HB 129

1
A bill to be entitled
2An act relating to intimidation of a judge; subjecting a
3person who intimidates or threatens a judge or a member of
4the judge's immediate family to criminal penalties under
5certain circumstances; defining the terms "intimidation or
6threats" and "judge"; providing an effective date.
7
8Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
9
10     Section 1.  Intimidation of a judge.-
11     (1)  A person who has a significant interest in a legal or
12administrative proceeding and who knowingly attempts to alter or
13affect a decision or ruling through intimidation or threats
14commits:
15     (a)  A misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as
16provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083, Florida Statutes, if:
17     1.  The underlying proceeding is a civil or administrative
18proceeding or the prosecution of a misdemeanor; or
19     2.  The offender is acting on behalf of another person who
20is a party to the proceeding.
21     (b)  A felony of the third degree, punishable as provided
22in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084, Florida Statutes, if
23the underlying proceeding is the prosecution of a felony.
24     (2)  For purposes of this section:
25     (a)  "Intimidation or threats" include, but are not limited
26to, actions or words that:
27     1.  Directly or indirectly threaten physical force,
28economic loss, damage to property, damage to career, or damage
29to the reputation of a judge or a member of the judge's
30immediate family;
31     2.  Are intended to create a situation requiring recusal or
32disqualification of a judge; or
33     3.  Consist of contacts or attempts to contact or that
34create a pattern of contact with a judge or a member of the
35judge's immediate family under false pretenses which would
36reasonably cause a judge or a member of the judge's immediate
37family to fear for his or her safety.
38     (b)  "Judge" means:
39     1.  A judge or justice authorized by the State
40Constitution.
41     2.  An administrative hearing officer.
42     3.  An administrative law judge.
43     4.  A magistrate.
44     5.  An officer of the state acting in an adjudicatory
45capacity.
46     Section 2.  This act shall take effect October 1, 2011.


CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.