Yesterday, a Hillsborough County judge abruptly hit pause on a murder trial after jurors reported being intimidated inside a courthouse elevator. The judge told the courtroom that a man and a woman had been identified and could face contempt proceedings while the court sorts out what happened.
Judge Stops Trial Over Elevator Run-in
According to FOX 13 Tampa Bay, the trial ground to a halt after jurors told court staff they were approached in an elevator at the downtown Hillsborough County courthouse. The station’s video report says a man and a woman were flagged by officials and warned they could be cited for contempt of court. The segment was produced by FOX 13’s Allie Corey.
Legal Stakes: Tampering and Contempt
Florida law does not take kindly to anyone trying to sway a jury. State statute F.S. 918.12 classifies “tampering with jurors” as a third-degree felony, as outlined by the Florida Senate. On top of that, courts can clamp down on interference through contempt proceedings. The rules for criminal contempt, including direct contempt under Rule 3.830 and indirect contempt under Rule 3.840, are set out in the Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure published by the Florida Courts…