Updated

Updated · Fox News · Jul 2

Florida AG Seeks Judge’s Impeachment Over COVID Insanity Acquittal in 3-Count Family Attack

Updated

Updated · Fox News · Jul 2

Florida AG Seeks Judge’s Impeachment Over COVID Insanity Acquittal in 3-Count Family Attack

Q: Acquitted of murder by reason of insanity, what happens to her next?

She is not simply “free and done.” In Florida, an acquittal by reason of insanity usually shifts the case from criminal punishment to court-supervised mental health review. The next step is a hearing, scheduled in Bland’s case for July 6, where the judge will decide what treatment and release conditions are appropriate. Under Florida law, the court can order expert evaluations and determine whether she is currently mentally ill and “manifestly dangerous” to herself or others. If the court finds she remains dangerous because of mental illness, it can commit her to the Department of Children and Families for placement in a secure treatment facility. In that situation, the court keeps jurisdiction, and she cannot be discharged without another court order. If the court finds inpatient commitment is not necessary, it can allow conditional release instead. That can include mandatory therapy, medication compliance, supervision, and other restrictions. Those conditions can later be tightened or revoked if she deteriorates or fails to comply. That is why the July hearing matters more than the acquittal itself. The acquittal means she is not criminally responsible for the killing under Florida’s insanity standard; it does not automatically end court oversight. The legal question now is no longer guilt, but what level of treatment and supervision is needed to protect both her and the public.

2 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 2

James Uthmeier said he is working with Florida lawmakers to draft impeachment articles against Miami-Dade Judge Miguel de la O after the judge acquitted Precious Bland and allowed her to return home pending a treatment hearing.
The bench ruling cleared Bland on 1 manslaughter count and 2 attempted murder counts after her lawyers argued COVID-19 triggered a psychotic break that left her unable to understand her actions.
Police said Bland drowned her 15-month-old daughter in 2021 and stabbed her husband and older daughter during a struggle; a court-appointed psychologist is now assessing whether she should be involuntarily hospitalized.
A July 6 hearing will decide treatment options, while the 11th Judicial Circuit declined comment because judicial ethics rules bar discussion of pending cases.
Uthmeier said the case may be the first successful COVID-linked insanity defense and tied his push to a broader campaign to remove Florida judges he says endanger public safety.