Source: thecapitolist.com 6/24/25
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier on Tuesday announced that he will propose legislation aimed at eliminating judicial discretion in cases involving convicted sexual offenders and violent criminals who remain free on bond following a guilty verdict.
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Uthmeier said the measure would require mandatory revocation of bail immediately upon a guilty verdict in cases involving sexual offenses, sexual predators, or violent crimes, preventing judges from permitting post-verdict release. The Attorney General blamed the court’s decision to allow Spencer to remain free for enabling the crime and said the incident highlights a failure in existing safeguards.
“Missy died because Judge Baker didn’t put Spencer behind bars where he belonged,” said Attorney General Uthmeier. “Judge Baker’s abuse of discretion should be sanctioned. We cannot allow these acts of evil to happen again, and I look forward to working with the Florida Legislature to pass Missy’s Law next session.”
Why is the Floriduh AG proposing legislation? His job is to enforce the laws that are passed by lawmakers. Corruption at its finest in the Sunshine State with Desantis at the helm and this tool as AG.
“…in cases involving sexual offenses, sexual predators, or violent crimes.”
From no-touching/non-violent crimes, to inappropriate sex with a 17yo, to murder of a child, all conflated, no distinction.
So irresponsible, (or manipulative). No wonder the public is terrified.
“We cannot allow these events to happen again”. Uh, laws don’t prevent crimes, dude. Thought being an Attorney General you might know that. Of course , you are the Floriduh AG, so very likely you didn’t even pass the Bar Exam.
First, the girl’s mother is accused of her murder. Yes, the father is too, but she’s the one photographed beating her child. Is there even a cause of death released yet?
Second, this guy was busted in a sting with a virtual15 year old. Was he even going to get time in jail?
This is the stupidest law. The GOP just loooves taking away judicial discretion in criminal cases. Why are voters in Florida such morons?
Post verdict releases normally give defendants an opportunity to get their affairs together before reporting to prison. If they’d already shown up for all their court appearances and plea hearings, I doubt they would try to run. Except Denise Harvey who had the smarts to flee to Canada instead of facing a 30 year sentence in Floriduh for having a relationship with a 16 year old. But surprisingly, this Missy’s law isn’t about fleeing suspects, because that might require the public to question harsh sex offense laws that prompt individuals to flee to Canada and be granted asylum. But if a politician can convince the public that a post verdict defendant will commit another child sex crime, that’s a better win for them.