fbpx

Florida’s Lethal Indifference to prisoners dying of Covid-19: Florida is second-worst in nation for inmate deaths during coronavirus pandemic

Florida’s Lethal Indifference to prisoners dying of Covid-19: Florida is second-worst in nation for inmate deaths during coronavirus pandemic

Florida’s Lethal Indifference to prisoners dying of Covid-19: Florida leads the nation in inmate death rate 

 

Florida’s indifference to prisoners dying of COVID-19 is lethal in the most literal sense, said the Sun Sentinel’s Editorial board in an Oct. 25 editorial. 

 

“Indifference can be just as deadly as intent,” the editorial asserted. 

 

COVID-19 has killed 154 Florida prison inmates as of Oct. 25. Florida inmate deaths are a close second to Texas, leading the nation with 161 inmate deaths due to COVID-19. 

 

Florida leads the nation in COVID-19 inmate death rate, however. Texas may have more deaths, but Texas also has about twice as many prisoners in their state compared to Florida. That means Florida’s death rate for prisoners who contract COVID-19 is roughly twice as high as Texas.

 

“Florida prisoners are being infected and dying at dramatically higher rates than Florida’s overall population,” the editorial states. 

 

Florida’s prisons, compared to Florida as a whole, concerning COVID-19 infections: 

  • More than 4x as many COVID-19 infections
  • More than 2x more deaths compared to infection rate
  • Prison employees in Florida have contracted COVID-19 at a rate 3x higher than general public

 

“The first line of defense against the deadly coronavirus should be to release as many inmates as safely possible,” the editorial suggests. It adds that ideal candidates for release are people who have served most of their sentence, committed nonviolent crimes and who pose little danger to society. 

 

Florida isn’t even actively trying to reduce prison populations due to COVID-19.

The Department of Corrections doesn’t have the authority to release people before their sentences are over – but others, such as Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Cabinet – do. “They have unlimited clemency powers,” the editorial board asserts. With minimal effort, an impact could be made on the prison health crisis. 

One of the many contributing factors to the crisis: Florida’s prisons are NOT air conditioned. Only 18 of Florida’s 50 major prison facilities have air conditioning in most of their housing areas, according to WLRN in 2019.  

 

Without air conditioning – the editorial board points out – “there is no practical way to filter out the virus.” 

 

One of the only positives of this situation is that there are fewer prison inmates and even fewer inmates in county jails this year as compared to last year. With nearly 17% fewer county jail inmates, Broward County Chief Public Defender Gordon Weeks chalks that up to police taking fewer non-violent offenders to jail during the pandemic. 

 

More should certainly be done to combat this issue.  This is a human rights issue, bottom-line. To learn more in depth information about the issue be sure to check out the Sun Sentinel Editorial here

 

How we can help Florida Prison Inmates during the Coronavirus Pandemic 

While we can’t offer a sweeping solution to this monumental issue – we’re offering the help we’re able to. Lives are at stake, and we’re here to help the best way we know how. 

 

If you believe you may apply for early release, compassionate release, or home confinement but are worried you may not be granted your request; you need to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney. 

Rossen Law Firm is a Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Attorney, and we’re working together with other local attorneys we trust with extensive federal case experience to help inmates get compassionate release. Our partners are former Assistant State Attorneys for Broward County and Assistant United States Attorney for the government. 

If you or a loved one are currently incarcerated for a nonviolent crime, or are elderly or have a health condition, and believe you may apply for compassionate release  — Rossen law Firm can be your guide through this tough time and work with you & our partners with knowledge of the Federal Law to increase the chances of your possibility of release. 

Don’t wait – reach out today. Call our office at (754) 206 -6200.

A qualified, knowledgeable attorney whose practice focuses on federal law can make all the difference for early release as opposed to just hoping you are one of the lucky who applies for this option under consideration by the powers that be.

If someone you care about is incarcerated in federal prison as the coronavirus spreads exponentially,  we urge you to contact our office at (754) 206-6200 as soon as you can. We will personally look into the possibility of our assistance with compassionate release, and other methods of early discharge from a federal facility.

 

RELATED → Learn more about compassionate release for Florida or Federal Prison inmates in our blog here. 

RELATED → Intentional Coronavirus spread could land you behind in bars or in a lawsuit in Florida

Second DUI, 0.19 Breath
DUI Charge Dismissed
Federal Child Porn Possession
Mandatory Prison Time Avoided
Attempted Murder
Charges Dismissed
How We Win
Second DUI, 0.19 Breath
DUI Charge Dismissed
Federal Child Porn Possession
Mandatory Prison Time Avoided
Attempted Murder
Charges Dismissed
Google Reviews
kevin tabronkevin tabron
00:07 08 Sep 22
In one of the most stressful times in my life, Rossen Law Firm was there for me. Leaving no stone unturned they provided patience and knowledge in every detail of my case. I’m very thankful and proud of this law firm family and especially of my lawyer, Scott Simmons for guiding, defending and helping me in every way possible. He and this law firm family come highly recommended from personal experience!!!
Jason HigleyJason Higley
15:24 26 Aug 22
I had an unfortunate situation with a family member that lead to my arrest and being charged with DV Battery. This was the first time I had ever been arrested so I was very nervous and afraid of what was going to happen to me. After talking with Adam I decided to retain him and let me tell you this was the BEST decision I could have ever made. Adam made me feel so comfortable and confident that everything will turn out the best in my favor. He is professional, ethical and supportive. He was always available too answer any questions or concerns.Not to mention, his team at the office is awesome they are so friendly and welcoming. Anytime I had a question when I called the office they were able to guide me in the rightdirection. They always were in contact with me with any information or updates regarding my case. Adams team is GREAT!Adam delivered, my case was DISMISSED. So if you want an attorney the is gonna fight for you and get the job done retain the BEST there is Adam Rossen!!!
Felix I HFelix I H
13:27 28 Jul 22
Adam Rossen and the team at Rossen Law took great care in handling my case. They are very professional, and get the job done. I was particular relieved to see just how much empathy they showed with me, and how effortless it was to be their client.I literally visited them twice. My initial consultation, and then to pickup the final docs. I have nothing but great things to say about these folks, and I would highly recommend them to anyone. Thanks Guys.
Terry ChristopherTerry Christopher
12:32 09 May 22
I had an amazing experience with The Rossen Law Firm. The staff were very professional. Attorney Susan Lawson went above and beyond working on my case. We were thoroughly prepared for trial. Mrs. Lawson reviewed hours of body and dash camera footage multiple times and aggressively performed depositions on witnesses and law enforcement.The final outcome for me was the state dropped my case, due to the great work Susan and the Rossen team performed. I didn’t even need to go to trial.This law firm does not play around. They pay attention to detail and they FIGHT FOR YOU!Thank you Adam, team, and a special thank you to Susan for your amazing work! I really appreciate you.
Ketiana ProvinceKetiana Province
20:27 23 Mar 22
My experience with Rossen Law Firm was excellent. From the consultation to the end.. My attorney Susan Lawson gave my son's case all the time and attention that was needed to be successful in court. She was confident during all the court proceedings. My favorite part was when she said we are family, never once my son and I were treated other then that. I very much appreciate the knowledge and support I received through Rossen Law Firm.
js_loader