UPDATE: The world famous REGJB Justice Building Fantasy Football league has SOLD OUT all ten spots. We are considering increasing the league to 12 or 14 teams. If you want in, send us an email and use all your legal skills to persuade us why we should let you in- a statement affirming that you promise to draft a kicker first (or Daniel Jones) would go a long way to convince us that you belong.
This blog has always said that when we discuss an issue and criticize a lawyer or judge, that we would always allow the recipient of Rumpole's wrath equal time and access to the front page of the blog, with their response unedited.
And we mean what we say.
Thus we present Mr. Talpin's response, unedited and in full, to our recent reporting of the criticism of the new procedures in County Court.
Good morning. I will not debate the merits of our policies or anything else on this blog (other than, perhaps, the best place to get coffee), but wanted to correct some misperceptions about our BOT policy and offer a helping hand when appropriate.
I implemented the updated BOT policy, not Leonard.
BOT was implemented over a decade ago for a number of purposes, including: (1) to reduce our dismissal rate; (2) to ensure defendants get the treatment they need as soon as possible (research shows that treatment is most effective when obtained/given as close to the learning opportunity/event as possible); and (3) to allow the prosecutors to focus on their most significant cases.
Consistent with our goals, I asked our prosecutors to withdraw BOT 30 days after arraignment (or written plea) or 5 days before sounding (if one) or trial (if no sounding), whichever is sooner in new cases. Thirty days is more than enough time for you all to obtain basic discovery. For pending cases, I asked them to be reasonable about the amount of time they provide to accept. I also advised that we would extend the deadlines as reasonable and appropriate to ensure fair and just case resolutions. Some of our prosecutors have taken the initiative and applied the updated BOT policy in other cases. I applaud those efforts.
As with any change, there have been some glitches. However, as I said from day one, we are more than happy to address them and accommodate requests in appropriate cases. In fact, I have helped both of the lawyers who reached out to me.
I hope this alleviates the apparent confusion. If any of you feel that we should make an exception in one of your cases or would like to address any other issues, feel free to call or e mail Leonard or me. Leonard’s e mail is leonardthompsonjr@miamisao.com; my e mail is Stephenktalpins@aol.com. If the issue is urgent, my cell is 305-610-3585.
Thank you and have a great day.
Stephen K. Talpins