Judge upholds Governor DeSantis’ suspension of former Crescent City offender

Christopher Bailey will not return to his post as Crescent City councilman after a Leon County judge ruled last week to uphold the governor’s decision. Ron DeSantis’ Suspension of Bailey.

DeSantis Bailey suspended in August 2023 because he had previously been convicted of a felony. He was charged in 1995 in Missouri with violating federal law for concealing a material fact by lying to U.S. customs officials about a drug deal from which he had received proceeds.

Bailey was sentenced to five years’ probation, which ended in 2000. He was given the right to vote and hold office in Missouri after serving his sentence. Bailey argued that since Missouri had restored his rights, he could also hold office in Florida, even though a clause in the Florida Constitution prohibits felons from holding elected office unless their rights have been restored by the governor and cabinet.

Judge Angela Dempsey rejected this argument and denied Bailey’s request for reinstatement. Florida must follow the way other states handle their own laws, not the violation of federal law, she explained.

“The Full Faith and Credit Clause (of the U.S. Constitution) does not require Florida to treat a federal conviction the same as another state,” Dempsey wrote. “Moreover, even if it did, (Bailey) would not be entitled to his former office because he is ineligible to hold public office in Missouri.”

Dempsey further explained that the Missouri Constitution prohibits people convicted of federal crimes from holding office in the state.

The question of former felons’ right to vote in Florida and their ability to hold public office gained new relevance in light of the former president’s conviction. Donald Trump’s Conviction in 34 cases of falsifying business documents to conceal payments to a porn actress Stormy Danielswith whom he had an affair.

DeSantis has said Trump does not need to petition for a restoration of his rights because Florida law does not disenfranchise a felon if he was convicted in another state, unless that state disenfranchises him. Under New York law, he would only be disenfranchised if he were physically in prison at the time of the election.

However, DeSantis went further and stated that if he lost his voting rights, he would work with the cabinet, which meets as the Florida Clemency Board, to restore them.

“Given the absurd nature of the New York prosecution of Trump, this would be an easy case to qualify for restoration of rights under the Florida Clemency Board, which I chair,” DeSantis said. posted on X last week. “The bottom line is that Donald Trump’s vote in November will be one of millions showing that Florida is now a solid Republican state!”

Trump’s eligibility to run for president in Florida is also not affected by the New York convictions. State law cannot impose restrictions on qualifications for running for federal office.

Meanwhile in Crescent City, William Laurie can rest assured. Laurie won a seat on the City Commission in a special election in October 2023 to replace Bailey.

Post views: 0