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NEWS
BROOKS, LEBOEUF SPONSORS
LET'S DO LUNCH
We are proud to sponsor Elder Care Services fundraiser for the 5th year! Let's Do Lunch raises money for senior citizens.
Scott Gwartney, a partner with our firm, says that "...one of the ways we can keep people in their own home is to let them age in place through the Meals on Wheels program. It's part of our responsibility to our community."
DEAN LEBOEUF SPEAKS TO REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS
On March 16, 2010, Dean LeBoeuf spoke to the Tallahassee Chapter of the International Real Estate Management Association regarding Landlord Tenant issues and Third Party Liability. Mr. LeBoeuf has represented landlords in eviction matters for over 28 years and frequently provides guidance and support to several management companies and owners in eviction and tenant dispute issues. Mr. LeBoeuf also provides risk management analysis and liability evaluations for owners and management companies concerned with third party liability claims.
BLBF&G SPONSORS AREA BRAIN BOWL COMPETITION
BLBF&G was an award-level sponsor for the Big Bend Brain Bowl in March of 2010. Firm partner Scott Gwartney spent an evening in training on the nuances of serving as “Moderator” for the matches. On March 12 and 13, 2010, nearly 30 teams of 4 – 6 students each, from high schools across north Florida and south Georgia, converged together on the campus of Tallahassee Community College to match wits and wisdom. The subjects ranged from math, to literature, geography, science and current events. Mr. Gwartney readily admitted that there were more than a few questions, especially in the math category, where he did not understand the question, much less the answer. The student competitors slugged it out for two days, in March-madness style brackets, in the double elimination tournament. The student’s detailed knowledge on a wide range of subjects was most impressive. In the end, the BLBF&G award winners for Class A and Class AA were Munroe and the Maclay White teams, respectively. The firm was delighted to sponsor the event and present checks to the deserving teams. The Munroe team explained that their winnings in Tallahassee would enable their team to continue on and travel to the statewide tournaments later in the year.
INNOCENT MAN FACING FIRST-DEGREE MURDER CHARGES FREED
During the early morning hours of July 21, 2007, Mr. Jimmy Hair was socializing with a group of friends at the Top-Flite nightclub in Tallahassee. Shortly before the establishment closed, one of Mr. Hair’s friends, Rony Germinal, engaged in a verbal altercation with Charles Harper. Mr. Hair and several others were able to separate Mr. Germinal and Mr. Harper before the dispute escalated into a physical altercation. After the club closed, Mr. Germinal and Mr. Hair proceeded to the parking lot and entered Mr. Germinal’s vehicle. Mr. Germinal was positioned in the driver’s seat and Mr. Hair was seated in the front passenger’s seat.
While Mr. Hair and Mr. Germinal were stopped in traffic a short distance from the nightclub, Charles Harper approached the driver’s side of the vehicle. Although the conversation was initially cordial, Mr. Harper became visibly agitated. A childhood friend of Mr. Harper’s, Ronterrance Frye, grabbed Mr. Harper by the waist and pulled him away from the vehicle. Seconds later, Mr. Harper escaped Mr. Frye’s grasp, dove inside the vehicle, and attacked Mr. Hair without justification. In fear for his life, Mr. Hair used his lawfully owned firearm to strike Mr. Harper in the head. The firearm accidentally discharged and Mr. Harper sustained a fatal gunshot wound. Although Mr. Hair was clearly acting in self-defense, the State charged him with first degree murder and shooting within a vehicle. Mr. Hair has been in jail continuously for two years.
In March of 2009, Mr. Hair’s trial counsel, John Leace, filed a motion to dismiss the charges, asserting that Mr. Hair was entitled to immunity pursuant to Florida’s Stand Your Ground Law. On March 30, following a hearing, Judge Angela Dempsey denied the motion.
At that point, BLBF&G partner Eddie Bauer came in to handle Mr. Hair's appeal. Mr. Bauer immediately filed a writ of prohibition with the First District Court of Appeal. On July 21, 2009, the First District Court of Appeal granted Mr. Bauer's petition and ordered that Mr. Hair be released from custody and his case dismissed. The appellate court agreed with Mr. Bauer that Mr. Hair had acted lawfully in self-defense and was therefore immune from criminal prosecution.
Unfortunately, Mr.Hair was wrongfully incarcerated for two years before justice finally prevailed. Thanks to the hard work of BLBF&G partner Eddie Bauer, Mr. Hair was finally able to meet and hold his 18 month old son following his release.
To view more on this story, please visit:
WCTV
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Fall 2008/Spring 2009
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