Florida Criminal Attorney Blog

Michael Brennan was arrested in Fort Meyers, Florida for domestic violence battery charges on Friday night and taken to the Lee County Jail. Michael Brennan is U.S. Southwest Florida Regional Director for Senator Marco Rubio. He has since been released after posting $1000 bail bond.

According to the police report, Kelly Brennan stated that she and her husband had gone out and left their kids with a babysitter. On the way back to their Bonita Springs home they started to argue in the car. Mrs. Brennan stated that when they pulled into the garage and she got out of the car, her husband pushed her to the garage floor, where she landed on a rug. Kelly then pretended that the fall had rendered her unconscious.

Michael Brennan then allegedly rolled up the carpet "as if I was dead or something," said Kelly. He proceeded to hit and kick the rolled-up carpet containing his wife before retreating into the house. Kelly Brennan says she extracted herself from the rug when she heard Michael go into the house and went in after him. Inside, Michael Brennan denied his wife's accusations in front of their startled babysitter. The couple's children were asleep. Kelly says she asked Michael to leave and he conceded.

Continue reading "Marco Rubio's Staffer Arrested for Domestic Violence in Fort Meyers, Florida" »

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.

Continue reading "Mirca Gallumette Arrested in Fort Lauderdale, Florida for Arson" »

Junior Seau, a former Miami Dolphins player, was arrested last night at around 3:00 a.m. for domestic violence related charges. According to news reports, the alleged victim was Seau's live in girlfriend.

Seau was released from jail around 5:00 a.m. after he posted bond. In Florida, a bond hearing on a domestic violence charge would not have been posted so quickly. At least in Fort Lauderdale (Broward County), a person arrested for a domestic violence charge would have to go before a magistrate judge where bond would be considered. These hearings are not held at least until 9:00 a.m. the next morning.

In Seau's case, bond was posted after only a couple hours in jail.

In Fort Lauderdale domestic violence cases, a magistrate judge is primarily concerned about the safety of the alleged victim. In every case, unless the victim specifically requests otherwise, every domestic violence bond includes an order of no victim contact.

Again, the judge's primary concern is victim safety.

Continue reading "Junior Seau Crashes Escalade After Domestic Violence Arrest" »

Jody Gordon, age 41, surrendered himself to police in regards to the shooting death of a 9 year old girl in Davie, Florida. Gordon is accused of opening fire on the girl's mother, another woman, and four children as they tried to flee the Stirling Apartment complex. Gordon is presently being held without bond.

The girl was struck in the head by one of the bullets and later died at Joe Dimaggio Children's Hospital.

According to news reports, Gordon has a history of domestic violence complaints. Supposedly, four different women have filed for protection from domestic violence over the past three years. These allegations include placing ex-girlfriends in choke holds, threats to slash tires, and other general threats of violence.

In one episode with an ex-girlfriend, Gordon allegedly grabbed a golf club and said he knows "why that man on the news killed his whole family" and then threw the golf club into a television set.

As a criminal defense lawyer who use to work as a domestic violence prosecutor, I have a very important insight into the role this history will play with prosecutors. First, I can tell you that hearing of this history will alarm any prosecutor interested in doing a diligent job.

Continue reading "Jody Gordon Turns Himself In for Shooting Girl in Davie, Florida" »