On behalf of The Law Office of Gustavo E. Frances, P.A.
In stressful situations, people respond in different ways. Sometimes under extreme pressure, people can make a mistake and lash out which can lead to criminal charges. One Florida businessman has recently been charged with a misdemeanor after a recent flight to Key West.
In this case, authorities claim that during the flight the man was disruptive. His behavior supposedly scared passengers and the flight’s crew. According to police, the man swore and used other loud and abusive language, made sexual gestures to flight attendants, blocked the aisles, and refused to turn off electronic devices.
Instead of turning the plane around, the pilot said that he decided to call law enforcement officials. Once the flight had landed, the 50-year-old man was arrested on the tarmac by officers from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. He was taken to Monroe County jail. He was released after paying $328 bail after being charged with disturbing the peace — a misdemeanor.
While many people may feel like misdemeanor charges are not important, these people should understand that they can still result in large fines and jail time. They can also damage a person’s reputation and lead to trouble with their employers. Therefore, even when charged with a misdemeanor, people must take their criminal defense seriously.
In some situations, prosecutors might be willing to negotiate with those charged with misdemeanors. By agreeing to a plea deal people may see reduced charges and penalties. However, plea deals are not the only available option for those facing criminal charges. People should always explore all their options before negotiating with, or agreeing to anything with, prosecutors.
When you need a criminal attorney in Fort Lauderdale, you can contact us by calling 954-533-2756 for a free consultation.
Tampa Bay Times, “Tampa businessman arrested after dustup on Key West flight,” July 7, 2013
