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Tampa Uncuffed

Attorney decided not to avoid child murder case

By COLLEEN JENKINS and ABBIE VANSICKLE
Published December 15, 2006

Criminal defense attorney Brian Gonzalez had been looking for a colleague to help represent Eric James Tate, accused of sexually battering and killing a child, ever since prosecutors announced in early October that they would seek the death penalty in his case.

Only a handful of private attorneys in Hillsborough County are certified to handle death penalty cases, and they were staying away.

"They didn't like the facts," Gonzalez said. "So they politely declined."

As the weeks stretched on without any takers, Circuit Judge Robert Foster grew a little irritated. He said in court that he would personally speak to every eligible lawyer.

Last week, veteran attorney Daniel Hernandez signed on to handle the penalty phase for the case.

Here's what Gonzalez had to say about his own willingness to represent 19-year-old Tate:

"Do I like the facts? No. But I think the state has an obligation to find somebody guilty. Everyone is entitled to good representation."

Emergency patient returns to say thanks

Each day, emergency room doctors at St. Joseph's Hospital treat patients fighting for life after traumatic injuries like motorcycle accidents, shootings and stabbings.

It's not every day that one of those patients returns to say thanks.

Three years ago, James Jones was among the critically injured.

Jones, now 37, was working two jobs and fell asleep at the wheel after a long day. He hit a gas tanker truck and spend three weeks in a coma.

On Dec. 13 - the anniversary of the accident - he brought a letter of thanks into the ER and met those who treated him.

"I really felt like I had to come in there and show them how much I appreciate their hard work," he said. "They were shocked to see how healthy I am now. They were very happy to see their work paid off."

Jones' gesture meant a lot to the doctors and nurses, said hospital spokesman Will Darnall.

"Our people were ecstatic," he said. "We see so much every day, every shift. He represents all those people they try to save."

Court: Hillsborough needs 5 new judges

The Florida Supreme Court recommended Thursday that legislators fund five new judgeships for Hillsborough County in their next session.

The state high court acknowledged that the 114 trial judges added by the Legislature in the past two years has significantly reduced the previously cited need on the judiciary and the impact has not yet been fully felt.

But increases in family court, probate and felony cases convinced justices that the 13th Judicial Circuit needs one additional circuit judge.

The high court also noted a spike in filings for misdemeanors, DUIs and civil matters, especially evictions. Those statistics prompted it to certify a need for four new Hillsborough County judges, the largest request for any Florida county.

Got a tip? For cops news, contact Abbie VanSickle at vansickle@sptimes.com or 813 226-3373. For courts news, contact Colleen Jenkins at cjenkins@sptimes.com or (813) 226-3337.

[Last modified December 15, 2006, 05:45:03]