For the first time in more than forty years, there was an assassination attempt on a presidential candidate. The attempt against Donald J. Trump left him with a small injury, but it took the life of another man and seriously injured two others. With the shooter left dead, is there anyone else who could face consequences for what happened?

What Happened?

On July 17, 2024, Donald J. Trump took the stage at a rally for his 2024 presidential bid in Butler, Pennsylvania. Six minutes into his speech, pops were heard as Trump grabbed his ear and ducked. More pops were heard seconds before Secret Service agents rushed the stage.

Roughly 150 yards away, a man lay dead on a rooftop. The man, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, had fired shots at Trump. Some of the shots missed Trump and went into the audience, hitting spectators. Two men, David Dutch and James Copenhaver, were seriously injured. Corey Comperatore was hit and killed. One of the bullets grazed Trump, injuring his right ear.

Just seconds after Crooks took his shots, he was killed by a Secret Service sniper. Trump was rushed off the stage and taken to a nearby hospital. He had come within inches of losing his life.

Who is responsible for allowing the shooting to unfold, and will any legal cases come out of the shooting?

Who Was In Charge?

The rally was held at a fairground in a rural area of Western Pennsylvania. As with every Trump rally, federal agencies, including the Secret Service, were responsible for securing the event and protecting the former President. They received support from local agencies. In larger cities, one or two local agencies may be able to provide the necessary resources. In small, rural areas, multiple agencies are often needed to meet the event’s security needs.

The Secret Service was responsible for securing the area inside of the perimeter of the event. Local agencies were responsible for the area outside of the event.

Per reporting by the Associated Press, at least six agencies were involved with the Butler event. The agencies included two sheriff’s offices, local police, state police, multiple teams within the Secret Service, and fire and emergency rescue officials.

Crooks took his shots from outside of the event perimeter. He was on the rooftop of a nearby building in an area secured by local agencies.

So, Who Was At Fault?

Multiple investigations are looking into what went wrong at the event and how the shooter could have gained such close access to Trump.

Early reports show that authorities were notified of a suspicious person long before Crooks fired his shots. According to a news release issued by Tom Knights, the Butler Township manager, a call went out for a suspicious male and officers responded, but they did not find the man.

Later, spectators began calling out to officials after they saw a man with a gun on the roof of a building. Knights explained what happened. “A Butler Township officer attempted to gain access to the roof by being hoisted up by an assisting officer. The officer was pulling himself up to the roof when he made visual contact with an individual who pointed a rifle at him,” Knights says. The officer dropped down, and then Crooks took his shots at Trump, according to  NPR Reporting.

Agencies have been careful about placing blame, and more details will come out as investigations lead to official reports. Based on what the investigators find, could anyone be held responsible for what happened? What potential criminal or civil cases could follow?

Related: What’s the Difference Between a Civil and Criminal Case? 

What Legal Cases Could Arise?

Based on what we know about the shooting, there are a few areas of the law to consider. Here are a few criminal and civil cases to be considered.

Criminal Charges Against Shooter: If the shooter had survived, he would have faced a variety of charges related to shooting Trump as well as injuring and killing others in attendance at the rally. He would have faced both charges of attempted murder and murder.

Criminal Charges Against the Shooter’s Parents: Crooks was twenty years old which makes him a legal adult. But because he lived with his parents and used his dad’s gun during the incident, there have been questions as to whether his parents could be held partially responsible for the shooting. The parents of school shooter Ethan Crumbly were both found guilty of manslaughter as a result of their son’s actions. Crooks is said to have researched Crumbly before the shooting, but it is unclear if his parents will be criminally charged.

Personal Injury Civil Cases: The shooting could also lead to civil court cases. The two men critically wounded at the event could choose to file personal injury cases. While they can’t sue Crooks, they may find evidence to support cases against the agencies involved with providing security at the event or even Crooks’s parents.

Wrongful Death Civil Case: The family of the man who was killed in the shooting could also find a legal avenue for a civil case. Survivors could choose to pursue a wrongful death case against any parties they find responsible for the dangerous situation that led to the shooting.

Related: Examples of Wrongful Death Cases Worth Fighting For

Let’s Review Your Case

Circumstances of a criminal or civil case are often complicated and have many angles to consider. If you are involved with a civil or criminal case, make sure you thoroughly review all sides of your case. Talk to an experienced attorney to review the details of your case right away. Schedule a free consultation with TJ Grimaldi today. Request your consultation or call 813-226-1023 now.

Samantha Miller and Aric Hutchinson on Their Wedding Night

A dream day ended in a nightmare. A groom took his bride, and later that night, lost her in a terrible accident. What civil and criminal repercussions face the individuals and companies responsible for the accident that killed a bride on her wedding night?

A Wedding and a Tragic Accident

Samantha Miller and Aric Hutchinson invited family and friends to celebrate their wedding on April 28, 2023 at Folly Beach, South Carolina. The couple got married on the beach and celebrated at a nearby reception.

The couple and two friends took a ride in a golf cart to return to their rooms after the reception, when they were struck by a fast-moving vehicle.

A Toyota Camry going 65 mph in a 25 mph zone ran into the back of the golf cart and sent it flying 100 yards. Hutchinson and two others survived the crash. Hutchinson was seriously injured, sustaining a brain injury and multiple broken bones. Miller died on the scene, still wearing her wedding dress.

Now, both civil and criminal courts are placing blame on the parties who caused the terrible accident.

Related: What’s the Difference Between a Civil and Criminal Case? 

Civil Lawsuits Filed

Hutchinson filed a civil wrongful death lawsuit against the companies he and his legal team believe are partially responsible for the accident.

At least three Folly Beach bars were listed in the lawsuit. The suit claims the establishments overserved 26-year-old Jamie Lee Komoroski, who was driving the Toyota that slammed into the golf cart.

Komoroski’s blood alcohol content was three times the legal limit. She reportedly refused to take a sobriety test and almost fell while dealing with officers after the accident, according to FOX News 13.

The lawsuit named three bars they say over-served Komoroski, along with two rental car companies. The listed defendants, among others, included:

• Crab Shack
• Drop In Bar & Deli
• Snapper Jacks
• Progressive
• Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Related: Examples of Wrongful Death Cases Worth Fighting For

Settlements in Civil Suits

In June 2024, CBS News reported that Hutchinson settled part of the civil wrongful death suit. Companies are said to have settled for over $1.3 million. The settlement includes:

• $640,000 from the Crab Shack
• $320,000 from the Folly Deli
• $320,000 from The Drop In Bar & Deli
• $75,000 from Progressive
• $24,000 from Enterprise Rent-A-Car

The settlement does not include all defendants in the case.

Related: What To Do After a Car Accident That’s Not Your Fault 

Criminal Charges Against the Driver

In addition to the civil case, a criminal case is pending in the accident. Komoroski, the driver of the car that struck the golf cart, was charged with felony driving under the influence resulting in death, reckless homicide, and two counts of felony driving under the influence resulting in great bodily injury.

In South Carolina, the penalties for:

• DUI resulting in death is a mandatory minimum sentence of one year in prison and up to 25 years in prison.
• Reckless homicide is a maximum sentence of ten years in prison.
• DUI resulting in great bodily injury is a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 days in jail and up to 15 years in prison.

Komoroski faces serious criminal charges, as well as civil charges.

Related: Injured in a Car Accident? Here’s What You Need to Do Right Away.

Civil Charges Against the Driver

When a driver is responsible for an accident that leads to serious injury or death, the driver can face criminal as well as civil charges. The injured party or the family of the injured party can sue for personal injury or wrongful death.

Komoroski was also named in the civil suit filed by Hutchinson.

While five companies listed as defendants have settled, Komoroski’s part of the case is still pending. If she is found guilty in the case, she may be ordered to pay financial damages to cover costs associated with both Miller’s death and Hutchinson’s injuries.

Personal injury and wrongful death cases may order guilty parties to pay financial compensation to cover the costs of:

• Existing and future medical bills
• Loss of income
• Loss of future earnings
• Emotional trauma
• Debilitating long-term physical impairments
• Loss of consortium or companionship
• Damage to lifestyle because of the injury
• Funeral costs

Both Komoroski’s criminal and civil cases are still pending.

Related: Types of Personal Injury Cases: Do You Have a Claim? 

Get Justice After a Car Accident

If a loved one is injured or killed due to the negligence of another party, you deserve justice. Talk to a personal injury attorney today to see how you can fight to get financial compensation to help cover the costs and emotional trauma caused by the accident.

Get advice about your case today. Schedule a free consultation with TJ Grimaldi. Schedule your consultation or call 813-226-1023 now.

With so many mentions of Sean “Diddy” Combs and his court cases lately, it can be difficult to keep track of the music mogul’s legal troubles.

What are the cases against Combs, and what does it mean that a grand jury may soon hear the allegations against him?

Multiple Civil Cases Accuse Combs of Abuse

In the past year, civil cases against Sean “Diddy” Combs have started to pile up.

Multiple women have sued Combs for behavior that includes abuse, sexual assault, and rape. All of the cases have been filed in civil court where there is no potential for jail time. If Combs were to be found guilty in any civil case, the consequences would be financial damages awarded to the plaintiff from Combs, not jail time for Combs.

Parties can also settle a civil suit out of court, which is what happened with the case filed against Combs by his former girlfriend, Cassie Venture Case.

In November 2023, Ventura filed a $30 million lawsuit against Combs. The lawsuit said Combs physically abused Venture and held “complete control” over her personal and professional life. Venture said she tried to end their relationship in 2018, at which time Combs forced her back into the house and raped her. Combs denied all allegations. It took one day for the case to be settled outside of court for an undisclosed amount, per reporting by CNN.

At least six other civil suits accusing Combs of abuse have been filed after Ventura’s case. Combs has also been named in a sexual assault lawsuit against his son, per CNN.

Related: What’s the Difference Between a Civil and Criminal Case?

Federal Agents Raid Combs’ Homes

The civil cases against Combs are not supported by state or federal investigations. The cases are brought by individuals, and the individuals and their attorneys hold the burden of proving their case.

Now, federal agents have started to look into the allegations against Combs, seemingly to prepare for a criminal case against him.

In March 2024, federal agents raided two of Combs’ homes. Combs was not home when agents went into his homes in Los Angeles and Miami and seized property to use in their investigation.

The raids were conducted by Homeland Security Investigations agency (HSI) who has declined to give details about the investigation. But a source close to the investigation said at least four individuals have been interviewed by federal officials in relation to the allegations of sex trafficking, sexual assault, and the solicitation and distribution of illegal narcotics and firearms.

Related: Dealing With the Media During a High-Profile Case: What to Expect

A Violent Video Is Released

Venture’s civil case against Combs lasted for only one day before it was settled outside of court. Many of the details of the case weren’t made public, but months later, CNN released a video showing some of the behavior alleged in Venture’s case.

The surveillance video from a hotel showed Combs physically shoving, hitting, and dragging Ventura in 2016.

While Combs has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, he could not deny his actions captured in the video. He released an apology video through his social media account shortly after the release of the footage.

A Grand Jury Could Be Coming Up

With more people coming forward with stories about Combs’ abuse and investigators collecting evidence from his home, it appears federal agents are building a criminal case against Combs.

CNN reported that a federal grand jury may soon hear details of the case.

A grand jury is a legal body made up of everyday citizens who are brought in to hear details of potential criminal conduct and determine whether criminal charges should be filed. The primary function of a grand jury is to review evidence presented by the prosecutor and determine whether there is sufficient cause (probable cause) to believe that a crime has been committed.

Grand jury proceedings are usually conducted in secret. This confidentiality protects the reputation of potential defendants if the jury does not indict, encourages witnesses to speak freely without fear of retaliation, and prevents the accused from fleeing or tampering with evidence.

Due to the secretive nature of grand jury meetings, it is unknown if and when the jury will meet, but sources say that it is likely that some of Combs’ accusers will be brought to testify in front of the grand jury.

CNN has reported that the scope of the investigation is focused on sex trafficking, money laundering, and illegal drugs in addition to physical and sexual abuse. If reporting is correct, a grand jury will soon hear from witnesses and be presented with evidence taken during the federal raid.

If the grand jury decides there is enough evidence to support the charges, prosecutors would then issue an indictment and formally charge Combs with one or more crimes.

If criminally charged, Combs would then face the potential of jail time if found guilty of the allegations against him.

Related: If You’re Arrested for a Crime, Immediately Take These 6 Steps

Get Expert Advice on Criminal Cases Big and Small

Any criminal charge can drastically change your life. If you have been accused of a crime big or small, talk to a criminal defense attorney right away. For a free consultation regarding your case, schedule a meeting with attorney TJ Grimaldi. Discuss the details of your case and see how our legal team can fight for your best interests. Schedule your consultation or call 813-226-1023 now.

For the first time in American history, a former President of the United States has been convicted of a crime. On May 30, 2024, former President Donald J. Trump was found guilty 34 times on state criminal charges.

What does the conviction mean for the upcoming election and the former President?

What Crimes Did Trump Commit?

In April 2023, Donald J. Trump was charged by the New York District Attorney’s Office with 34 counts of falsifying business records.

Trump’s false business records were related to three catch-and-kill schemes. Trump and his associates paid off individuals in an attempt to prevent the parties from releasing negative information about Trump. Catch-and-kill schemes are not illegal, but the way Trump’s team entered the payments as financial records were. Each of the 34 counts represents a time when Trump made a false business record, such as a general ledger entry or signed check.

Falsifying business records is a misdemeanor in New York, as defined in Article 175 of the New York Penal Law. The charge is elevated to a felony if the falsification was done in an effort to commit another crime.

In Trump’s case, he was charged with felony counts because the falsification was done to cover up campaign and election crimes.

After a six-week trial, a jury of twelve unanimously found Trump guilty on all 34 courts.

Related: What Do The 34 Charges Against Donald J. Trump Mean?   

When Will Trump Be Sentenced?

The responsibility of the jury was to determine guilt or innocence. Sentencing is the responsibility of the judge on the case, New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan.

Trump was found guilty 34 times for the same crime. The crime has no mandatory jail time and carries a maximum sentencing of four years in prison.

The judge will determine Trump’s punishment during a sentencing hearing on July 11, 2024.

Prior to sentencing, each side will have an opportunity to submit filings to the judge and make arguments for what sentence they think is fair.

Related: Misdemeanor vs Felony: What’s the Difference? 

Will Trump Go to Prison?

Trump faces four years of prison time for each of the 34 counts, which is a total of 136 years, but it is unlikely he will face anything close to that punishment, experts say.

Because Trump has no criminal record and has not been convicted of a violent crime, he may not face jail time. Also, if he does get sentenced to time in prison, the judge could choose a sentence that would run concurrently, cutting down the time.

Outside of jail time, Trump could also be sentenced to fines, probation, and/or home confinement.

The maximum fine for each crime is $5,000, which could total $170,000 in fines.

Probation would require Trump to report to the New York City Department of Probation in person on a regular basis. Both probation and home confinement could seriously disrupt Trump’s presidential campaign and presidential duties if elected.

Can Trump Still Run for President?

Yes, Trump can still run for President of the United States. He can also run even if he is in prison.

Can Trump Pardon Himself?

No, Trump cannot pardon himself in this case. The President can only issue pardons for federal crimes, and Trump was convicted of a New York state crime. The only person who can issue pardons for New York state crimes is the Governor of New York.

Is This the End of the Case?

No, Trump’s team plans to appeal the conviction. After sentencing, his team will have 30 days to file the notice of appeal, and then, six months to file the appeal. If the judge sentences Trump to jail time, he may allow Trump to avoid serving his time until the appeals process is finalized.

It is also likely that Trump’s team will ask for a continuance prior to the July hearing. In that case, sentencing could be further delayed.

What Happens Next?

With one trial down, Trump now looks forward to three other pending criminal cases. On this blog, we broke down the 91 total crimes the former President has been accused of.

Other pending cases include:

• Election Interference Case in Georgia (13 criminal charges)
• Federal January 6th case (4 criminal charges)
• Federal Documents Case (40 criminal charges)

If Trump is sentenced to probation and he is convicted of other crimes, he could be immediately sent to jail per the terms of his probation. Each of the pending cases could also result in jail time if he is convicted.

Related: What Does It Take to Be an Attorney for a High-Profile Case?

Take Any Criminal Charge Seriously

You don’t have to be running for President for being convicted of a crime to majorly disrupt your life. If you have been accused of a crime, talk to a criminal defense attorney right away to start a plan to lessen the impacts the charges can have on your life.

Schedule a free consultation with attorney TJ Grimaldo to review your case for free. Schedule now or call 813-226-1023 now.

The end of the school year is usually a celebratory time at colleges and universities, but instead of parties this year, there were protests and police. More than 2,000 students were arrested.

What laws did the students break? And what punishments could they face?

How Did the Protests Start?

In mid-April 2024, students across the country began to ramp up efforts to protest against Israel’s military bombardment of Gaza. Students started calling on their universities and colleges to divest from investments the students believe support Israel and the war in Gaza.

The protests mostly started in the Northeast. Columbia University was the site of the largest demonstration. From April 17 through April 30, more students began protesting at universities across the country. According to the Crowd Counting Consortium and reporting by The Washington Post, 150 colleges and universities across the country had some sort of pro-Palestinian demonstration.

Protests included activities such as:

• Gathering in public spaces
• Chanting
• Creating disruptions
• Setting up encampments of tents
• Occupying buildings

While many protests were peaceful, some became combative when security and law enforcement were sent in to dismantle encampments and remove protesters. In some cases, clashes between protesters and police led to physical alterations, the deployment of tear gas, and arrests.

Related: If You’re Arrested for a Crime, Immediately Take These 6 Steps

Who Was Arrested?

More than 2,000 people were arrested during the campus protests, according to The Washington Post’s reporting.

Arrests happened all across the country. Columbia University had the most arrests with 220. University of California at Los Angeles was next with 200.

In Florida, three schools saw arrests. The University of South Florida had thirteen, the University of Florida had nine, and Florida State University had five.

What were the students doing to break the law?

What Rules & Laws Were the Protesters Breaking?

Students have a right to free speech. Under the First Amendment, they can express their opinions. However, the activities they use to express their speech can break campus rules and local and state laws.

The ACLU says students can speak out as long as they “don’t disrupt the functioning of the school or violate the school’s content-neutral policies.” In many cases, universities and colleges thought student activities went beyond their First Amendment rights and broke campus rules and laws.

In some cases, schools were clear about the guidelines for protests. For example, The University of Florida circulated a list of prohibited activities. As reported by news affiliate WUFT, the letter told students and faculty it was prohibited to litter, use tents or sleeping bags, block paths, use bullhorns or speakers, and protest inside buildings. The letter from campus police said those who violated the rules could be suspended or fired and banished from campus for three years.

Beyond being kicked out of school, students also faced potential criminal charges if they violated local and state laws. Once universities and colleges called in police, students began getting arrested.

The most common charges that led to arrest include misdemeanors such as:

• Trespassing
• Resisting arrest
• Vandalism
• Disorderly conduct (which includes disturbing the peace, loitering, obstructing traffic, and using extremely obscene or abusive language)

In some cases, the charges were more serious. Students charged with threatening violence or assaulting a police officer could face felony charges.

The potential consequences of the charges are outlined in state law and range by location. In all cases, misdemeanors would lead to lesser consequences than a felony, and the severity of the crimes would determine the extent of the consequences, which could include fines and jail time.

Related: Misdemeanor vs Felony: What’s the Difference? 

What Laws Against Protesting Exist in Florida?

According to reporting from The Washington Post, 27 students were arrested in Florida at college campuses. Those cases will follow Florida laws about protesting and disorderly conduct.

Chapter 870 of the Florida Statutes covers laws related to affrays, riots, and unlawful assemblies. Florida Statute 871.015 references protests and public assembly. The law says, “Whoever willfully and maliciously interrupts or disturbs any school or any assembly of people met for the worship of God, any assembly of people met for the purpose of acknowledging the death of an individual, or for any other lawful purpose commits a misdemeanor.”

Florida Statute 870.02 says, “If three or more persons meet together to commit a breach of the peace, or to do any other unlawful act, each of them shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree.” As for disorderly conduct, Florida Statute 877.03 says, “Conduct as to constitute a breach of the peace or disorderly conduct, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree.”

Other laws impose more severe felony charges against those involved in protests if they become excessively disruptive or dangerous.

Florida Statute 870.01 says, “All persons guilty of a riot, or of inciting or encouraging a riot, shall be guilty of a felony of the third degree.”

The charges against those arrested at a protest could range from a small misdemeanor to a more serious felony charge.

Were You Arrested? Talk to an Attorney Right Away

Getting arrested, whether on a misdemeanor or charge, is serious. If found guilty, you can face fines, probation, and jail time. If you are arrested, talk to a criminal defense attorney right away so you can immediately start planning a legal defense strategy. With the right approach, you may be able to lessen the charges and potential consequences, so act fast.

If you have a criminal case to discuss, contact attorney TJ Grimaldi today. All consultations are free. Request your consultation or call 813-226-1023 now.