Asked in Criminal Law for Florida

Q: Can I do anything about a past case where discovery was denied?

I was accused of petit theft at a Target store. I had a shopping cart filled and unintentionally neglected to pay for a bag of dog food under my cart at self-checkout.

The woman at Target, without identifying herself, ran up from behind and grabbed me, leaving me badly bruised. I offered to pay and the woman told me she wanted me in jail.

I was later told by the state that I could plead no contest, that I could just pay fines and be on my way. No probation or anything firther, just pay fines. My attorney told me that she used to be a prosecutor and that this was a good deal. My attorney suggested that I take the offer.

However, even after my case was over, I made multiple requests for at least the video footage and was denied.

Just recently , I realized when looking at the case for something else, that the state never provided discovery.

Can I have this dismissed/expunged even now over lack of discovery/evidence? Cannot defend yourself when there is no evidence.

Related Topics:
1 Lawyer Answer
Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
Answered
  • Freeeport, FL
  • Licensed in Florida

A: After you accepted the plea bargain, discovery was then moot. So no, you can't get the judgment dismissed.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.