Florida Criminal Attorney Blog

Michael Girder was arrested for arson in Fort Lauderdale, Florida for allegedly setting his duplex on fire over the weekend. A magistrate judge has set his bail bond at $10,000. It is currently not known whether Girder is represented by private a criminal defense attorney.

According to news reports, the fire allegedly destroyed half of the duplex where he lived. It appears that he lived there alone. Girder's neighbors and landlord speculate that he had gone a little insane after suffering multiple personal disappointments.

"I feel bad for someone to have hit that level ... seriously," said Barclay Garnett, the owner of the duplex. "He just had a meltdown. He's very frustrated with the system, not being able to practice law. I think it just really took a toll on him." Garnett had served Girder an eviction notice before the incident. The reasons behind the eviction are unclear.

"I guess he [snapped]. It's a shame, it really is, it's kind of a sign of the times," said Garnett in a press interview.

Girder apparently used to be a lawyer in Georgia, where he used to reside. He is now listed as resigned. He had apparently been trying the pass the bar exam in Florida, but had not had much success.

Thankfully, no one was hurt in the blaze. Several dogs had to be rescued from the back yard of one of the homes, but they did not suffer any injuries either.

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Mirca Gallumette was arrested in Fort Lauderdale, Florida for arson, burglary, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, and violation a protective order. The arrest happened yesterday after a series of escalating events between Gallumette and her ex-boyfriend.
According to police, Gallumette had a physical confrontation with her ex-boyfriend at North Folk Elementary School in Fort Lauderdale. Gallumette and the man supposedly have two children together. According to police, Gallumette attacked the man and fled the scene before police arrived. At this point, Gallumette is merely facing allegations and is innocent until proven guilty. (Photo: Broward Sheriff's Office)

In a second altercation, Mirca Gallumette went to her ex-boyfriend's house, tried to run him over with her car and then set fire to his house and another car located at the residence. The ex-boyfriend and is two children are now homeless. As a result, the family is receiving help from the American Red Cross. Because he is the victim of domestic violence, the ex-boyfriend's name is not being released to the public.

As a criminal defense lawyer, I can tell you that domestic violence cases typically come in two different types. The first type of domestic violence case is the most common. In those situations, people who have generally never been in trouble before get into heated fights, voices are raised, tempers are flared, and maybe someone made the situation physical by hitting the other or flinging a piece of furniture around. No serious injuries are incurred, but things did get physical.

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