A veteran BSO (Broward Sheriff’s Office) deputy will likely face charges of aggravated battery with a firearm for a shooting that occurred last year inside of a Hollywood, Florida home.
The deputy, who was in uniform though off-duty, is accused of shooting a man, was apparently drinking beers with the girlfriend of the victim. When the victim came home and discovered the deputy with his girlfriend, the victim asked the deputy to leave.
The deputy was apparently intoxicated. He is accused of withdrawing his firearm and shooting the victim in the upper thigh.
The deputy apparently rendered no assistance to the victim as he lay bleeding.
The shooting occurred in the victim’s apartment.
No person can lawfully shoot another person unless the shooting is meant to prevent imminent great bodily harm, imminent death, or the commission of a forcible felony.
Since neither of these exceptions apply, the deputy will be charged.
Aggravated battery with a firearm carries a 20 year mandatory sentence under Florida’s 10-20-Life law since a firearm was discharged during the commission of the crime.
Eric Matheny is a Miami criminal lawyer and Broward criminal lawyer.