• Bay County – Bay County Courthouse, Panama City
• Brevard County – Brevard County Courthouse, Titusville
• Lee County – Old Lee County Courthouse, Fort Myers
• Marion County – Marion County Courthouse, Ocala
• Palm Beach County – Historic Courthouse, West Palm Beach
• Pasco County – La Mansion, New Port Richey
• Pinellas County – Courtside Grille, St. Petersburg
• Sarasota County – The Law Place, Sarasota
• St. Lucie County – St. Lucie County Courthouse, Fort Pierce

Visit our Constitution Day page for a full list of Chapter specific event details. 

Farewell my friend, Roy Black

This week we lost Roy Black, one of the greatest criminal defense attorneys in American legal history. Many of us lost a dear friend, a mentor, and a teacher. He was a noble and humble man who had an extraordinary career, defined by passion and deep purpose. As he liked to say, “I am a student and a lover of the human experience.” For him, understanding and connecting with people—truly seeing them—was one of his life’s most meaningful pursuits. 

When Roy was a schoolboy, his family moved from Connecticut to Jamaica, where he was enrolled in an English prep school. Roy had a math teacher who hated him—either because Roy was white or because Roy was American, the teacher took great pleasure in humiliating Roy. The teacher would call Roy to the blackboard and ask questions Roy could not answer, using shame to control and abuse Roy. Those were painful, formative years. But from that abuse, Roy learned to hate petty authority. He lived the pain of how cruel and corrosive bias and prejudice are, and it lit a fire in him—a lifelong resolve to stand with people who are mistreated, abused by authority, oppressed, dismissed, or overlooked.

That is why Roy became a public defender. Not just to be a lawyer, but to fight for those who have no voice, who are pushed around, who are mistreated when they have no one to fight for them. Roy never forgot what it felt like to be made to feel small and ashamed. And he fought in the courtroom with confidence and purpose, never cowering to the oppression of the government or the power of the courts. As Roy said when he gave the 2019 commencement address at the University of Miami Law School: 

“I urge you not to fear the displeasure of the crowd or the criticism of the trolls. Our Constitution and laws are toothless if they only protect those who are popular. Don’t be a bystander. Stand up for the rights of others. Stand up against the inhumane treatment of this dark era, against oppression and racism. It has always been the lawyers who have stood for America’s highest ideals. History will long remember the cowardice of those who enable and make excuses but will also remember the courage of those who spoke out and resisted.”

Roy led his life outside the courtroom with love and compassion for everyone. For every lethal cross-examination, every overwhelming closing argument, every accolade and every award for being the toughest adversary in the courtroom, Roy was the humblest and most noble man in his daily life. He was a friend to all, his door always open, and he was only a phone call away for anyone who needed guidance, had a question, or wanted to run an idea by him. No one who asked Roy a question or shared an idea ever felt small or ashamed. 

It’s hard to measure a life as full and meaningful as Roy’s, but in his own words, Roy gave us the measure that mattered most: “How we improve the lives of others tells us the success and significance of our own lives … As lawyers, we are responsible for the trajectory of hundreds of people’s lives. So 50 years from today, when you are called upon to reflect back on your life, will you be able to say, ‘I fought for what was right, I fought to protect what was important, I used my skills to help people who came to me in the most desperate times of their lives?’”

That was Roy. That is how he measured the success of his life, and that will be his legacy.

I was just a kid, a year out of law school, when Roy gave me the opportunity of a lifetime— to join him at the law firm in the fight for life and freedom. And for the last 30 years, it has been magical. Roy was not only my law partner, he was also my teacher and my friend. I loved him dearly. He once said that every time we see injustice in the legal system, that is a lesson for us to love and fight for justice even more. When we see pain and humiliation, let your heart be awakened to mercy. Although it feels like a fairytale has come to an end, in the end we are all a story. Roy’s story—his love for life and for freedom—will live on in all of us, and in all the people whose lives he transformed. 

Roy loved poetry, and he once read to me some of the words to “The Last Goodbye,” from Lord of the Rings:

“I saw the light fade from the sky
On the wind I heard a sigh
As the snowflakes cover
My fallen brothers
I will say this last goodbye”
“Though the road goes ever on
Out from this place, I must go
And leave you now behind
But this path that we once walked together
Will remain with me forever”
“And though where the road then takes me,
I cannot tell
We came all this way
But now comes the day
To bid you farewell
Many places I have been
Many sorrows I have seen
But I don’t regret
Nor will I forget
All who took that road with me”

“I bid you all a very fond farewell.”

Farewell, Roy. With deep gratitude for the road you walked with all of us—your law partners and everyone at Black Srebnick, your colleagues, your clients, your hundreds of students, your family, and your friends. For the laughter, the strength, and the moments that defined the path we walked and the memories that will remain with all of us, always. 

This generation and many to come stand on your shoulders.

~ Jackie Perczek

You can access the full set of committee reports here:
👉2025 STANDING COMMITTEE ANNUAL REPORTS

We encourage you to take a moment to review these updates and see how your association is working on your behalf. If you have questions or would like to get involved with a committee, please reach out — we welcome your participation!

Thank you for your continued support of FACDL.

Best regards,
Jenny Dorminy
Executive Director, FACDL

The Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers has joined the American Bar
Association and numerous other legal advocacy groups in a statement supporting the
rule of law and decrying attacks on the judiciary and the independence of courts.
The statement is prompted by continuing attacks by the Trump administration on judges
that issue unfavorable rulings, lawyers who represent critics of the administration, and
escalating attacks designed to interfere with the fair and impartial operation of the court
system.

“We reject efforts to undermine the courts and the profession,” the statement reads in
part. “We will not stay silent in the face of efforts to remake the legal profession into
something that rewards those who agree with the government and punishes those who
do not. Words and actions matter. And the intimidating words and actions we have
heard must end. They are designed to cow our country’s judges, our country’s courts
and our legal profession. Consistent with the chief justice’s report, these efforts cannot
be sanctioned or normalized.”

Various government officials in recent weeks have called for the impeachment of judges
whose rulings they dislike, and the administration has targeted law firms and individual
lawyers. Such actions can effectively rob citizens of their right to counsel of their choice.

FACDL President Jason B. Blank says the organization is proud to join in this fight to
protect the rule of law and independence of lawyers and judges.
“Nothing is more critical to the preservation of our democracy than the independence of, and respect for, our courts. To threaten, intimidate and bully lawyers and judges for simply doing their jobs is the antithesis of the American way. We must all stand against these attacks.”

The ABA Statement can be found here.

For further inquiries contact Jason B. Blank at jblank@haberblank.com.

Bob was a dedicated supporter and former Board member of FACDL.  He strongly believed in helping his lawyers achieve board certification in criminal trial and criminal appellate practice. His commitment to justice and passion for professional development, especially with young lawyers, will be missed by all who knew him.  He was a true powerhouse in our profession.

Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. 

FACDL Past President David Fussell has passed away.  David led the Association as President during the 2003-2004 term.  He began his career working for the Florida Game Commission before moving on to become an Assistant Public Defender in Orlando.  A dedicated criminal defense lawyer and long-time member of FACDL, he was well respected by colleagues and friends alike.  David was also the former President of the Central Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (CFACDL).  He served as an adjunct professor at Barry Law School and lectured at numerous conferences around the State.  David was a dedicated Florida State Seminole Fan.  He leaves behind his wife, Jill, and three great kids.

A celebration of David’s life will be held on August 10 at 2 p.m. at First United Methodist Church of Orlando. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to FSU Law School or the Alzheimer’s Association in his memory.

Long-time FACDL member Neal Sonnett passed away this week. Neal was a nationally prominent white-collar criminal defense lawyer who fought for countless clients throughout the years. A well-respected lawyer and friend, Neal remained actively engaged in the criminal defense community, working with NACDL, FACDL, the ABA, and the Florida Bar’s Criminal Law Section, striving to make the practice of law better for us all. He was a staunch advocate for greater diversity and inclusion among our ranks and in our courts.

Among his many recognitions, Neal received FACDL’s Steven M. Goldstein award in 2016 and the Florida Bar’s Criminal Law Section Selig Goldin Award in 2006, the two highest honors a Florida criminal defense attorney can earn. He received the ADL Jurisprudence Award for his “distinguished service and inspiring leadership in preserving liberty, counteracting bigotry and advancing the cause of human rights.” He also received the Florida Bar Foundation Medal of Honor, the highest award given to a lawyer by the legal profession in Florida, in recognition of his “dedicated service in improving the administration of the criminal justice system and in protecting individual rights precious to our American Constitutional form of government.” He was a true powerhouse and legend in the criminal defense community and will be missed.

Jason Blank: “We’re doing something a little different this year. We are pushing to get more members involved with the Bar.”

The Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers bills itself as “the only statewide organization in Florida dedicated solely to the criminal defense attorney.”

That won’t change when President-elect Jason Blank assumes command of the not-for-profit at its 37th annual meeting June 6-8 at the Ritz Carlton, Sarasota.

But in a break with tradition, the Ft. Lauderdale attorney has asked Florida Bar President Scott Westheimer, a Sarasota native, to swear him in.

“We’re doing something a little different this year,” Blank said. “We are pushing to get more members involved with the Bar.”

A 2006 graduate of Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law, Blank is a former Broward County assistant public defender turned partner with Haber Blank.

When it comes to promoting Bar service, Blank walks the walk.

Blank served on a local grievance committee and as president of the Broward Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He is a past chair of the Bar’s Criminal Law Section.

Currently, he serves on the Bar’s Rules of General Practice and Judicial Administration Committee. He also chairs the Bar’s Criminal Procedure Rules Committee.

For the past few years, Blank and former FACDL President Jude Faccidomo have championed a court rule amendment, which the Supreme Court adopted last week, that promotes greater use of remote technology in routine, non-evidentiary criminal proceedings. FACDL argued that, in addition to enhancing efficiency for lawyers and their clients, the revision will make criminal practice more uniform statewide.

For Blank and the rule supporters, it’s more proof that Bar service benefits the entire profession.

“This is a big one for criminal law,” he said.

https://www.floridabar.org/the-florida-bar-news/jason-blank-to-lead-facdl-seeks-greater-florida-bar-involvement/

FLORIDA JUDGES MAY PARTICIPATE IN ORAL ARGUMENTS

Sep 22, 2023By Mark D. KillianEditorTop Stories

Judges may participate in oral argument before the Florida Supreme Court concerning proposed rule changes.

Acting September 1 in Opinion No. 2023-08, the advisory panel was responding to an inquiry by a judge who sits as a member of a Florida Bar committee tasked with considering potential amendments to the various procedural rules that are applicable in judicial proceedings.

In this case, one of the proposed amendments is scheduled for oral argument and the judge was asked to participate in the argument on behalf of the rules committee.

In Fla. JEAC Op. 2019-04, an inquiring judge asked whether the judge could comment on a proposed amendment to a rule. In that opinion the court held they could because Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.140(b)(6) allows any person to file a comment; Rule 2.140(a)(4) allows judges to sit on the various rules committees; and Canon 4B of the Florida Rules of Judicial Conduct encourages judges to participate in the activities concerning the law.

“We do not view the act of presenting oral argument in a rules proceeding to be any different than filing a public comment,” the court said. “So, based on our opinion in Fla. JEAC Op. 2019-04, we conclude the inquiring judge may participate in the scheduled oral argument.”

The Judicial Ethics Advisory Committee is charged with rendering advisory opinions to judges and judicial candidates on the application of the Code of Judicial Conduct to their circumstances. While judges and candidates may cite the opinion as evidence of good faith, the opinions are not binding on the Judicial Qualifications Commission.

JIM SAUNDERS | THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA Sep 15, 2023 Updated Sep 16, 2023

https://www.flcourier.com/news/supreme-court-keeps-fairness-and-diversity-change/article_24a89e44-53d0-11ee-8d93-93514af74afc.html   

Florida Supreme Court Justice Jorge Labarga criticized the court’s decision to eliminate fairness and diversity continuing education courses for judges.

FLORIDA SUPREME COURT

TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Supreme Court on Thursday, Sept. 7, kept in place a decision to delete part of a rule that allowed judges to take courses in “fairness and diversity” to meet continuing-education requirements.

Justices in February approved the change but then accepted comments about the decision. In a 5-1 order Thursday, the court said it had considered comments and determined that “no further amendments to the rule are warranted at this time.”

As he did in February, Justice Jorge Labarga criticized the change.

“I continue to believe that fairness and diversity education is of great benefit to Florida’s judiciary and those who interact with Florida’s state courts. To that end, I dissent to today’s order and reaffirm my belief that ‘the purpose of providing express consideration to fairness and diversity education has been to complement the canons (in the Code of Judicial Conduct), and in the hopes of addressing the extremely complex issue that is discrimination, to educate the judiciary on strategies for recognizing and combatting discrimination,’” Labarga wrote in Thursday’s dissent, partially quoting from his comments in February.

The majority was made up of Chief Justice Carlos Muniz and Justices Charles Canady, John Couriel, Jamie Grosshans and Renatha Francis. Justice Meredith Sasso, who was appointed to the court in May, did not take part.

The issue involves a requirement that judges receive training in judicial ethics. In the past, the rule said, “Approved courses in fairness and diversity also can be used to fulfill the judicial ethics requirement.”

The revised rule says, “The portions of approved courses which pertain to judicial professionalism, opinions of the Judicial Ethics Advisory Committee, and the Code of Judicial Conduct can be used to fulfill the judicial ethics requirement.”

Rule called ‘overbroad’

The Supreme Court, which determines rules for the court system, did not detail reasons for the change Thursday. But in the February decision, the majority pushed back against Labarga’s criticism and said the “pre-amendment rule text was overbroad, because course content about ‘fairness and diversity’ might or might not pertain to judicial ethics.”

“Although we have deleted from (the part of the rule) the unilluminating and frequently contested term ‘fairness and diversity,’ course content on procedural fairness and nondiscrimination will continue to qualify for ethics credit,” the decision said. “The revised rule text explicitly says that ethics credit will be given for classes on the Code of Judicial Conduct. And a review of the relevant Code provisions shows that civility and equal regard for the legal rights of every person are at the heart of judicial professionalism.”

The change came amid a high-profile push by Gov. Ron DeSantis to curb diversity-related programs in state colleges and universities. DeSantis and Republican lawmakers last year also passed what he dubbed the “Stop WOKE Act,” which placed restrictions on how race-related issues can be addressed in schools and workplace training — though federal-court battles continue over whether the restrictions are constitutional.

In February, the Supreme Court said it made the continuing-education changes “on its own motion,” meaning it was not acting on a petition that had been filed.