Gillian Mohney of ABC News is reporting that Florida Governor Rick Scott has signed into law the inclusion of a “warning shot” in Florida’s controversial ‘Stand Your Ground’ law. Mohney writes:
“An update of Florida’s controversial “Stand Your Ground” law allows Floridians who threaten to use a gun or who fire a warning shot to protect themselves the chance to avoid criminal prosecution.”
The change was inspired by the case of Marissa Alexander, 33, who was sentenced to 20 years in prison after firing a warning shot during a dispute with her husband, who was threatening her at the time.
Mohney adds:
“Alexander’s lawyers attempted to claim self-defense and that it was a warning shot, but the jury found Alexander guilty and she was sentenced to 20 years in prison under Florida’s current sentencing rules.
An appellate court later overturned the conviction and ordered a retrial for Alexander.
Alexander’s defense team said they are ‘grateful”‘for the change in the law.”
Read more at ABC News.
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