#FreeMarissa: Retrial Delayed for African-American Woman Facing 60 Years for Firing a Warning Shot
The retrial of Marissa Alexander, the African-American woman convicted for firing a warning shot into the wall to scare off her violent husband, has been moved back until December 1, as a Florida Court awaits action from Governor Rick Scott on the state’s new “Warning Shot Bill”
Alexander, 33, is out on bond. She faces three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Her previous 20-year conviction (Florida’s mandatory minimum sentencing) on the same charges was overturned on appeal.
Alexander’s defense team was seeking a “Stand Your Ground” hearing ahead of her retrial that was slated to begin July 28. Florida’s law grants immunity from prosecution if it is found a person used deadly force out of fear for their life. A prior attempt by Alexander’s lawyers to receive a “Stand Your Ground” hearing was denied.
Alexander’s defense team believes that the Warning Shot Bill has in it provisions that can be applied retroactively.
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