami -
Dade Police Department, the Miami
Beach Police Department, the City
of Miami Police Department, the Coral
Gables Police Department, the Hialeah
Police Department, the Florida
Department of Law Enforcement, and
the Drug Enforcement Administration,
created the Multi -Agency Gang Strike
Force to target, infiltrate and dismantle
the most dangerous criminal street
gangs in South Florida through the use
of long-term proactive racketeering -
style investigations and prosecutions.
To date, the Gang Strike Force has
dismantled nine criminal street gangs,
investigated over five hundred crimes,
and made over two hundred arrests.
This success can be attributed to GSF's
proactive investigation and prosecution
strategy designed to promote
maximum communication and
coordination among the agencies
involved in drug interdiction and gang
suppression activities, while seeking
maximum appropriate sentencing for
criminal violations.
PROJECT SAFE
NEIGHBORHOODS
Although progress has been made in
fighting violent crime in South
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Florida, the problem of gun violence
still remains intolerably high and its
impact is particularly severe on our
children. 1n January 2003, the Miami -
Dade State Attorney's Office, in
partnership with the United States
Attorney for the Southern District of
Florida, the Bureau of Alcohol,
Tobacco & Firearms, the Miami -Dade
Police Department, and Crime
Stoppers, launched a new initiative to
reduce gun violence in South Florida.
Project Safe Neighborhoods is based
on two principles: uncompromising,
aggressive law enforcement of existing
gun laws and community intolerance
for gun violence. More importantly,
Project Safe Neighborhoods incorporates
and builds upon successful programs in
our community and sends
a clear message to criminals: You will
do hard time for gun crime.
Auto Theft
The Auto Theft Unit investigated and
supplemented the work done by the
various police departments to help
decrease the number of auto thefts in
this county. Since 1993, prosecutors
have been working hand -in -hand with
the various police departments and with
the Multi -Agency Auto Theft Task
Force. This joint effort resulted in a 30%
decrease in the rate of car thefts in
Miami -Dade County.
3
Bad Checks
Restitution Program
The Bad Checks Restitution Program is
an innovative program initiated by the
Miami -Dade State Attorney's Office in
September 1998 to address the problem
of bad checks. The program was created
Nvith three important goals in mind: (1)
to increase the accountability of those
who pass bad checks; (2) to more
successfully obtain restitution for
victims; and (3) to accomplish the first
two goals without increasing the
administrative or financial burden to
the criminal justice system or the
taxpayer. The program involves a
unique public/private partnership with
the American Corrective Counseling
Services, a private business that, in
addition to monitoring restitution
payments, educates businesses in
preventive measures, and requires bad
check -writers to complete an
intervention class. Because of the way
this partnership is structured, there is no
expense to the victim or to the taxpayers.
As of April 2003, this highly successful
program has recovered more than
$4,577,871 in restitution for the victims
of bad check -writers. The State
Attorney's Office is particularly
proud of the results of this
resourceful program.
Juvenile
The Juvenile Courts of Miami -Dade
County process two types of cases:
delinquency and dependency.
Delinquency cases, which consist of .all
misdemeanor and felony cases
committed by juveniles (persons under
18 years of age), are handled by the
State Attorney's Office; dependency
cases are handled by the Department of
Children and Families (DCF). The
Juvenile Division of the State Attorney's
Office seeks to accomplish two primary
goals. First, for juveniles who are first-
time offenders or commit minor
offenses, the State Attorney's Office
seeks to have those offenders participate
in various programs in an effort to
permanently turn them away from a
life of crime. Because statistics indicate
that the majority of serious juvenile
crime is committed by a small
percentage of juveniles, the State
Attorney's Office's second goal is to seek
maximum punishment for those
offenders who have not benefited from
rehabilitation efforts. As a result of this
two -pronged approach, between 1994
and 2002, there was a 33% reduction in
juvenile arrests. In addition, a
significant decrease was seen during the
same time period in the number of
serious violent crimes such as robberies,
homicides, and more specifically, tourist
"smash and grabs" committed by
iuvenile offenders.
The State Attorney's Office also 'helped
create the Juvenile Assessment Center,
which positively identifies juvenile
offenders through fingerprints, and
significantly increases the quality and
efficiency of our case filing, as well as
reduces the backlog of cases to be filed.
1n addition, we have expanded our
ability to contact victims and witnesses
within 24 to 48 hours after an arrest.
The State Attorney's Office was also
instrumental in creating the PAD
(Post -Arrest Diversion) program, and
the Juvenile Drug Court. PAD gives
first-time juvenile offenders charged
with misdemeanors a chance to
complete sanctions without having an
offense record. The Juvenile Drug
Court intensively supervises juveniles
with moderate to severe substance
abuse problems.
Child Support
Enforcement
Katherine Fernandez Rundle is the only
State Attorney in Florida with a Child
Support Enforcement Division
responsible for initiating, developing
and enforcing child support cases. The
Child Support Enforcement Division
currently has 404 employees, 17 of
whom are Assistant State Attorneys.
The Child Support Enforcement
Division provides the following services:
• Location of missing parents for child
support purposes;
• Determination of paternity
when needed;
• Establishment of financial and
medical support orders;
• Enforcement of support orders; and
• Modification of support orders.
4
and offers a Child ID Program. J.I.M.
started its journey with the Office in
April 2002.
1999 Nova Award
Tadini Bacigalupi, Jr.
Distinguished Program
Domestic Violence
In 1986, as Chief Assistant State
Attorney to State Attorney Janet Reno,
Ms. Fernandez Rundle initiated and
established Florida's first specialized
prosecution unit in the state, dedicated
exclusively to prosecuting felony
domestic violence cases. Her tireless
efforts in the tight against domestic
violence led to her receiving the
governor's "Peace At Home" Award in
1996. This Unit is also the first to have a
children's playroom for the victims who
must bring their small children along.
The children are supervised in a
comfortable environment while the
victim is interviewed. During the year
2002, this Unit handled 3,595 felony
domestic violence cases.
In addition to the Unit in the Main
Office, there is a satellite branch office
in South Dade, North Dade, Miami
Beach and the Joseph Caleb Center,
with a paralegal trained in domestic
violence issues and crimes. The
Graham Building Domestic Crimes
Unit and the Lawson E. Thomas
Courthouse Center provide walk-in
components that are exclusively for
domestic violence complaints.
Victim Witness Services
The Victim Witness Services Unit has
almost doubled in staff in the last ten
years. Today, there are 52 Victim
Witness Counselors in the felony,
misdemeanor and juvenile divisions.
Specialized counselors are assigned to
the Robbery/Career Criminal,
Homicide, Sexual Battery, and
Domestic Crimes Units. Recent
programs developed to better serve
crime victims include:
The M.O.V.E.S. (Mobile Operations
Victim Emergency Services) Program,
funded in 1997, which takes
victim/witness counselors, paralegals,
and prosecutors out into the
community to serve the victims of
domestic violence, and to initiate the
activities of the legal system.
The V.A.N. (Victim Access Network)
Program, which was implemented in
1996, is an automated information
system which allows every crime victim
to get information 24 hours a day on the
progress/status of their case and the
custody status of the defendant.
Justice In Motion (J.LM.) is a 37-foot
mobile office equipped with state-of-
the-art technology for community -
based interviewing. The partnership
between the Department of Human
Services and the State Attorney's Office
evolved to best serve elderly and
disabled victims who do not have the
ability to come to the State Attorney's
Office. In addition to the community -
based interviewing, J.I.M. is used to
educate the public about services
provided by the State Attorney's Office
or h. 5sote Attorney
Kut i, rine Fernandez Rundle
MISDEMEANOR DOMESTIC
VIOLENCE COURT UNIT
Presently, this Unit has three divisions
serving three domestic violence courts.
The unit is staffed with specially -
trained prosecutors, victim/witness
counselors, paralegal/counselors and
secretaries. Contact with the victim is
made as soon as possible after the arrest
to provide information and support,
and to obtain statements of the crime.
The objective of this specialized
Domestic Violence Court is to provide
affected families with alternatives and
support. Approximately 80% of the
cases qualify for the Pre -Trial Diversion
Program, which requires 26 weeks of
anger control training for the defendant
(and substance/alcohol abuse treatment
if appropriate). Compliance is closely
monitored by the court. Upon
successful completion of the
program, the defendant's case is
Nolte Prossed (dismissed).
Hurricane Andrew
Task Force
On August 24, 1992, Hurricane
Andrew ravaged Miami -Dade County,
damaging approximately 135,000
homes, leaving many uninhabitable.
Many insurance companies were quick
to settle claims and provide money to
homeowners in need of assistance.
Homeowners raced to rebuild their
homes and lives. What resulted was an
environment perfect for unscrupulous
contractors eager for a "quick buck."
In the initial recovery stage after the
3
hurricane, few complaints were received.
However, beginning in approximately
January 1993, complaints regarding
contracting problems started to increase
exponentially. The Hurricane
Andrew Task Force was created to
address these issues.
The Task Force performed intakes ()foyer
7,000 complaints, screening and assigning
those complaints to appropriate law
enforcement and regulatory agencies for
investigation, and when appropriate, filing
criminal charges. The Task Force filed
more than 350 felony cases and 290
misdemeanors, resulting in ordered
restitution totaling more than $35 million.
This project won a Harvard University,
"Innovation" Award.
Environmental Crime
Recognizing the importance of South
Florida's environment and the impact
contaminated air, water and soil poses to
citizens' health and welfare, the State
Attorney, early in her first term, created the
Environmental Crimes Unit. Since its
inception in 1993, the Unit has become one
of the most active Environmental Crimes
Units in the country and, perhaps, the world.
One of the Unit's most significant cases was
the criminal prosecution of SabreTech for its
involvement in the 1996 crash of ValuJet
Flight#592, in which 110 persons were
killed. Though much of the media
coverage of that case focused on the third
degree felony -murder and manslaughter
charges filed against the company, the core
of the case, and the charge upon which the
State ultimately prevailed, was the State
Attorney's decision to charge
the company with an environmental
crime, i.e., causing the unlawful
transportation of a hazardous waste,
(oxygen generators), without which no
murder or manslaughter charge could
ever have been filed. In this regard, the
State Attorney received recognition
from the National Air Disaster
Association/Foundation for these endeavors.
i
Award 2002
Florida Department of
Environmental Protection
Environmental Crimes
Prosecution Award
Sexual Predator Unit
The Sexually Violent Predator Act
(commonly known as the Jimmy Ryce
Act) was enacted in July 1998, and
became effective on January 1, 1999. The
intent of the Jimmy Ryce Act is "to create
a civil commitment procedure for the
long-term care and treatment of sexually
violent predators." Convicted sexually
violent predators who have served their
criminal sentences may be civilly
committed under the Jimmy Ryce Act if
it is determined that they continue to pose
a serious risk to society at large and need
long-term care and treatment. The
Miami -Dade State Attorney's Office was
instrumental in forming a statewide
affiliation and network with, not only all
of the State Attorney's Offices around the
State, but also networking with the
various state agencies, i.e., Attorney
General's Office, the Department of
Children and Families, and the
Department of Corrections. A multi-
disciplinary team approach was utilized
in order to successfully determine who
would qualify under the Act. The State
Attorney's Office has filed over 30
petitions against "sexually violent
predators" since January 1999, alleging
they should be civilly committed until
they are no longer a danger to the public.
Community Prosecution
The Community Prosecution Unit
began serving the Liberty City
community in 2001. The members of this
Unit, operating out of the Joseph Caleb
Community Center, have formed
alliances with key community groups and
leaders, who meet regularly to discuss
pressing community concerns and law
enforcement issues. For example, the
Unit is working in conjunction with these
groups to begin an aggressive campaign
to root out and prosecute predatory
mortgage lenders that prey upon the
elderly. In addition, the Unit has
successfully developed a close working
relationship with local Jaw enforcement
to coordinate the investigations and
prosecutions stemming from narcotics
activity in the area. Finally, the Unit has
developed several venues in the Liberty
City area to assist individuals in sealing
and expunging their criminal records.
Other Accomplishments
AUTOMATION
Since Ms. Fernandez Rundle took office
in 1993, the Miami -Dade State
Attorney's Office grew in the area of
office automation. In 1992, there were
only 216 computers and 5 servers
throughout the office. Today 1,200
computers and 25 servers support the
office functions. In addition, the Office
has access to high-speed Internet sites
that arc used to receive and send reports,
notices and subpoenas electronically.
RECORDS
Since 1993, a computerized records
database was created for the Felony
Records Center. The ability to access file
locations with the touch of a button
allowed staff to quickly identify cases that
were actually in the Felony Records
Center. This saved precious time,
especially for the felony secretaries, who
could process their morning calendars
much faster. In addition, the data
inputting and bar-coding of over 300,000
felony case files enabled the Office to
query records in the system, determining
their location and giving personnel the
ability to order the files electronically.
6
Legislative Achievements I993 -2003
The ability of prosecutors to effectively safeguard the
security of a community can be greatly enhanced by
recognizing the flaws in our existing state statutes and
developing ways to correct those flaws. Over her ten-year
period as State Attorney, Ms. Fernandez Rundle has been
responsible for drafting a significant amount of
"substantive legislation" that was passed by the Florida
Legislature. This is no small feat when oneconsiders
that, in most years, more than 3,000 bills are filed in the
Florida Legislature and normally, fewer than 300 pass.
Highlights of existing laws that were initiated and
authored by Ms. Fernandez Rundle include:
• The Florida Punishment Code strengthens criminal
sentences, insuring more felons face greater prison
sentences and eliminates senseless loopholes.
(For instance, in 1994, a criminal had to be convicted
of ten burglaries before he received a sentencing
guideline recommendation of mandatory state prison
sentence. The enactment of Ms. Fernandez Rundle's
proposals in the Florida Punishment Code allowed
judges the option of sending a convicted burglar to
prison after the first Burglary conviction.)
• Statewide passage of Constitutional Revision 12, to close
the "gun -show loophole" which had previously allowed
convicted felons and juveniles to buy firearms at gun
shows with "no questions asked" and without a
background check.
• The "Paul Mendelson Citizen's Right to Honest
Government Act" — increases penalties for public
officials convicted of Bribery and Bid -Tampering.
OTHER BILLS:
1994 SB70 Contractor Fraud Penalties
1995 HB2513 Domestic Violence — Indirect Criminal
Contempt
SB82 Elderly Abuse
SBI 14 Death Penalty/Aggravated Child Abuse
1996 HB23 Statute of Limitations in Death Cases
HB2I 1 Abolish Appeals for Guidelines
Departures
HB571 Broadened Jurisdiction of State
Attorney Investigators
HB1949 Child Support Writs Entered into FCIC
HB2712 Attempted Felony Murder
SB156 Curtilage/Burglary
1997 SB198 The Jennifer Act (Child Stalking)
1998 SB1402 Election Reform/Penalties
1999 HB349 Possession of a Firearm by a Juvenile
SB54 Elimination of a Voluntary
Intoxication Defense
SBI 178 Juvenile Pre -Arrest Diversion
The Miami -Dade State Attorney's Office provided
substantial assistance in the Legislature to help gain the
passage of the following important pieces of legislation:
• The Evelyn Gort mill — provides for the Long-term
incarceration of"the worst of the worst" felons. It
became Florida's equivalent to what has been termed
"3 strikes and you're out" legislation.
• The Stop Turning Out Prisoners ("STOP") Bill —
requires criminals to serve 85% of sentences.
7
Organizational Structure
of the State Attorney's Office
The State Attorney's Office includes the Felony Division, which includes Felony
Screening, Criminal Intake and Worthless Checks. Further, the Specialized Units
include, Public Corruption, Racketeering/Organized Crime, Civil Forfeitures, Gang
Prosecutions/Gang Strike Force Unit, Economic Crimes, Environmental Crimes,
Domestic Crimes, Sexual Battery, Narcotics, and Drug Court.
Other Operational Units of the State Attorney's Office include: Juvenile; County
Court; Community Prosecution; Victim/Witness Services; Child Support
Enforcement Division; and Investigations. The following is a description of
Divisions/Units that were not previously discussed in this brochure.
THE FELONY DIVISION
The Felony Division includes the
20 Felony Court Divisions, (one
division per Circuit Court Judge); the
Senior Trial Counsel (who prosecute
the most serious and complex felony
cases); the Felony Screening Unit; the
Criminal Intake Unit; and the
Specialized Units.
The Miami -Dade State Attorney's
Office Felony Court Divisions are
responsible for processing the majority
of felony cases involving adult
offenders who have been arrested.
Each Felony Court Division consists
of a Division Chief Assistant State
Attorney and three other Assistant
State Attorneys.
There are numerous subdivisions or
special units within the main Felony
Division. For example, there is the
Felony Screening Unit which screens
the majority of felony cases that are
instituted by arrests. The Criminal
Intake Unit primarily receives citizen
complaints and evaluates cases to
determine whether an arrest should be
made and charges filed. The primary
purpose of the Worthless Checks Unit
is the processing of worthless check
complaints and the filing of criminal
charges when appropriate. When
defendants choose not to participate in
the Bad Checks Restitution Program,
their case is transferred to the
Worthless Checks Unit. Members of
the Unit also answer questions for
8
merchants and the general public,
and oversees the Bad Checks
Restitution Program.
SPECIALIZED UNITS
There are a number of specialized
units that focus on the prosecution of
particular felony crimes within the
Felony Division.
The Racketeering/Organized Crime
Unit ("OCU") deals with the complex
prosecutions necessary to undertake
effective legal action against organized
criminal enterprises, and investigates
and prosecutes cases such as insurance
fraud and money-laundering. These
complicated cases generally require
special skills in the area of wiretap and
electronic surveillance, as well as the
effective interaction with undercover
police officers and informants. OCU
handles the investigation and
prosecution of cases involving
racketeering, cargo theft, and complex
gambling groups. Death threats
against judges, prosecutors, and police
are also handled by this Unit. Further,
OCU conducts proactive prosecutions,
where cases are built by climbing the
food chain of criminals, i.e., charging
lower members of a group, convicting
them and requiring them to testify
against other members, ultimately
reaching the management level of a
criminal organization.
The Civil Forfeitures Unit ("CFU"),
(part of OCU), in direct contact with
the Florida Department of Law
Enforcement and the South Florida
Money -Laundering Strike Force,
proactively and reactively investigates,
arrests, and prosecutes Domestic and
International Money -Laundering
Organizations and Narcotic
Traffickers. The CFU prosecutors
provide legal support for both the
criminal and civil components of the
task force. Specifically, the civil
forfeiture prosecutor works closely
with the task force to use the civil
courts to force criminal defendants to
legally forfeit contraband, such as
money, boats, automobiles, weapons,
and residences that were used as
"stash -houses." The unit also
seeks forfeiture of the "proceeds" of
any contraband. The forfeited items
are returned to the investigative
agencies to help fund the continued
pursuit of money-laundering and
narcotic trafficking.
Historically, the Economic Crimes
Unit ("ECU") has handled
sophisticated and complex "white-
collar" crimes. Prosecutors in ECU
have an expertise in understanding
business records and procedures,
proficiency in the rules of evidence, as
well as knowledge of the statutes
directed at financial crimes. The types
of cases handled by this unit include
Bank Fraud, Mortgage Fraud, Credit
Card Fraud, Theft of Taxes Collected,
Employee Theft, Forgery, Insurance
Fraud, Investment Fraud, and Theft
of Funds held in Trust. During the last
three years (2000 — 2003), the total
restitution ordered in cases prosecuted
by this Unit was in excess of
$27.9 million.
Due to the immense growth of the
Internet in recent years, ECU
prosecutors have developed an
expertise in the investigation and
prosecution of "Cyber Crime" cases.
Working in conjunction with law
enforcement agencies, ECU is
dedicated to the investigation and
apprehension of criminals utilizing
computers to commit crimes, and
exploit children. ECU is now also
involved in the investigation and
prosecution of cases involving Child
Pornography stored and transmitted
by electronic means, and Internet
Predators. In addition, this Unit has
become involved in the investigation
and prosecution of unlicensed
medical activity, elderly exploitation,
and, in conjunction with the
Attorney General's Office,
Medicaid Fraud cases.
The Sexual Battery Unit handles cases
involving Child Homicides, serious
Aggravated Child Abuse, serial rapists,
Capital Sexual Batteries, and Adult
Sexual Battery cases, usually involving
serious injury or an elderly victim.
The primary responsibility of the
attorney assigned to the Legal Division
is to advise the prosecutors in the Office
on legal issues they confront in court or
in the preparation of cases for trial,
particularly cases involving the death
penalty. In addition, the Legal Division
attorneys appear in court to argue
particularly complex or novel legal
issues. When warranted by the facts or
significance of a particular case,
an attorney from the Legal
Division will represent the State on
appeal. Attorneys in the Legal
Division also handle extradition
matters for the Office.
The Narcotics Unit investigates and
prosecutes all major drug trafficking
cases and targets major narcotics
trafficking organizations through
wiretap/electronic surveillance and
integrated legal support. The Unit
also provides local, state and federal
law enforcement officers with
"24/7" on -call narcotics prosecutors to
provide immediate tactical legal
advice to ensure the successful
prosecution of cases.
In Drug Court, non-violent drug
offenders are diverted from traditional
jail sentences into a Diversion and
Treatment Program. Drug Court, a
specialty court which is the first of its
kind in this state, is designed to process
nonviolent drug users and abusers
through the criminal justice system
while giving them a chance to turn
their lives around.
The Investigations Unit is composed
of certified police officers who serve as
functioning liaisons to the various
police agencies (local, state and federal)
which operate every day in Miami -
Dade County. Investigators have
9
limited statewide jurisdiction to make
arrests on felony warrants or when a
felony is committed in their presence.
The Investigations Unit also
participates in the investigation of
various criminal activity and
specializes in the investigation of
white-collar economic crimes,
working closely with the attorneys
of the ECU.
COUNTY COURT
County Court has two main divisions:
DUI/Traffic & Crimes, and
Misdemeanor Domestic Violence
(described earlier in this brochure).
The DUI / Traffic & Crimes Division
handles a wide variety of cases, such as
DUI cases, criminal traffic violations
(e.g., suspended driver's license), and
misdemeanor crimes, such as simple
battery and theft.
GRAND JURY
The State Attorney acts as legal
advisor to the Eleventh Judicial
Circuit Grand Jury, which is an
investigative and reporting body. The
Grand Jury consists of twenty-one
citizens who have been summoned and
empanelled by a Circuit Court Judge.
No one may be prosecuted fora capital
crime except by a vote of the Grand
Jury. One of its primary functions is to
listen to testimony to determine
whether probable cause exists to issue
Indictments charging the person or
persons with First Degree Murder.
The State Attorney, through her
Graluim Guild,;,,,
pia * . ..
polo "Ihnifts
Iftorafte
ummift
Assistant State Attorney for
Administration, is responsible for
presenting capital crime cases to the
Grand Jury, which is uniquely
independent and is answerable to no
person or agency of government except
the court that empanels it. The Grand
Jury also makes investigations, on its
own initiative, regarding how public
officials conduct their offices and
discharge their public trust, and
whether public institutions are being
properly administered and
conducted. The traclition of our
Grand Jury has been to address issues
that impact our community's well-
being. These reviews, and often
scathing reports, have led to
significant reforms. The State
Attorney, through her Chief
Assistant State Attorney for
Administration, is responsible for
presenting witness testimony to the
Grand Jury during these
investigations and to prepare a report
at the conclusion of the investigation,
setting forth the Grand Jury's
findings and recommendations.
FIND OUT MORE
www. Miami SAU .com
10
OFFICE OF THE STATE ATTORNEY
KATHERINE FERNANDEZ RUNDLE
ELEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT STATE ATTORNEY
Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About
EXPUNCTION & SEALING, But Were Afraid To Ask
Q: What does it mean to have your record expunged or sealed?
A: When a record is expunged it is physically destroyed. When a record is sealed it is made
confidential.
Q: What crimes can be expunged or sealed?
A. You can have a case on your criminal record expunged if the charge was no actioned, nolle
prossed or dismissed, or if your record has been sealed for 10 years. You can have any record
sealed if you received a withhold of adjudication on any misdemeanor or felony, except those
considered Dangerous Crimes. Dangerous Crimes are listed in Florida Statute 907.041 and
include but are not limited to: Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Battery, Child Abuse,
Kidnapping, Homicide, Manslaughter, Sexual Battery, Robbery, and Kidnapping.
Q: How many times can my criminal record be expunged or sealed?
A. Once. You are only allowed to have one record sealed or expunged in your lifetime unless
the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) or a judge determines that an additional
arrest directly relates to the original arrest.
Q: How do I begin the process of getting a case expunged or sealed?
A. You can get an application, which includes instructions, information and forms, from the
clerk's office. For assistance, you can call Pam England or Chadd Lackey at the State
Attorney's Office at (305) 547-0100.
Q: How much does it cost to get a case expunged or sealed?
A. $75 fee to FDLE for processing your application, but you can apply to have the fee waived.
0
Please Recycle
Submitted Into the public
record in connection with
item "PA--1 on 3 •••1oC
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
0563 -JIKIJIM Brochurcs-,Expunge-Seal Flyer.Doc SASoF
4114
Katherine Fernande Rundle
state Attorney
LibertyCityNeighbors ? Prosecutors
Partnership
Working Hand and Hand With The Community
0
0
Target Known Criminal Offenders
Safe Areas for Youth
Submitted Into the public
record in connection w th
item PA--1 on 3.1-4 os
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
- Neighborhood Improvement
- Domestic Violence Counseling
- Criminal Justice Information
0
0
Your Community Prosecution Team:
Chadd Lackey, Assistant State Attorney
Devoune Williams, Paralegal
Joseph E. Caleb Community Center, 5400 NW 22 Ave Room-100B, Miami FL 33121"
(305) 636-2240
0 0
Community Prosecution
Community Policing works. It works because police, prosecutors and citizens are working
together to making the Liberty City area a better place. In conjunction with this effort, the Dade
County State Attorney's Office has dedicated resources to establish the Community and
Prosecution Partnership Unit ("CAPP Unit"). Our effort represents an approach to prosecution that
involves our active participation with law enforcement and community representatives with the
goal of reducing crime and improving the quality of life of residents within this community.
The CAPP Unit represents a paradigm shift, as unlike our structure of our current office that
is based on charge and judge, the CAPP Unit prosecutes cases based only on geographic location.
The targeted neighborhoods are approximately bounded by N.W. 7th Avenue on the east, N.W. 36th
Avenue on the west, N.W. 54th Street on the south and N.W. 79th Street on the north. The Unit is
located in Room 100b at the Joseph Caleb Community Center. Assistant State Attorney David
Maer supervises the unit and oversees the CAPP Prosecutor, Assistant State Attorney Chadd
Lackey and paralegal Devoune Williams. Chadd and Devoune's responsibilities include but are not
limited to:
• Developing and maintaining a well-defined case tracking system;
• Preparing cases for prosecution;
• Attending court hearings and trying cases;
• Conducting regular meetings with key community leaders;
• Attending and presenting information to homeowner association meetings;
• Conducting regular and infomial meetings with law enforcement;
• Providing an open and inviting office environment for the community to obtain
services at the Caleb Center.
However, the early success of this effort is due to the unique law enforcement/prosecutor
relationship that has been forged. This neighborhood is served by several law enforcement
agencies including, Metro -Dade Northside and the City of Miami North District. Chadd and
Devoune spend a lot of time "on the street" with these agencies key staff and officers in an effort to
learn the ins and outs of the neighborhood. This collaboration has spawned a case tracking system
called the Offender Tracking List ("The List"). The List includes the Top 40 known offenders in the
target area. Chadd will assist or lead in the prosecution of the cases generated by these offenders
with the goal of providing street level information to other prosecutors and the court in an effort to
obtain penalties that accurately reflect the offender's negative impact on our community.
The Program is off to a fast start and we are very excited about the prospects. Stay tuned for
the grand opening! If you have any questions, Chadd and Devoune can be reached at (305) 636-
2240.
CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCMENT DIVISION, STATE ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
REQUEST FOR SERVICES
YOUR INFORMATION (Custodial Parent): Please print.
LAST NAME: FIRST: DOB:
ADDRESS: APT #:
CITY: STATE: ZIP CODE:
DAYTIME PHONE NUMBER: (
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER:
I presently have custody of the following child(ren):
Have you ever received public assistance, including Medicaid, Food Stamps, Cash Grant, etc? [ ] Yes [ ] No
Have you ever had a case with our office? [ ] Yes [ ] No
NON -CUSTODIAL PARENT INFORMATION (complete as much as possible)
LAST NAME:
FIRST: DOB:
HOME ADDRESS: APT #:
CITY:
[ ] Current [ ] Last Known
EMPLOYMENT ADDRESS:
STATE: ZIP CODE:
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER:
[ 1 Current [ ] Last Known
Submitted Into the public
record in connection w"th
item - I on 3 .›.4 0
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
Signature Date
Mail to: Child Support Enforcement, State Attorney's Office, 100 S. Biscayne Blvd, Suite 3100, Miami, FL 33131
ATT: Call Center Support, 6th Floor. You will receive an appointment or an application within three weeks.
....,.... BAD CHECK CRIME REPO Into theaPub
.,....!,,, ...... w
...,,, .
. . .., , , KATHERINE FERNANDEZ RUNDLVecord in
, .,
.!-‘ , feig:libli connection
r STATE ATTORNEY item F.L.:3.......... on 1.z.d
Priscilla illa A. ThomP
FILE REPORTS BY MAIL TO: PMB 95, 3109 GRAND AVENUE • MIAMI, FLORIDA 33133 City C
(postal address only)
--- VICTIM HOTLINE: (800) 832-1853 • REFER CHECK WRITERS TO: (800) 832-7361
DATE RECEIVED : REPORT #:
1. Was check post-dated at time of acceptance? DYes EINo 3. Were you asked to hold or delay depositing the check (s)? 0Yes EINo
2. Was check received in the mail? ElYes EINo 4. Does this matter involve a three -party check? OYes ON°
A"YES" answer to any of the above questions indicates this is a CIVIL matter and is therefore ineligible for filing with the State Attorney. Please contact
the nearest small claims court for instructions on how to proceed with a civil case. If all boxes were checked "NO", please complete this report, date and
sign it and forward to the above mailing address.
Prior to submission, A "Statutory Notice" MUST be sent to the check writer via U.S. Certified Mail,
allowing a seven day grace period to pay off the checks. (see sample notice on reverse side)
On what date did you send notice? . Please attach documentation. Certified Mail Fees: $ Return Item Fees: $
Check writer's full name as written on check
Address (s)
City
State
Zip
Home Phone #
Other Phone #
.ft.03.
Driver's License #
State
Expiration date
Other ID
Staple
Documents
Here
SS #
Sex Race
Date of Birth
Age
Height
Hair
I Eyes
Weight
How did you obtain the check writer's identification ?
DDrivers License 0Police Report (#
Was the check handed to you by someone other than check writer? Yes0 NoEi
Name:
Address:
EICheek Cashing 0 Other
Check #
Date
Received
Amount
What was
check for?
Date received
consideration
Person Accepting Check
Can person ID
check writer ?
0Yes 0 No
CIYes El No
W,.,..... .
WaeSSIAR, '
0 Yes 0 No
,
CI Yes 0 No
t-
Victim / Firm Name
Phone
Victim Address City State Zip
Name of person filing
Phone
>
Address where check was accepted if different from the above address
I understand that I must NOT accept restitution from the check writer after filing this report with the Bad Check Program. Initial here
I HAVE READ ALL FILING INSTRUCTIONS, AND HEREBY CERTIFY UNDER PENALTY OF PERJURY, THAT ALL INFORMATION IN
THIS REPORT IS TRUE TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE.
Signature of Person Filing Print Name Date Filed
lic
ith
or
on
lark
FILING THE BAD CHECK CRIME REPORT:
Victims of bad checks may file a report with the Miami -Dade County State Attorney, provided there is
sufficient information,and that the case meets all eligibility guidelines. The State Attorney's office will seek
full restitution for victims wherever possible; however, please keep in mind that this office is a prosecuting
agency and therefore can make no recovery guarantees. "Restitution" refers to the face value of all checks listed
in the report, along with all reasonable "returned item" charges assessed by the bank (a copy of the bank NSF
charge must be included).
A. FILL OUT FORM COMPLETELY. Attach checks and all supporting documents such as
CERTIFIED MAIL RETURN RECEIPT OR UNDELIVERED LETTER, COPY OF
"STATUTORY NOTICE", "RETURNED ITEM" NOTICES FROM THE BANK (WITH FEES).
COPY ALL INFORMATION FOR YOUR RECORDS.
B. Mail this form directly to Miami -Dade County State Attorney Bad Check Restitution Program
(address listed below).
C. Once a report has been filed: ALL restitution payments must be coordinated by the State
Attorney's Office. Should the check writer contact you to make payment, direct them to the Bad
Check Restitution Program at (800) 832-7361.
AFTER FILING:
A. If you do not receive restitution within 60 days, contact the State Attorney's Bad Check Restitution
Program.
B. If restitution is not received from the check writer, your report will be evaluated for criminal prosecution.
C. IF PROSECUTABLE, YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE FURTHER NOTICE UNTIL THE SUSPECT
HAS BEEN ARRAIGNED IN COURT. This office will retain all checks as a matter of official record.
If for some reason the check (s) is not prosecutable, the check (s) will be returned at your request.
Date
Dear Check Writer:
You are hereby notified that a check numbered in the face amount of $ , issued by you on drawn
upon bank, and payable to , has been dishonored. Pursuant to Florida law you have 7 days from
receipt of this notice to tender payment of the full amount of such check plus a service charge of $25, if the face value
does not exceed $50, $30, if the face value exceeds $50 but does not exceed $300, $40, if the face value exceeds $300, or
an amount of up to 5% of the face amount of the check, which ever is greater, the total amount due being $
Unless this amount is paid in full within the time specified above, the holder of such check may turn over the
dishonored check and all other available information relating to this incident to the State Attorney for criminal
prosecution. You may be additionally liable in a civil action for triple the amount of the check, but in no case less than
$50, together with the amount of the check, a service charge, court costs, reasonable attorney fees, and incurred bank
fees, as provided in s. 68.065.
Closing,
Your name
address
,K CRIME REPORT' AND ' LI, OTHER (ORR SPC NDENCE TO:
DADL ( i,.i TY ST,I /L .-IlToRN/ `F` HAD C'f/.f.t°"h RE 1 // 1 T.IO 'Pii0GR M
t!fi i-19 . 3I09 AND :1 I ENC E. ;l f14 st,f1, 7 33) 3
A Message From
Katherine Fernandez
Rundle, State Attorney
To more effectively combat the
problem of worthless check
writing, 1 have initiated the
"Bad Check Restitution
.Program This This program has
ree important goals: First, to
increase the accountability of
those who pass bad checks.
fOr victims. Thiel iSecond, to obtai4 tution
"
accom-
plish the first tw ts with-
out increasing administrative or fitui • 1 bur
to the criminal justice system, or Mit
The program is a unique, public/
ship that will, in addition to the requirement that:
,offenders pay restitution, educate businesses in
'preventive check acceptance procedures, AND
require bad check offen rs to co _1 a s ecial
remedial 8-hour clas
10,
Because of the unique public/private partners
-invovled in this highly effective program, it can
be run at no expense to the taxpayer or the
businesses that receive the worthless checics. The
costs of running the program will be borne by the
,c.heck writers. The program wilt alleviate the
victims' burden of dealing directly with the check
writers by mandating check writers communicate
'th program personnel only.
am confident that your active par
he State Attorney's Bad Check Resl
,ogram will help your business: 11
together with _you to re.s
Cutting Your Losses
The Miami -Dade County
As Easy As 1-2-3 State Attorney
Bad Check Restitution
1Make personal contact with the
check writer; if you are unsuccess-
ful, send a certified notice. The
check writer has 7 days to respond
and remit payment.
2If you do not hear from the check
writer or receive payment, simply
contact the Bad Check Restitu-
tion Program at 800-832-1853
for a complaint form.
3Fill out the complaint form, attach
originals (you retain photocopies)
of all checks and notification
documents, such as return receipts
and bank returned -check notices,
and mail to:
Miami -Dade County
Office of the State Attorney
Bad Check Restitution Program
3109 Grand Avenue #95
Miami, Florida 33133
(Postal Address Only)
If you do not receive restitution within
60 days, contact the State Attorney's
Bad Check Restitution Program.
Program
works because...
• Bad Check complaints are easy
to file and follow-up
action is prompt.
• Upon recovery, 100 percent of
the face value of the check is
returned to the merchants.
• There is no minimum dollar
restriction.
Bad check offenders must
complete an eight hour
educational class at their
expense.
The program operates at no
cost to the county or the
taxpayers.
Check Screening Tips
Mum rho edilefa/I1W1ee and nuke sure
Beau ®eM their LD.
How to determine a check's
eligibility for the program
A check is ELIGIBLE if...
• It was received in Miami -Dade County, deposited in
a bank, and presumed "good" at the time of
acceptance.
• A "Statutory Notice" is sent to the check writer
allowing 7 days to make the check good.
• It is submitted to the program within 90 days from
the date on the check.
• A photo I.D. (driver's license, military I.D., state
identification card, or a check cashing card
number) was recorded at the time of the
transaction.
A check is INELIGIBLE if...
• It is post-dated.
• Both parties knew there were insufficient funds at
the time of transaction.
• It is an out of state, three party, or government
check.
• The identity of the check writer is unknown.
• There is no amount, date, or signature on the check.
• It has not been processed by a bank.
Checks ineligible for the State Attorney's
program may be pursued via small claims
court or by a private collection agency.
Check Accept. _ c,
Tips:
• Institute a check acceptance policy. A
clearly posted check acceptance policy
for your employees and customers can
go a long way toward reducing your
losses.
Accept checks written only with to-
day's date. Post dated checks are civil
matters and are not accepted in the
State Attorney's Program.
• Trust your instincts! If somethi
doesn't seem right ask questions or as
for another form of payment. You
not obligated to accept a check.
Miami -Dade County
State Attorney
Bad Check
Restitution Program
3109 Grand Avenue #95
Miami, Florida 33133
(800) 832-1853
BROCHURE NOT PRINTED AT TAXPAYERS EXPENSE
"Don't Be a Victim
of Bad Checks"
Katherine Fernandez
Rundle
State Attorney
anlbantalli
Cutting .....
Your
Losses
asy
As
-2-3
Submitted Into therfubtic
record in connections watt. ;.
item ?A--1 on 3 -:>401!~'
Priscilla A. Thompson,::,..
City Clerk
Bad
Check
Restitution
Program
The Office of the State Attorney, Miami -Dade County
What is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence is a pattern of controlling behavior by one person who has or has had a personal, intimate or
family relationship with another person. Domestic. Violence may include making threats to you, slapping, choking
or pushing, holding you down, kicking, forcing or pressuring you to have sex when you don't want to, or any other
types of unwanted behavior. If any of these things have happened to you, you ma have feelings of helplessness, fear,
shame, guilt and anger. You may blame yourself for the things that are happenint, and feel responsible for what
happens to your abuser. There may be other problems in your home, such as lack f money and worry for children or
other family members, that make it hard to leave an abusive relationship.
Domestic violence can happen to anyone, regardless of religious, social, ecouorrric, ethnic or educational background.
Domestic violence happens to people of all :ages and in every community.
Please remember that you are not alone! There are people and agencies willing at d able to help you.
How do I create a safety plan?
There are no easy answers to ensure safety, only helpful tips. Safety in the
home, workplace, and areas of frequent travel should all be considered.
HOME
1 Add alarm system to your home or apartment.
► Trim bushes and trees around home to eliminate or
reduce hiding places.
► Place security pins in windows and sliding glass doors.
► Install bars across the center of sliding glass doors.
► Make sure deadbolts are secured with screws at least two inches long.
► Attach motion -sensor lights to outside of home.
/ Install locks on bedroom doors.
/ Install panoramic peepholes on entry doors.
Keep a cellular phone with you at all times.
Keep important documents (birth certificates, Social Security
Numbers) in a security box or safe location.
/ Keep an "escape bag" with necessary daily items at the home of a
trusted friend.
CAR
► Look inside and underneath car before entering.
► Vary the routes you take to places of frequent travel.
► Drive with your doors locked at all times.
► Always leave enough space between you and the car in front of
you to quickly change lanes.
WORK
► Make sure your co-workers are aware of your situation.
► If possible, vary your work schedule.
/ Have someone else record your voicemail message, so that it is
not your own voice.
/ Have someone walk you to and from your car.
/ If possible, eliminate times you are working by yourself.
► Instruct co-workers at your work place to not disclose any infor-
mation about you or communicate to a third party.
PUBLIC
► Vary your daily routine.
/ Tell only trusted individuals about your future plans.
/ If you have an Injunction for Protection or other type of
restraining order, carry it with you at all times.
► Avoid isolated places, such as alleyways, restrooms, etc.
What is Stalking?
Florida Statute 784.048 states, "Any person who willfully,
maliciously, and repeatedly follows or harasses another person
commits the offense of stalking". Harassing behaviors may include
vandalism, annoying or threatening phone calls, following or other
violations of protective orders, sending unwanted letters or cards,
leaving you gifts, showing up at your workplace, home, or school, or
attempting to obtain information about you from others.
TYPES OF STALKING
Simple Obsessional
This type of stalker is the most common. It is usually a male who
knows the victim as an ex -spouse, ex -lover or former boss who begins
a campaign of harassment against the victim. The stalking behavior
begins either after the relationship goes bad, or has ended, or there is
a perception of mistreatment.
Love Obsessional
This stalker is a stranger to the victim, but is obsessed, and thus
begins a campaign of harassment to make the victim aware of the
stalker's existence. This type of person often stalks a celebrity or
public figure, but can also become obsessed with a bank teller or
grocery store clerk.
Erotomania
This stalker is often female and falsely believes that the victim is in love
with her and, but for some external influence, they would be together.
The victim may be someone rich or famous or in a position of power,
such as an employer, movie star, or political figure. In this situation,
those who are dose to the victim (i.e., a spouse or lover who is perceived
«l.o:.,...., ra,a ..,...r"m..., tia ta... mnct .a r.c4
Shelters
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SHELTEI
► Advocates For Victims North/Safespaa
► Advocates For Victims South/Safespace
► Women in Distress
WOMEN'S SHELTERS
► Missionaries of Charity (Mother Teresa
724 NW 17th St
► Miami Rescue Mission
2250 NW 1st Ave.
► Salvation Army
1907 NW 38th St.
MEN'S SHELTERS
Camillus House
726 NE 1st Ave. (305) 374
► Miami Rescue Mission
2020 NW lst Ave.
► Salvation Army
1907 NW 38th St.
Important Numbers and
► Emergency
► Advocates For Victims North/Safespai
► Advocates For Victims South/Safespac
► 24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotline
► Switchboard of Miami
► Florida Abuse Hotline
Other Referrals
LEGAL REFERRALS
► Legal Aid Society
123 NW lst Ave., Miami
► Legal Services of Greater Miami
3000 Biscayne Blvd., 5th floor, Miami
10720 Caribbean Blvd., Suite 400,
Cutler Ridge
FINANCIAL & JOB ASSISTANCE
► Bureau of Crimes Compensation
► Jobs for Miami Training Academy &
7900 NE 2nd Avenue, 6th floor
two ways in which cases
ht to the attention of these
d units:
n Complaints are when any
comes to the State Attorney's
fter a domestic violence
t where there has been no
A paralegal will take your
estimony regarding the
t, and a determination will
e after an investigation as to
r or not we are able to go forth
iminal charges.
n Arrest, you may be notified
ar on a scheduled date and
give your sworn testimony
g the incident. This is called
ling Conference.
CATIONS
am Building
rrest Cases & Walk-in
s)
12 Ave. (305) 547-0150
Thomas Courthouse Center
Inor Arrest
alk-In Complaints)
-t Ave. (305) 349-583(1
LOCATIONS
lisdemeanor Complaints only)
b Center
2nd Ave., Suite 201
240
c Government Center
yne Blvd., Suite 101
725
Government Center
11 a, St., Suite 1901
430
ch Center
ngton Ave.
210
Submitted Into the public
record in connect gn
item 01-1 on
Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
ustice Sta:s Here
A Guide for Victims of
Domestic Violence & Stalking
Katherine Fernandez Rundle
STATE ATTORNEY
Eleventh Judicial Circuit, Miami -Dade County
Internship
I'R(_)GRAVI
The State Attorney's Offi e, Eleventh Judicial Circuit
prosecutes all criminal iolations, delinquency
petitions and child sup )ort cases within its jurisdiction,
Miami -Dade County. It is one of the five largest District
Attorney's Office in the nation and employs over
1000 employees.
Our goal is to work together as a team to see that the guilty are convicted through due process while
ensuring that the innocent are not prosecuted. Our efforts also target the rights of children by establishing
and enforcing child support obligations.
What's in it for you?
We designed the volunteer Internship Program to
make it beneficial to the individual, as well as to the State
Attorney's Office. We want to provide individuals with a
well-rounded experience in the criminal justice system and
insight into how the State Attorney's Office fits into the
picture. A thorough screening and interview is conducted
in an effort to ensure that the individual understands what
to expect from the experience. One of the benefits you may
gain from this experience is assistance in making a
career choice.
Legal Intern Program
This is a volunteer internship program for college and law
students. Students may also intern for school credit or
receive grant awards. Students work as a clerk for an
Assistant State Attorney on a part-time (minimum 20
hours) or full-time basis for a minimum of 10 weeks. Some
duties you may perform are:
/ Legal research and writing
1 Assisting in all aspects of case preparation
/ Observing depositions and pre -filing conferences
► Attending court on a regular basis to observe pre-trial
hearings and trials
Students who have completed their second year of law
school and qualify for the Clinical Program will be certified
to speak in court and will be able to handle misdemeanor
or felony cases under supervision of an attorney.
How to apply?
To apply for a Legal Internship, request an application
from our Recruitment Coordinator at (305) 547-0561. To
apply for a clinical placement, contact your Clinical Director.
Support Staff Program
Interns receive "hands on" experience after an initial
training period. Here are some of the duties you
may perform:
/ Assisting the public in person and on the telephone
regarding criminal/civil matters
1 Taking sworn testimony from victims and witnesses
► Attending bond hearings
Contacting victims for pre -file conferences
► Running criminal history records
1 Counseling victims
1 Interviewing subjects
► Assisting victims with Injunctions for Protection
► Handling criminal complaints from inception through
filing stage
/ Researching case law
Evaluating cases to determine sufficiency of evidence to
support prosecution
Even though most of our interns are aspiring attorneys,
paralegals or legal assistants, still others are pursuing a
degree in social work and criminal justice. Many of
our interns receive school credits for their internship.
The interns can be placed in one of the following divisions:
Criminal Intake Unit
The Criminal Intake Unit conducts investigations on cases
in which an arrest has not been made. This unit is
also responsible for the screening of walk-in civilian
complaints and requests for felony warrants made from
various law enforcement agencies.
It is also the responsibility of the unit to make appropriate
referrals after determining a non -criminal matter is best
suited for handling by some other agency.
Domestic Crimes Unit
This unit specializes in handling cases which involve
violence within the family or between individuals who
have been in an intimate relationship. The function
of the Domestic Crimes Unit is varied, having several
components: trial, prefiling conferences, walk-in
complainants, and Violations of Injunctions. Educational
counseling on stopping the violence and community
resource information are given to victims.
Victim Witness Unit
This unit is staffed with Victim Witness Counselors
who specialize in assisting victims of rape, home invasion
robbery, and domestic violence, and assisting family
members of murder victims. By providing educational and
supportive counseling and information on their
constitutional rights as a crime victim, and by keeping
them advised of what is happening in their case, the Victim
Witness Counselors help victims during their involvement
in the criminal justice process. As an essential member of
the prosecution team, these Counselors are responsible for
preparing the "people" portion of the
case for the prosecutors, determining witness availability,
transportation needs, or if any other special assistance
is required.
Requirements
The minimum requirements for this program are 16 - 20
hours per week, per semester with at least a 3 - month
commitment. Additionally, the State Attorney's Office is
required to run a criminal background on all potential
interns/volunteers.
How to Apply
If you are interested in this program or have any questions,
please contact the State Attorney's Office, Human Resource
Department at (305) 547-0540. You are also welcome to
come to our office and complete an employment application
between 8am — 3pm, Monday thru Friday, or you can fax
your resume to (305) 547-0779.
Our main office is located at:
1350 NW 12 Avenue
Miami. Florida. 33136
Katherine Fernandez Rundle
STATE ATTORNEY
Eleventh Judicial Circuit, Miami -Dade County
www.miamisao.com
(305) 547-0100
At the Bank
• Many criminals know exact-
ly when government checks
arrive each month, and may
pick that day to attack.
Avoid this by using Direct
Deposit, which sends your
money directly from the
government to the bank of
your choice. And, at many
banks, free checking
accounts are available to
senior citizens. Your bank
has all the information.
• You should store valuables
in a safe deposit box.
• Never give your money to
someone who calls on you,
identifying himself as a
bank official. A bank will
never ask you to remove
your money. Banks need the
use of your money, and they
don't want one of their cus-
tomers to invite crime by
having large amounts of
cash around.
At your door/home
• Never open your door automatically. Use
an optical viewer (peephole).
• At night, draw your blinds.
• Lock your doors and windows. (Three
quarters of the burglaries involving older
persons involved unlocked doors and
windows; and, less than one half of these
robberies are reported.) Keep your garage
doors locked.
• When someone approaches
you with a get -rich -quick -
scheme involving some or
all of YOUR savings, it is
HIS get -rich -quick -scheme.
If it is a legitimate invest-
ment, the opportunity to
contribute your funds will
still be there tomorrow —
after you have had time to
consider it.
• Vary your daily routine.
• Use "Neighbor Watch" to keep an eye on
your neighborhood. A concerned neigh-
bor is often the best protection against
crime because suspicious persons and
activities are noticed and reported to
police promptly.
• Don't leave notes on the door when
going out.
In your car
• Always keep your car doors 1
whether you are in or out of
• At stop signs and traffic lighi
car in gear.
• Travel well -lit and busy stree
your route.
• Don't leave your purse on th4
you; put it on the floor, wher
difficult for someone to grab
• Lock bundles or bags in the
If interesting packages are ot
sight, a thief will be less temi
break in to steal them.
• Leave lights on when going c
use a timer to turn lights on o
you are away for an extended
• Don't place keys under mats,
es, or other receptacles outsid
• Notify neighbors and the pol
going away on a trip. Cancel
such as newspapers and arrar
someone - a neighbor's child,
mow the lawn if need be. An
Vie elderly
•
Submitted Into the public
record in connecti n Ith
item
Priscilla A. Thompson
City CiariS
ing
plan your route and stay
your surroundings. Walk
ntly.
companion accompany you.
ay from buildings and door-
ralk in well -lit areas.
)ur key ready when
hing your front door.
angle your purse away from
dy. (Twelve percent of all
tgainst the elderly are purse
igs and street robberies.)
my large, bulky shoulder
rry only what you need.
et, sew a small pocket inside
ket or coat. If you don't have
no one will try to snatch it.
KATHERINE FERNANDEZ RUNDLE
State Attorney
Important numbers
State Attorney's Office
Main Office (305) 547-0100
Helpline
County Court Division
Criminal Intake Division
Domestic Crimes Unit
Domestic Violence Misdemeanor
Juvenile Division
Sexual Battery/ Children's &
Special Needs Center (305) 547-0115
VAN
(Victim Access Network) (305) 273-HELP (4357)
Report Public Corruption (305) 547-3300
(305) 545-HELP (4357)
(305) 324-2900
(305) 547-0250
(305) 547-0150
(305) 349-5830
(305) 637-1300
Community Resources
Victims' Compensation Bureau 1-800-226-6667
Domestic Violence Coordination Unit . (305) 349-5888
Miami -Dade Advocates for Victims
North Dade (305) 758-2546
South Dade (305) 247-4249
Rape Treatment Center (305) 585-RAPE (7273)
Switchboard of Miami (305) 358-HELP (4357)
Elder Helpline (305) 670-4357
Report Abuse (Elder and Child) . 1-800-96-ABUSE
pre
for 1-1
the :• I
Katherine Fernandez Rundle
STATE ATTORNEY
Eleventh Judicial Circuit, Miami -Dade County
www.miamisao.com
(305) 547-0100
Can you locate the
non -custodial parent (NCP)?
We must know where to find the parent responsible for
support. If this is not known, we will search for him or
her through a variety of local, state, and federal location
resources. We do need you to provide any information
you may currently know about the non -custodial parent.
Your participation is important.
What is paternity establishment?
When a child is born to parents who are not married,
fatherhood must be determined before we can proceed.
If the alleged father does not voluntarily admit that he is
the father of the child(ren), a court hearing and/or
paternity test will be scheduled. If a paternity test is
necessary, the child's mother, the alleged father and the
child will be tested.
Can you help me if I have an
existing child support order?
If there already is a court order for child support and
medical insurance, we use the full force of the law to
enforce that order. If there is no court order, we will first
establish a child support and medical support obligation.
How do I apply for services?
If you are a parent receiving public assistance, Medicaid
and/or Food Stamps, you are automatically referred to the
Child Support Enforcement Division. You must cooperate
with our efforts to obtain support. Failure to respond to our
requests for information or missing appointments and
court hearings may result in sanctions being imposed,
causing your benefits to be reduced or canceled.
If you do not receive public assistance or Medicaid, you
need to complete an application for our services. There is
a $25.00 application fee. Your cooperation is required. A
lack of cooperation could cause your child support case to
be dosed.
For an appointment, call (305) 530-2600.
How do I obtain
a child support order?
The appointment letter that is sent to you lists the
documents you must bring to your interview. Detailed
financial information is needed from you and the non-
custodial parent to establish a support case. You will
need to provide a written explanation if certain
information cannot be obtained. You must also give us
specific information about any other legal case involving
your child, no matter what kind of case it is or was. We
will be able to process your case more quickly if you
bring all documents and information requested of you.
How long does it
take to obtain an order?
If the location of the non -custodial parent is known, the
case will be filed and the non -custodial parent will
receive copies of the documents you signed, including
your financial affidavit. A court date is scheduled after
we know that the NCP has in fact been served with the
paperwork on the case. We cannot guarantee a time
frame for a court date, since every case is different.
Factors, such as opposing counsel, request for paternity
tests, or the need for certified copies of existing support
orders may delay the final results. An order may be
obtained in as little as three months, or as long as one year.
How much child
support will be ordered?
The amount ordered is based on the Florida guidelines
established by law which take into account the child's
needs and the income of both parents. Day care and
health insurance costs are also considered.
Once an order is entered, it is usually for current child
support, medical insurance, and perhaps other issues,
such as retroactive support. An Income Deduction Order
is usually granted in every hearing, so that payments
may be deducted directly from the NCP's paycheck.
What happens if
the NCP doesn't pay?
Our enforcement unit will work to keep the 1
Some enforcement methods we use:
Income Deductions
Payments are deducted fmm the NCP's paycheck
IRS Intercepts
Tax refunds can be intercepted.
Lottery Intercept
Winnings of $600 or more from the Florida Lott
can be intercepted.
Liens
In certain cases, courts can place liens on real estc
and personal property.
Consumer Reporting Agencies
Information about delinquent child support is git
reporting agencies, possibly affecting the NCP's c.
Suspension of Licenses
Driver's license, vehicle registration, and professic
licenses can be suspended or denied.
Referral for Contempt
The case can be referred to Court, where he or sh,
penalties such as jail time.
Passport Denial
NCP's can be denied US passports if their certifie
amount exceeds $5,000.
pport.
services?
rents until the age of 18.
lorida now has greater
ves that support.
lid and the other parent
port Enforcement
can help.
he custodiil parent (the child
,ou), you are not alone ill your
et money or medical benefits
ild. We are here to help you
tild(ren).
help by
g missing parents ild
purposes
ining paternity
ceded
hing medical and financial
orders
ng support orders
ing support orders
How are support
payments processed?
All child support payments must be sent to the State of
Florida Disbursement Unit, PO Box 8500, Tallahassee, FL
32314-8500. Official court records of the payments and
disbursements are created which enable the child support
program to accurately enforce and monitor your child
support case. You must not take payments directly from
the NCP. If you do not receive public assistance, a check
will be mailed from Tallahassee normally within two
working days of receipt of the payment. If you do receive
public assistance, support payments will be retained by the
State of Florida as reimbursement for the public assistance
money you are receiving from the State.
How can I find out
the status of my case?
Please understand that we will use all available resources
to resolve your case. You must allow us the necessary time
to complete our research and case actions. Frequent calls to
our office checking on the status of your case will only
delay the processing of your case. However, if you have
any new information about the non -custodial parent, such
as location, employment, social security number, etc.,
please let us know. To provide new information, or
inquire on your case, contact our Call Center at (305) 530-
2600. We receive a high volume of calls daily. You may
choose to wait for a trained case analyst to assist you, or
leave a message with a daytime phone number at which
we can call you back.
MIAMI-DADE STATE ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Child Support Enforcement Division
100 South Biscayne Blvd, Suite 3100
Miami, Florida 33131
(305) 530-2600
www.miamisao.com
justice Starts Here
Child
Support
ENFORCEMENT
Katherine Fernandez Rundle
STATE ATTORNEY
Eleventh Judicial Circuit, Miami-D,i(I( (
www.miamisao.sem
Team Members
The varied skills of staff help make this
organization run effectively. They are part of
a broad team that ensures the goals of this
organization are met.
Assistant State Attorneys
Assistant State Attorneys represent The State
in criminal court proceedings. They use
evidence gathered by police and investigators
to help successfully prosecute cases. They
help ensure that the guilty are prosecuted
through due process and the innocent are
protected.
To become an Assistant State Attorney you
must be a graduate of an accredited law
school and a member of the Florida Bar.
Investigators
The Investigators of the State Attorney's
Office help Assistant State Attorneys in the
preparation of cases. They also play an
important role in the gathering of crime
scene evidence, processing evidence, and
interviewing crime victims.
To become an Investigator you must have
five years of prior sworn investigative or
Victim/Witness Services
Victim/Witness Coordinators assist trial
active attorneys by ensuring all victims and
witnesses are notified to appear in court.
They also provide support and act as a
resource for the victims and witnesses
throughout each step in the court process.
To become a Victim/Witness Coordinator
you must have general office experience
including 1 year customer service experience.
Case Analyst
Case Analysts are responsible for working
closely with attorneys and clients in
establishing and enforcing child
support orders.
To become a Case Analyst you must
have a Bachelors degree or 5 years
equivalent training and experience.
Paralegals
Paralegals, under the supervision of
an attorney, interview victims,
witnesses, and police officers. They
take sworn statements to assist the
attorney in the development of a
criminal case.
To become a Paralegal you must have
a Bachelors degree or 5 years
equivalent training and experience.
&batik) Into klib puble
tetdrd in 130flilect9ith
n
Legal Secretaries
Legal secretaries help the attorney pref
for trial. They ensure all the legal docu
evidence, photographs, and necessary
information needed for court, are in
the case file.
To become a Legal Secretary you must
a high school diploma plus 2 years sect,
or general office experience arid a typir
speed of 25 WPM or more, depending
needs of the unit.
,AT-2;10,
'A
t
or
Office ha
• ging
• ho
-Dad
of
unity,
e gu 1
rights
ted. 0
des
hildren
arcing
e fourth
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1 I
them
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- h
iim
uv
I am very proud of the dedicated
prosecutors and staff in this office.
The functions of this office are vital
to this community as we work
towards a safer place in which to
live, work, and raise our families. As
a team and as individuals, we have
an overriding sense of purpose and
commitment to meeting those goals.
We pride ourselves on hiring the
most qualified individuals. I
welcome anyone who is willing to
join our team as we work hard to
serve and protect the residents of
Miami -Dade County.
Katherine Fernandez Rundle
STATE ATTORNEY
we convict
Batterers
Child Abusers
Child Moleste' s
Corrupted Officials
Gang Members
Identity Thieves
Murderers
Rapists
Robbers
Stalkers
• ot
'170
ustice
tarts Here
we have specialized
prosecution for
Robbery Homicide 1 Narcotics
Sexual Battery 1 Domestic Crimes
Organized Crime 1 Economic Crimes
Gang Strike Force 1 Public Corruption
Environmental Crimes
e enforce by
ollecting Millions In Child Support
d Arresting Non -Paying Parents
e intervene with
Truancy
Community Prosecution
Gang Intelligence
e
rovide
Information on Crime Victims' Rights
Help to ensure that Victims' Rights
are supported .
,Specialized Assistance For Victims of
omestic Violence, Sexual Assault and
amilies of Homicide Victims
Child Forensic Interviews
Mobile Response for Elderly and
ersons with Disabilities
o er careers
se Analysts
gal Secretaries
secutors
ralegals
tim Witness Coordinators
A MESSAGE FROM THE STATE ATTORNEY
I am very proud of the
dedicated prosecutors and
staff in this office. The
functions of this office are
vital to this community as
we work towards a safer
place in which to live, work, and raise our
families. As a team and as individuals, we
have an overriding sense of purpose and
commitment to meeting these goals. I
welcome anyone who is willing to join our
team as we work hard to serve and protect
the residents of Miami -Dade County.
Katherine Fernandez Rundle
STATE ATTORNEY
c
Eleventh Judicial CircuOdittaziniIh
Submitou ybtile public
record in connoection
th
item 01.1:-.1—_
Priscilla A. Th p
Clerk
D
REPORT PUBLIC CORRUPTION
(305) 547-3300
CHILD SUPPORT
(305) 530-2600
VAN(VICTIM ACCESS NETWORK )
1 800-398-2808
JOB HOTLINE
(305) 547-0533
tine Starts Here
1
n_Onde
A TORNE
Circuit, 1\iliam
.miamisao.com
(305) 547-0100
tt,
T12eTruancy '%�%p
Intervention 1 11
Program
For many years law enforcement and educational professionals have identified truancy as one of the major
redictors and symptoms of juvenile delinquency. Studies conducted in 1991 and 1993 by Mia
Grand Juries revealed that hetwec t 75-85 percent of scr
absent from school. These studies
iurthcr revealed that this student population failed
These findings arc ominously similar to the fact that 75 percent of all prison in
and displayed a negative patters
to the Grand Jury findings, the Si
Public Schools ( \1-1)CPS), (level
i Dade Co
ous juvenile offenders had been truant or chronically
read at grade level.
i Ihterati
ates are f-
f erratic attendance that began in the third grade or at age n
rte Attorney's Office'SAO), in partnership with the Miami
ie. to response
Dade County
wed and implemented the Truancy Intervention Program (TIP).
This program uses the M-DCPS computer
database toidentify truant students beginning with
a specified number of unexcused-absences and
requires a meeting at the school of the student, the
parents/guardians, a representative of the State
Attorney's Office (or other law enforcement
agencies), school attendance personnel and
counselors, and needed social service agencies.
At this meeting, the importance of parental
responsibility to ensure regular school attendance
and compliance with state attendance laws is
stressed. The meeting is used also to review the
student's entire family situation to determine the
causes of the truancy. TIP envisions regular
attendance in school as the first step needed to
provide meaningful and effective intervention
that may prevent future delinquency. As a result,
various strategies, including remedial tutoring,
social service assistance and, if necessary, court
assistance through Florida's dependency system or
through appropriate criminal prosecution, are
utilized to develop and implement solutions. After
the meeting, the student's school attendance is
tracked and follow-up meetings are mandated as
needed. If the parent/guardian of a student fails to
attend a meeting, the State Attorney's Office will
send a Location Specialist to the home to discuss
the reasons why the parent/guardian did not attend
the meeting, and to ascertain the reasons for the
child's absences. TIP combines early intervention
with prosecutorial enforcement of Florida's
Compulsory Education Laws.
The Truancy Intervention Program operates in all
207 elementary schools, as well as 4 middle schools.
With a target population in excess of 200,000
students, TIP is the largest cooperative effort ever
undertaken by the State Attorney's Office and
the Miami -Dade County Public Schools.
----- A MESSAGE FROM THE STATE ATTORNEY ----
To ensure that our children
acquire the necessary skills for
success in adult life, school
attendance is mandatory by law
for all children starting at age six.
A child's attendance in school is
the responsibility of the parents
and guardians. Most parents are very diligent in
their efforts to ensure their child's regular school
attendance. However, the willful failure to fulfill
this responsibility can be a violation of our criminal
laws. Since there is a documented link between
truancy and juvenile crime, the Office of the State
Attorney has a duty to enforce Florida's mandatory
attendance laws in order to preserve the futures of
all of our children.
We know you share our concern with your child's
future and well-being. The Truancy Intervention
Program is designed to provide the necessary
assistance to ensure school attendance by all
our children.
Submitted Into the pub
record in connection wit
item 1)14- 1 on 3-71-0
Priscilla A. Thompso
City Cle
Katherine Fernandez Rundle
STATE ATTORNEY
Eleventh Judicial Circuit, Miami -Dade County
STATE ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
(305) 547-0100
TRUANCY INTERVENTION PROGRAM TIP
(305) 547-0747
REPORT PUBLIC CORRUPTION
(305) 547-3300
Katherine Fernandez Rundle
STATE ATTORNEY
t \ crith judicial Citcult, Nliaini-Dactc Counts
www.miamisao.com