Florida Senate - 2011                 (Corrected Copy)    SB 262
       
       
       
       By Senator Ring
       
       
       
       
       32-00241A-11                                           2011262__
    1                        A bill to be entitled                      
    2         An act relating to intimidation of a judge; subjecting
    3         a person who intimidates or threatens a judge or a
    4         member of the judge’s immediate family to criminal
    5         penalties under certain circumstances; defining the
    6         terms “intimidation or threats” and “judge”; providing
    7         an effective date.
    8  
    9  Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
   10  
   11         Section 1. Intimidation of a judge.—
   12         (1) A person who has a significant interest in a legal or
   13  administrative proceeding and who knowingly attempts to alter or
   14  affect a decision or ruling through intimidation or threats
   15  commits:
   16         (a) A misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as
   17  provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083, Florida Statutes, if:
   18         1. The underlying proceeding is a civil or administrative
   19  proceeding or the prosecution of a misdemeanor; or
   20         2. The offender is acting on behalf of another person who
   21  is a party to the proceeding.
   22         (b) A felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in
   23  s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084, Florida Statutes, if the
   24  underlying proceeding is the prosecution of a felony.
   25         (2) For purposes of this section:
   26         (a) “Intimidation or threats” include, but are not limited
   27  to, actions or words that:
   28         1. Directly or indirectly threaten physical force, economic
   29  loss, damage to property, damage to career, or damage to the
   30  reputation of a judge or a member of the judge’s immediate
   31  family;
   32         2. Are intended to create a situation requiring recusal or
   33  disqualification of a judge; or
   34         3. Consist of contacts or attempts to contact or that
   35  create a pattern of contact with a judge or a member of the
   36  judge’s immediate family under false pretenses which would
   37  reasonably cause a judge or a member of the judge’s immediate
   38  family to fear for his or her safety.
   39         (b) “Judge” means:
   40         1. A judge or justice authorized by the State Constitution.
   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
   45  capacity.
   46         Section 2. This act shall take effect October 1, 2011.