Strategies for RPO Hearings

I was recently invited to give a presentation at a CLE seminar for the St. Pete Bar Association on Friday, May 17, 2019, at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club. The seminar was entitled “Know Your Client’s Rights: Adapting to Legislative Changes in Criminal Defense.” My part of the presentation was on representing clients facing weapons removal and restriction under Risk Protection Orders.

My 40-minute presentation was followed by an hour-long panel discussion on RPOs with Judge Pat Siracusa, Judge Susan St. John, an attorney in private practice, Bruce H. Denson, and attorneys for the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office and the Tampa Police Department,

My presentation focused on strategies for the Respondent to win the Risk Protection Order (RPO) hearing by showing the Court why the petition for the RPO should be denied.

As a practical matter, most of the Respondents in these hearings appear without an attorney. In my opinion, many of these people consent to the RPO without fully understanding the law or anything about the direct or collateral consequences.[1]

I’m adding the material from my presentation below with a few modifications. I’m sharing this information in hopes it might help another attorney during their first RPO hearing or those trying to learn more about the process from the defense attorney’s perspective.

Sharing this information is also a great way to network with other attorneys fighting similar battles in Florida or other states. Feel free to email me at Lsammis@sammislawfirm.com if you think I missed anything, disagree, or suggest a different approach. I’m also interested in learning about the differences between Florida’s approach and how these hearings are conducted in other states.

I’d like to thank Kendra Parris, Esq., who has information on her website about Risk Protection Orders in Florida and handles these cases throughout the state. She has been kind enough to share information on her motions and appellate brief pending in the 2nd DCA. I have incorporated some of the information I learned from Ms. Parris into my presentation with her permission.

My Experience with Protective Orders

I’ve been practicing criminal defense for the past 20 years. For at least the past 12 years, I’ve also been representing Respondents in protection order hearings for domestic violence, repeat violence, dating violence, and stalking.

Since this statute took effect a year ago, I have started representing clients in RPO cases.

Anytime new laws are passed, it takes some time for the dust to settle. Law enforcement agencies have to decide when to file the petitions, defense attorneys have to figure out the best way to represent their clients, and the judges have to figure out how they will handle the proceedings.

Over time, everyone starts to figure out the best way to handle their part of the case and cooperate with the other parties involved. So, the strategies suggested here might change over time as we become more experienced in dealing with particular agencies or judges. Some tactics work in one jurisdiction but might be counterproductive in another.

Having a good relationship with the agency’s attorney is important because you might convince them to drop their request for the Final RPO, to consent to a motion to vacate in six months, or not to request an extension of the RPO a year later.

What is a RPO in Florida?

The Florida Legislature created The Risk Protection Order Act (Section 790.401, Florida Statutes) in 2018. The statute seeks to reduce deaths and injuries by restricting persons at a high risk of harming themselves or others from having access to firearms or ammunition.

The statute allows law enforcement officers or agencies to obtain a court order when there is evidence that a person poses a significant danger to himself or herself or others by having a firearm or any ammunition.

This significant danger might be the result of a mental health crisis, evidenced by violent behavior or any other factor enumerated in s. 790.401(3)(c), or any other “relevant evidence.”

The purpose of the statute is “[T]o reduce deaths and injuries as a result of certain individuals’ use of firearms while respecting constitutional rights.” Ch. 2018-3, § 14(2), at 15, Laws of Fla.

This article examines whether the statute includes adequate “standards and safeguards to protect the constitutional rights of those persons and to ensure due process of law” as suggested by the OSCA Court Staff Manual on RPO?.

Why are RPO Laws Being Created?

The Florida law was derived almost word-for-word from the Washington “Extreme Risk Protection Order Act,” Wash. Rev. Code § 7.94, passed by a voter referendum in 2016. At last count, fifteen states and the District of Columbia have passed risk protection order laws.

On January 3, 2019, Senator Rubio introduced the “Extreme Risk Protection Order and Violence Prevention Act of 2019.” Congress.gov, S. 7 , 116th Congress (2019-2020), which is virtually identical to s. 790.401, F.S., except that any family or household member has the standing to act as the petitioner, in addition to law enforcement. (Latest Action: Senate – 01/03/2019 Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary).

The bill also authorized appropriations in the amount of $20 million for each fiscal year from 2019 through 2023 to be awarded by the Department of Justice to states that have enacted “qualifying” risk protection order laws.

The funds promise to provide assistance to law enforcement agencies or the courts to carry out this new law.

Who is the Petitioner?

Under The Risk Protection Order Act, only law enforcement officers or agencies may file a petition for a risk protection order. The petition must be filed in the clerk’s office for the circuit court in the county where the Petitioner’s law enforcement office is located (or in the county where the Respondent resides).

2019 SB 7106 expanded the definition of a petitioner to seek an RPO to include certain family members of the respondent or a person who is the respondent’s legal guardian (without the assistance of law enforcement). Although this bill died in committee on 5/3/19, this proposed legislation reemerged.

On August 6, 2019, State Senator Lori Berman (D), representing central Palm Beach County, FL, introduced 2020 SB 114. On August 16, 2019, the bill was referred to the Infrastructure and Security Committee, the Judiciary Committee, and the Rules Committee.

The bill expands the definition of “petitioner” to include not just law enforcement officers and agencies but immediate family members. If 2020 SB 114 becomes law, the petitioner would include individuals who:

• have a biological or legal parent-child relationship with the respondent, including a stepparent-stepchild relationship;
• have a grandparent-grandchild relationship;
• are the legal guardian of a respondent;
• are the spouse of a respondent; or
• are a sibling of a respondent.

What additional problems are created if Florida’s RPO is amended to allow family members to file these types of petitions?

What must be shown?

For the ex parte Temporary RPO:

The petition and accompanying affidavit(s) must provide facts that give rise to a reasonable fear that Respondent “poses a significant danger of causing personal injury to himself or herself or others by having …a firearm or any ammunition.”

The Temporary RPO has two additional requirements:

1. the sworn facts that demonstrate that Respondent poses a significant danger of causing the injury must be based on personal knowledge; and
2. the sworn facts must demonstrate that the danger may occur in the near future.

For the Final RPO:

Does the court find “by clear and convincing evidence that the respondent poses a significant danger of causing personal injury to himself or herself or others by having …a firearm or any ammunition”?

What is the Burden of Persuasion?

The burden of persuasion for the Temporary RPO hearing is “reasonable cause.” For the Final RPO hearing, the burden of persuasion is “clear and convincing evidence.”

For the motion to vacate the RPO, the Respondent has the burden of persuasion by “clear and convincing evidence.”

What Do You Mean: “I Can’t Have a Continuance?”

The RPO statute does NOT prohibit the court from granting a continuance for good cause at the 14-day hearing. Instead, the statute merely provides:

“the court must order a hearing to be held no later than 14 days after the date of the order…..” (emphasis added).

Once the court orders the hearing to be held, then this provision of the statute is satisfied.

The statute for domestic violence protective order expressly allows the court to grant a continuance and extend the temporary order during the continuance. So to avoid any prejudice to the petitioner, we agree to stipulate that the Temporary RPO will be extended until the continued return hearing.

Most jurisdictions routinely grant the request for a continuance by the Respondent’s attorney with good cause. Alternatively, the Court might offer to bifurcate the proceeding to allow the Respondent to return later to present their side of the case.

Even if the RPO statute is silent about the ability to continue the hearing, I believe it is required as a matter of basic due process when requested by the Respondent with good cause. Without a continuance, there is no way to adequately represent the Respondent or have a fair hearing. For this reason, it is important to file a “motion to continue” to preserve that issue for appeal.

Which Rules of Evidence Apply?

Section 790.401(3)(e), Florida Statutes, specifically provides that the same rules of evidence apply to a domestic violence injunction proceeding under s. 741.30 (Ch. 90), also applies to an RPO hearing. [2]

The relevant rules of evidence, with citations to the applicable Florida statute, are listed here:

• Hearsay –section 90.801
  • Availability of declarant immaterial –section 90.803
  • Declarant unavailable – section 90.804
  • Self-authentication –section 90.902
•  Relevancy
  • Definition – section 90.401
  • Admissibility – section 90.402
  • Exclusion (prejudice/confusion) – section 90.403
• Oaths/Affirmations – section 92.50
• Presumptions
  • Defined –section 90.301
  • Rebuttable –section 90.302
  • Burden of proof –section 90.304
•  Judicial Notice
  • Mandatory –section 90.201
  • Discretionary –section 90.202
• Privileges – section 90.501
• Competency
  • Generally –section 90.601
  • Disqualification –section 90.603
• Expert Witnesses
  • Generally –section 90.702
  • Basis of opinion testimony –section 90.704
  • Authoritativeness of literature –section 90.706

Which Rules of Procedure Apply?

Since the same rules of evidence that apply to a domestic violence injunction proceeding under Section 741.30 also apply in an RPO hearing, does the same hold true for the rules of procedure?

The answer is no. The Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure apply to domestic violence, repeat violence, dating violence, stalking violence, and sexual violence injunction for protection hearings as explained in Rule 12.010(a)(1), but not to RPO hearings. [3]

Instead, the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure apply to RPO hearings for the reasons explained in Rule 1.010. Under Rule 1.010, the civil rules of procedure apply to:

“all actions of a civil nature and all special statutory proceedings in the circuit courts and county courts except those to which the Florida Probate Rules, the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, or the Small Claims Rules apply.”

Since the RPO statute doesn’t fit into any of those exceptions, the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure must apply to an RPO hearing.

Can I Take the Deposition of the Witnesses Named in the RPO Petition?

Yes. Florida Rule Civil Procedure 1.310 provides:

For injunctions for protection cases in Florida, the Court may not bar the opportunity for discovery but may limit the time in which a party may engage in discovery.

“The court must balance the need to expedite the hearing and the need to ensure that the parties’ due process rights are not violated. The trial court is imbued with discretion to limit the time frame and nature of discovery in such cases and can do so by examining individual discovery requests on a case by case basis.” Nettles v Hoyos, 138 So. 3d 593 (Fla. 5th DCA 2014).

I think the same logic should apply to the RPO hearing. The Courts should give the Respondent’s attorney an opportunity to obtain discovery and be prepared for the return hearing.

Should You Bring a Court Reporter?

Unless you are sure the court is providing the court reporter or an electronic recording, you should always bring a court reporter (unless you have a really good reason not to). Section 790.401, Florida Statutes, does NOT require the court to record a hearing on the Final RPO, a motion to vacate, or a motion to extend.

Without a transcript, it is nearly impossible for the Respondent to successfully appeal an adverse ruling. If a petition to extend the RPO is filed each year, having a record of that initial hearing might become important years later.

This doesn’t seem to be an issue in Pinellas County because the RPO hearings are recorded electronically using the “Blue Man.” In fact, Administrative Order 2018-042 (B)(1)(c) provides that “[c]ourt-employed digital court reporters shall report all other Criminal Division proceedings.”

In Hillsborough County, it is my understanding that the proceedings are NOT electronically recorded, so bringing a court reporter is necessary (unless you have a really good reason not to).

Over the past several months, the courts have started to add information to their notices about whether the hearing will be electronically recorded or whether either side is invited to bring a court reporter.

Motions to File Before the RPO Hearing

You might consider filing one or more of the following motions before the RPO hearing:

1. “Motion to Continue” explaining all the reasons you have good cause for the request;
2. “Motion to Dismiss” the Temporary RPO petition if it doesn’t contain sworn facts that demonstrate that the Respondent:
   • poses a significant danger of causing injury based on personal knowledge; and
   • the sworn facts must demonstrate that the danger may occur in the near future.
3. “Motion to Declare Section 790.401 Unconstitutional” (as explained below):
4. “Motion to Suppress or Exclude” testimony about physical evidence seized (if any) or testimony about observations made by law enforcement during the RPO investigation:
   • In the motion, describe the evidence seized, statements taken, or observations made during the initial RPO investigation that should be suppressed or excluded.
   • From the petition itself, you often have enough information to put in your motion, including:
     • the time, date, and location of the stop, detention, search and/or seizure;
     • the names and badge numbers of any officers involved;
     • the reasons why the stop, detention, search, or seizure was unreasonable under the Fourth Amendment;
     • the reasons why the interrogation was coerced or taken in violation of Miranda, the Fifth Amendment right to remain silent, or the Sixth Amendment right to the assistance of counsel;
     • move to exclude or suppress that evidence as the fruit of the poison tree.
   • After the motion is filed, the Petitioner should have the burden of establishing the evidence was lawfully obtained (which is an issue in DHSMV formal review hearings for a DUI driver’s license suspension or a civil asset forfeiture case).
   • Question each witness to show how the illegality occurred to preserve that issue for appeal.

Evidence Gathered Illegally for the RPO Petition

When I read these petitions, I’m often struck by how much of the “evidence” is based on what happened after the officers confronted the Respondent as part of their RPO investigation right before or right after filing for the Temporary RPO.

These issues don’t exist in every RPO case. This evidence or testimony might only be a small part of the Petitioner’s overall case. Nevertheless, I’ve seen this issue arise because the officers don’t follow their normal procedures during an RPO investigation because they perceive the circumstances as more pressing or demanding.

In a case with little evidence, the Petitioner often makes a big deal about things that happened while the officers were confronting the Respondent before even obtaining the TRPO and then again while serving the TRPO.

Many cases involve an extensive interrogation without reading a Miranda warning. Once the officer decides this is an “RPO” investigation, the goal of the interrogation is to develop evidence that can be used in the petition. If the evidence wouldn’t be admissible in a criminal case, then it should be admissible in an RPO hearing either.

Additionally, the officers might illegally detain the Respondent for questioning during a prolonged detention and then complain that he was not forthcoming or cooperative.

I’ve seen several cases where the Respondent was detained, and evidence for the RPO hearing was gathered as part of a roadside investigation. In these types of cases, the legality of the stop or detention is often in dispute.

When the officers serve the Temporary RPO, they often gain entry into the house or vehicle to retrieve the firearms (without a warrant). It would be hard to imagine a scenario in which “free and voluntary consent” would exist under those circumstances surrounding forced surrender.

The only exceptions to the warrant requirement are either voluntary consent or exigent circumstances, although neither of those exceptions neatly fits these scenarios.

Compounding the problem, the officer might come into the house and comment about the house being in disarray or criticize how the firearms are being stored or secured. If the officers make those observations, you can bet the Petitioner will attempt to use it against the Respondent at the hearing.

From the officer’s perspective, there is no choice other than to force the “surrender” of the firearms and concealed weapon permit. The Respondent might become upset and question their authority for taking such action or be less than fully cooperative.

I understand the pressure put on law enforcement in these circumstances, but the bottom line is that any illegally gathered evidence should not be “bootstrapped” into the hearing and presented as a reason to grant the RPO.

From my perspective, the easiest way to address this issue is to look at the evidence in the Petition and then file a quick motion to suppress or exclude it before the hearing.

Motion to Declare Section 790.401 Unconstitutional

Because the statute is new, attorneys are filing Motions to Declare Section 790.401 Unconstitutional on its face and as applied. I’ve outlined a quick summary of those issues that can be raised.

1. The RPO Statute Violates the Second Amendment
   • An argument can be made that the statute violates the Second Amendment and the Right to Bear Arms.
   • The second amendment is fully applicable to the states through the due process clause of the fourteenth amendment. McDonald v. Chicago, 561 U.S. 742, 778, 130 S.Ct. 3020, 177 L.Ed.2d 894 (2010).
   • Additionally, under Article I, § 8(a) of the Florida Constitution provides: “[t]he right of the people to keep and bear arms in defense of themselves and of the lawful authority of the state shall not be infringed, except that the manner of bearing arms may be regulated by law.”
2. The RPO Statute is Overly Broad because it does NOT require:
   1. the risk of significant danger related to any specific type of mental health crisis or violent behavior; or
   2. the fear be related to an imminent or present or credible danger.
3. The RPO Statute Void for Vagueness [1] because it does not define any of the following terms or phrases:
   1.  reasonable fear;
   2. reasonable fear of significant dangerous acts; and
   3. poses a “significant danger.”
4. The RPO Statute Infringes on First Amendment Rights
   • Argue the statute does not exclude constitutionally protected activity and infringes on First Amendment rights or inhibits the First Amendment rights of other parties even when that conduct is not criminal.
5. Retroactive Application
   • If the Petitioner seeks retroactive application of the RPO statute to facts that occurred before the law went into effect, it would render the statute unconstitutional, as applied to the Respondent.
   • Section 790.401, Florida Statutes (“Risk Protection Order Act”) was enacted on March 9, 2018. The statute is substantive law and contains no clear legislative expression of retroactive application.
   • If the petition alleges facts and events that occurred before March 9, 2018, then file a motion to dismiss and/or exclude before the hearing and argue that the court should not consider those facts on retroactive application grounds.

Over time, the appellate courts might deny relief on these grounds and settle these undecided issues.

Ways to Avoid a “Hearing by Ambush”

What do you do if your motion to continue is denied? You might consider taking these steps:

• Get there early and bring your lunch (just in case);
• Bring a second attorney (or an assistant to help you)
• Bring your cell phone to take pictures of the Petitioner’s documents;
  • Believe it or not, the Petitioner might not be willing to give you a copy of their exhibits, police reports, or witness statements until ordered to do so by the court;
• When the court calls the case, argue your grounds for a continuance and tell the court about the other motions you have filed (make sure you get a ruling on each and every motion);
• If the court denies your motion to continue, ask the court to force the petitioner’s attorney to make you a copy of the exhibits they intend to introduce, plus the other items you’ve already requested from the Petitioner, including pictures, audio, video, police reports, or written statements in their possession;
• Ask the court to pass the case temporarily so you have time to question the witnesses in the hallway (have the second attorney or your assistant stand by as a witness to the interview if impeachment becomes necessary).
• If the court only allows you to talk to the witnesses in the hallway before the hearing, can you use your court reporter to take a “hallway deposition” over the Petitioner’s objection?
  • Maybe it sounds absurd, but sometimes you have to make your point by responding logically to the absurdity being used by the other side.
  • If the court wants to use this concept of “hallway discovery,” then the concept of “hallway deposition” seems equally appropriate.
  • If you are paying for the court reporter’s time anyway, you might as well put them to good use.
  • The deposition might become important for impeachment purposes.
  • If the court denies the request, you have additional grounds for the due process violation.
  • You might even have your process server on standby to serve the notice of taking depositions for that same day on the witness.
• Renew your objections and restate the prejudice after talking to the witnesses but before the hearing.
• Renew all your motions and objections after the Petitioner’s case is in chief and after you have rested your case.

Making Objections at the RPO Hearing

Preserve the record with the appropriate objections. What rules of evidence apply during a TPO hearing?

Under Section 790.401(3)(e), Florida Statutes, the same rules of evidence apply to a domestic violence injunction proceeding under s. 741.30, also apply in a TPO hearing. Expect the petitioner’s attorney to present a lot of testimony that is hearsay, irrelevant, speculation, and lacks personal knowledge.

Objections to Business Records

The petitioner might file a notice of intent to offer a business record of regularly conducted activity by certification or declaration right before the hearing.

The docket might show the “NOTICE OF INTENT TO OFFER RECORDS OF REGULARLY CONDUCTED BUSINESS ACTIVITY” that references 90.803(6)(a) and (c) and 90.902(11).

To lay a proper foundation, a certification or declaration must comply with paragraph (c) and s. 90.902(11).

File a written object at the hearing that a proper foundation cannot be established and explain why. Those objections to the foundation for the document being admitted as a business record might include the following arguments:

• the notice was not reasonable because it was only provided a few days before the hearing or it was not received by the Respondent at all (since they probably mailed it right before the hearing);
• the certification or declaration was not attached to the notice;
• a copy of the business record itself was not attached to the notice; or
• the petitioner did not otherwise make it available for viewing with sufficient notice.

Object if the Court allows a Witness to Testify by Phone

Under Florida Statute Section 790.401(3)(a)3, the statute allows the court to conduct a hearing by telephone pursuant to “a local court rule to reasonably accommodate a disability or exceptional circumstances.” Object that the predicate has not been established to show the “disability or exceptional circumstances.”

Object if the witness is not sworn to tell the truth by a notary standing in the same room as the witness who can verify the identity of the witness (this is required in other types of telephonic hearings, including DHSMV telephonic formal review hearings). The court should not allow for witness testimony that is not sworn or under oath.

Find the local rules for testimony by phone, if any, and object to the fact that a proper foundation has not been established for the testimony and explain why.

For the TRPO, can the judge call the law enforcement officer to conduct the ex-parte hearing? In Broward County, the “preferred method of communication” for the TRPO is over the phone.

Can You Move to Close the Proceeding or Seal the Records?

If the petition alleges serious mental illness or recurring mental health issues, then requests that the records and proceedings be kept closed and sealed to protect both the judicial process and the confidentiality of information.

To rebut the allegations, explain why the Respondent would need to disclose and discuss his mental health records, including records created pursuant to a Baker Act examination.

Both the Florida legislature and the courts have long recognized that, as a matter of public policy, mental health records and proceedings are confidential and may not be disclosed to the public except in very limited circumstances. See § 394.459(9), F.S.

For example, in Tribune Co. v. D.M.L., 566 So. 2d 1333 (Fla. 2d DCA 1990), the court found that Baker Act proceedings must be closed to protect the “individual dignity and human rights” guaranteed by the Florida Mental Health Act for individuals with mental illness. Applicable provisions related to these issues include:

• Fla. Const. Art. I, sec. 23 (right of privacy);
• § 456.057, F.S. (confidentiality of mental health records generally);
• §§ 394.453(1)(b)5. and 394.459(1), F.S. (legislative intent to support individual dignity and human rights of mental health patients);
• § 456.059 (confidentiality of psychiatrists’ records);
• § 490.0147 (confidentiality of all other mental health practitioners’ records).

What Happens if the Court Denies the Final RPO?

If the RPO petition is denied, a written order must be entered. Additional language is required if a TRPO has been issued and firearm/ammunition/license has been surrendered.

The Order will require the Petitioner, as requested by Respondent, to return any firearms, ammunition, or license to carry a concealed weapon or firearm that was surrendered by Respondent (after complying with all applicable provisions of federal and state law).

If you win the hearing, motion to vacate, or if the RPO expires, your client will be able to make an appointment to get the firearms returned.

The new form order provides that the Clerk of the Court shall immediately forward a copy of the Order to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services so the department can reinstate the Respondent’s license to carry a concealed weapon or firearm (after complying with all applicable provisions of federal and state law.)

The new form order also requires the Petitioner to promptly remove the risk protection order from any computer-based system in which it was entered, including the FCIC and NCIC.

Evaluations if the RPO is Granted?

If the Respondent is ordered to complete a mental health and/or chemical dependency evaluation, the case could be reset to ensure the Respondent has complied with the court order for the evaluation(s). The final RPO might include the compliance hearing date.

Who should perform the mental health or chemical dependency evaluation?

What if the Respondent has lost his job because of the RPO and can’t afford it?

What Happens When a RPO Order Expires?

If a risk protection order expires without extension, the Respondent can get back the firearms and concealed weapons permit (if the Respondent is otherwise eligible after a background check).

Can the RPO Be Extended Beyond One Year?

The petitioner may, by written motion, request an extension of a risk protection order at any time within 30 days before the end of the order. Upon receipt of the motion to extend, the court shall schedule a hearing to be held no later than fourteen (14) days after the date the order is issued.

For any other type of injunction, the Respondent must be personally served with notice of any request for an extension. However, Section 790.401(5)(b) of the statute states that any order to continue:

“after the original service of documents…[i]f delivery at the hearing is not possible, the clerk shall mail certified copies of the order to the parties at the last known address of each party. Service by mail is complete upon mailing.

When an order is served pursuant to this subsection, the clerk shall prepare a written certification to be placed in the court file specifying the time, date, and method of service and shall notify the sheriff.”

For this reason, the Respondent should notify the clerk of court if their address changes and check the docket to see if a motion to extend the order is filed within 30 days prior to the end of the order.

Motion to Vacate the RPO

The Respondent gets one chance to file a “Motion to Vacate” the RPO each time it is granted or extended. Get completely prepared before you file the Motion to Vacate because the hearing must be scheduled within 14 days.

This time, the Respondent has the burden of proving by clear and convincing evidence that they do NOT pose a significant danger of causing personal injury to themselves or others by having firearms or ammunition.

If the Motion to Vacate is granted, the Respondent gets their firearms and concealed weapons permit back if they are otherwise eligible. The agency must remove the RPO from any computer-based system in which it was entered, including FCIC and NCIC.

Criminal Charges Related to the RPO

A person who makes a false statement, which he or she does not believe to be true, under oath in a hearing under s. 790.401, F.S., in regard to any material matter, commits a felony of the third degree. Section 790.401(11)(a), F.S.

A person who has in his or her custody or control a firearm or any ammunition or who purchases, possesses, or receives a firearm or any ammunition with the knowledge that he or she is prohibited from doing so by a risk protection order commits a felony of the third degree. Section 790.401(11)(b), F.S.

RPO Statistics by County

The Summary Reporting System for Risk Protection Orders by county from March 2018 through February 2019, as reported by OSCA: Research, Statistics, and Evaluation Data as of April 1, 2019, shows:

• Pinellas County had 228 Final RPO hearings (223 granted, 1 denied, 4 missing).
  • 99.56% of the written orders granted the Final RPO.
• Polk County had 233 Final RPO hearings (210 granted, 23 denied, 0 missing).
  • 89% of the written orders granted the Final RPO.
• Hillsborough County had 76 Final RPO hearings (67 granted, 1 denied, 8 missing).
  • 98.5% of the written orders granted the RPO.

Throughout Florida, there were 1,359 Final RPO hearings (with 9 counties reporting the statistics from March of 2019).

Disclaimer

Nothing in this article is intended to be legal advice. Being served with a Petition for an RPO is a serious matter that might come with a lifetime of consequences since the petition could theoretically be extended for the rest of the Respondent’s life.

If you need legal advice about a TRPO and RPO, seek out the services of an experienced defense attorney, preferably one who has conducted many protection order hearings in that jurisdiction.

Footnotes

[1] The Florida Supreme Court has yet to adopt a model colloquy to be given to the Respondent by the Circuit Court judges before accepting the Respondent’s stipulation or consent to enter the RPO without a hearing. Likewise, no mandatory instructions are required to warn the Respondent on their constitutional right against self-incrimination at the hearing.

[2] The United States Supreme Court has explained the doctrine of “vagueness” as follows:

“It is a basic principle of due process that an enactment is void for vagueness if its prohibitions are not clearly defined. Vague laws offend several important values.

First, because we assume that man is free to steer between lawful and unlawful conduct, we insist that laws give the person of ordinary intelligence a reasonable opportunity to know what is prohibited, so that he may act accordingly. Vague laws may trap the innocent by not providing fair warning.

Second, if arbitrary and discriminatory enforcement is to be prevented, laws must provide explicit standards for those who apply them. A vague law impermissibly delegates basic policy matters to policemen, judges… for resolution on an ad hoc and subjective basis, with the attendant dangers of arbitrary and discriminatory application.

Third, …where a vague statute “abut[s] upon sensitive areas of basic First Amendment freedoms,” it “operates to inhibit the exercise of those freedoms.” Uncertain meanings inevitably lead citizens to “ ‘steer far wider of the unlawful ones’ … than if the boundaries of the forbidden areas were clearly marked.”

Grayned v. City of Rockford, 408 U.S. 104, 108–09, 92 S.Ct. 2294, 2298–99, 33 L.Ed.2d 222 (1972) (footnotes omitted).

[3] Be aware that Section 790.401(3)(d) seems to allow a procedure that would violated several of the rules of evidence by providing: “[a] person, including an officer of the court, who offers evidence or recommendations relating to the cause of action either must present the evidence or recommendations in writing to the court with copies to each party and his or her attorney, if one is retained, or must present the evidence under oath at a hearing at which all parties are present.”

[4] Pre-trial discovery is available for domestic violence in injunction proceedings as set out in the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedures. According to the 2017 Florida’s Domestic Violence Benchbook, under Rule 12.010(a)(1), the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure apply to domestic, repeat, dating, and sexual violence, and stalking proceedings. Pre-trial discovery is available in these types of injunction cases including:

• depositions (rule 12.290);
• interrogatories (rule 12.340);
• production of documents (rule 12.350);
• examination of persons (rule 12.360); and
• requests for admission (rule 12.370).

*The mandatory disclosure required under Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.285 for most family law cases is not available in domestic, repeat, dating, and sexual violence, or stalking injunction proceedings.

This article was last updated on Saturday, May 18, 2019.