Lawyer Accuses Housekeeper of Blackmailing Limbaugh

New York Times ^ | December 23, 2003 | By JIM RUTENBERG

[truth_seeker]

December 23, 2003 Lawyer Accuses Housekeeper of Blackmailing Limbaugh By JIM RUTENBERG

The onetime housekeeper for Rush Limbaugh who told Florida law enforcement authorities that she and her husband illegally supplied him with prescription pain pills was blackmailing him in return for their silence, Mr. Limbaugh's lawyers said yesterday.

The housekeeper, Wilma Cline, and her husband, David Cline, had demanded $4 million in hush money, Roy Black, one of Mr. Limbaugh's lawyers, told Judge Jeffrey A. Winikoff of the state's 15th Circuit Court in Palm Beach County. Mr. Black added that the couple went to prosecutors, who granted them immunity, and The National Enquirer only after Mr. Limbaugh, the conservative talk-radio host, stopped making payments.

That accusation came in a court hearing in which Mr. Limbaugh's legal team sought to block the authorities from opening his medical files as part of a drug-related investigation of him. No charges have been brought against Mr. Limbaugh. The judge's ruling on the files is pending.

Asked about the blackmail accusation against the Clines, Ed Shohat, their lawyer, said: "I'm not aware of any fact that would support such a claim. It's not surprising under the circumstances."

During Mr. Black's presentation, the most detailed defense of Mr. Limbaugh since the investigation became public in October, the lawyer called the prosecution of his client a witch hunt built on leaks tailored to smear Mr. Limbaugh's reputation.

After news of Mr. Limbaugh's addiction broke in The National Enquirer in October, he admitted that he was hooked on painkillers, among them Oxycontin, a frequently abused narcotic. Mr. Limbaugh took five weeks off from his radio show for rehabilitation and returned to work last month.

In court yesterday, Mr. Black accused Michael Edmondson, a spokesman for the state attorney's office in Palm Beach County, of orchestrating leaks to several organizations.

He asked that Mr. Edmondson be barred from the case.

In an interview afterward, Mr. Black added, "Our research shows he worked in a number of Democratic campaigns."

The Sun-Sentinel, a newspaper in South Florida, reported in November that Mr. Edmondson was going to help the campaign of the West Palm Beach police chief, Ric Bradshaw, a Democrat, in his race for sheriff next year. But a June 2002 report in The Palm Beach Post said that Mr. Edmondson had been helping Nancy Graham, a Republican, as she considered a run for mayor.

A woman at Mr. Edmondson's office who identified herself as his assistant said that he was unavailable and on vacation and that the office would not respond to any of Mr. Black's accusations. Reached at his home last night, Mr. Edmondson's boss, State Attorney Barry Krischer, declined to comment.

Mr. Black said Mr. Limbaugh had paid a significant amount of money to the Clines over a number of years. He said they went to the state attorney's office in December 2002, after deciding they had "bled him dry." Mr. Black said that Mr. Limbaugh had at that point decided to stop paying them. But Mr. Shohat, the Clines' lawyer, called that description "not a true statement."

Mr. Black argued that Mr. Limbaugh's medical records, which prosecutors obtained about a month ago, should not be opened.

Prosecutors argued that the records would be crucial in establishing whether he had "doctor shopped," or gotten several doctors to prescribe pain medication. In Florida, that recently became a felony, punishable by up to five years in jail.

According to The Associated Press, James Martz, an assistant state attorney, said that Mr. Limbaugh had picked up 2,000 painkillers, which were prescribed by four doctors, at a pharmacy" onmouseover="window.status = 'goto: pharmacy';return 1" onmouseout="window.status=''">pharmacy near his Palm Beach home.

Mr. Black said in court that Mr. Limbaugh had not doctor shopped and that if anything, the records would show that the many prescriptions were legitimately related to ailments, like severe back and hearing-loss problems, treated by different doctors. Nonetheless, Mr. Black said, he opposed the opening of the medical records on privacy grounds.

Mr. Black said in an interview afterward: "There was no doctor shopping. The only shopping was celebrity shopping."

Copyright 2003 The New York Times Company

[truth_seeker]

Little I could add.

[ladyinred]

Me either, except perhaps this is why he was withdrawing money from his account. Or did he pay the blackmail money I wonder? hmmm.

[basil]

If Rush picked up over 2000 pills at the same pharmacy, I'd be very surprised. He's not that dumb.

[WackyKat]

Rush is learning "If you lay down with dogs, you get up with fleas"

[BCrago66]

Here's the potential scandal: "Doctor-shopping" is an offense that rarely if ever leads to jail time, but blackmail often leads to jailtime. Did a politically motivated posecuter offer immunity for the more significant offense of blackmail, in order to try to prosecute the lessor offense of doctor-shopping? The NYTimes story here drops the ball - no surprise there - as it does not say regarding what potential crimes the FL prosecuter offered that couple immunuty. Of course, even immunity regarding drug-charges would be scaldalous, as the evidence indicates that this couple was involved in a drug-ring, which Rush was not. Looks like the prosecuter was immunizing the greater crime, in order to go after Rush for a lesser offense - the exact opposite of ethical procedure for a prosecuter.

Of course, the local prosecuter does not have the power to give immunity regarding the FEDERAL crime of blackmail, the prosecution of which would be a satisfying end to this matter.

[truth_seeker]

"If Rush picked up over 2000 pills at the same <a "I'd be very surprised. He's not that dumb."

The alterred mind of an alcoholic/addict is capable of things which appear to the un-alterred mind as being very dumb.

Particularly when fearing jeopardy to their supplies.

[JennysCool]

Let's let the completely hypocritical society we've got going look at this realistically, for once. Rush needed pain pills to do his job -- which he did well. I would venture ALL of us have a few things we do to get ourselves up for viewing the spectacle of The Boss each morning. Guess what: Rush did his stuff better than we did. Apparently he is being weaned of the drugs at the moment, which should do him some good, I guess. I just can't help but wonder when hosting a talk show became an Olympic event, to be drug-tested for. Any of us out there want to be tested for the beer or Chivas that keeps US going? This whole thing is hypocricy pure and simple. I wish we lived in a society that immediately saw it as such.

[longtermmemmory]

I think the judge will try to find an opening to allow the records to be looked at. However, I believe the charges and the indictment are already written. The actual facts are incidental to the desire to charge. This is not how a user case is done in palm beach or FL.

Part of the problem I have is that the State Attorney is assuming the doctors are in collusion with Rush to give him more pills. Hence their fear the records will be altered. But if the doctors are in colusion then there is no shopping.

Additionally the state attorney will never be able to have the maid be able to tie 100% of all the drug she had were for rush and were not in fact used for her drug dealing.

[longtermmemmory]

They are not looking to charge rush with doctor shopping, they are trying to figure out a way to put a dealer amount of drugs in rush's hands. (hence the financial crimes unit) Mandatory sentencing would kick in for dealers. no discretion for the judge. The real negitiations would then be based on the mandatory guidlines.

If Black can prove in evidence the maid's blackmail, the Palm Beach state attorney would be politically sc***ed.

[BCrago66]

Rush dealing? Difficult to establish the motivation there for a guy making 35 million per year.

[WackyKat]

Rush dealing? Difficult to establish the motivation there for a guy making 35 million per year

doesn't matter. The possession of a certain amount of narcotics creates a presumption and basis for the charge of "possession with intent to distribute"- a serious crime with serious prison time involved

[BCrago66]

Conclusive or rebuttable presumption?

[longtermmemmory]

you don't need motivation to be a dealer under florida law. Dealer is ONLY based on amount in possession.

[WackyKat]

I'm pretty sure it's rebuttable.

But does Rush want to put the next 5-10 years of his life in the hands of a Palm Beach County (Democratic) jury?

[witnesstothefall]

This is becoming more of a traditional whodunit than a routine rich junkie bust.

A man of Rush's alleged intelligence and proven wealth would have no trouble assembling evidence of the conspiracy to blackmail and extort him, in the full expectation that sooner or later the sordid events would come to light and such evidence would undo the wrong done him, or at least put it in provable context.

And Mr. Black's narrative doesn't hold together very well, either, though that in itself is not evidence of a crime. But why would a successful extortionist/blackmailer (very serious felonies) go to the state attorney? Answer: she/he wouldn't. And Mr. Black studiously avoid mention of the FBI, since they don't quite fit into his little conspiracy theory - at least not yet.

Nevermind Black's childish dismissal of the relatively minor doctor-shopping allegations, for which we have already seen sufficient proof.

Attacking the prosecutor's politics is usually a pretty good indicator of guilt, for obvious reasons. Innocent men normally rely on the evidence, and if that fails, on the fairness of their peers on the jury. Black seems to want to avoid both.

In short, Roy's lies just aren't very good lies.

[witnesstothefall]

This is not how a user case is done in palm beach or FL.

There you go again with that assertion. Simply not true. Florida is going after Oxy dealing and Medicare fraud and doctor shopping with the full force of the law. Do your homework.

Doctors, users and dealers are all targets, since Oxy abuse has people dying like flies in Florida and across the nation.

[longtermmemmory]

893.135 Trafficking; mandatory sentences; suspension or reduction of sentences; conspiracy to engage in trafficking.--

(1) Except as authorized in this chapter or in chapter 499 and notwithstanding the provisions of s. 893.13:

(a) Any person who knowingly sells, purchases, manufactures, delivers, or brings into this state, or who is knowingly in actual or constructive possession of, in excess of 25 pounds of cannabis, or 300 or more cannabis plants, commits a felony of the first degree, which felony shall be known as "trafficking in cannabis," punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. If the quantity of cannabis involved:

1. Is in excess of 25 pounds, but less than 2,000 pounds, or is 300 or more cannabis plants, but not more than 2,000 cannabis plants, such person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 3 years, and the defendant shall be ordered to pay a fine of $25,000.

2. Is 2,000 pounds or more, but less than 10,000 pounds, or is 2,000 or more cannabis plants, but not more than 10,000 cannabis plants, such person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 7 years, and the defendant shall be ordered to pay a fine of $50,000.

3. Is 10,000 pounds or more, or is 10,000 or more cannabis plants, such person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 calendar years and pay a fine of $200,000.

For the purpose of this paragraph, a plant, including, but not limited to, a seedling or cutting, is a "cannabis plant" if it has some readily observable evidence of root formation, such as root hairs. To determine if a piece or part of a cannabis plant severed from the cannabis plant is itself a cannabis plant, the severed piece or part must have some readily observable evidence of root formation, such as root hairs. Callous tissue is not readily observable evidence of root formation. The viability and sex of a plant and the fact that the plant may or may not be a dead harvested plant are not relevant in determining if the plant is a "cannabis plant" or in the charging of an offense under this paragraph. Upon conviction, the court shall impose the longest term of imprisonment provided for in this paragraph.

(b)1. Any person who knowingly sells, purchases, manufactures, delivers, or brings into this state, or who is knowingly in actual or constructive possession of, 28 grams or more of cocaine, as described in s. 893.03(2)(a)4., or of any mixture containing cocaine, but less than 150 kilograms of cocaine or any such mixture, commits a felony of the first degree, which felony shall be known as "trafficking in cocaine," punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. If the quantity involved:

a. Is 28 grams or more, but less than 200 grams, such person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 3 years, and the defendant shall be ordered to pay a fine of $50,000.

b. Is 200 grams or more, but less than 400 grams, such person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 7 years, and the defendant shall be ordered to pay a fine of $100,000.

c. Is 400 grams or more, but less than 150 kilograms, such person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 calendar years and pay a fine of $250,000.

2. Any person who knowingly sells, purchases, manufactures, delivers, or brings into this state, or who is knowingly in actual or constructive possession of, 150 kilograms or more of cocaine, as described in s. 893.03(2)(a)4., commits the first degree felony of trafficking in cocaine. A person who has been convicted of the first degree felony of trafficking in cocaine under this subparagraph shall be punished by life imprisonment and is ineligible for any form of discretionary early release except pardon or executive clemency or conditional medical release under s. 947.149. However, if the court determines that, in addition to committing any act specified in this paragraph:

a. The person intentionally killed an individual or counseled, commanded, induced, procured, or caused the intentional killing of an individual and such killing was the result; or

b. The person's conduct in committing that act led to a natural, though not inevitable, lethal result,

such person commits the capital felony of trafficking in cocaine, punishable as provided in ss. 775.082 and 921.142. Any person sentenced for a capital felony under this paragraph shall also be sentenced to pay the maximum fine provided under subparagraph 1.

3. Any person who knowingly brings into this state 300 kilograms or more of cocaine, as described in s. 893.03(2)(a)4., and who knows that the probable result of such importation would be the death of any person, commits capital importation of cocaine, a capital felony punishable as provided in ss. 775.082 and 921.142. Any person sentenced for a capital felony under this paragraph shall also be sentenced to pay the maximum fine provided under subparagraph 1.

(c)1. Any person who knowingly sells, purchases, manufactures, delivers, or brings into this state, or who is knowingly in actual or constructive possession of, 4 grams or more of any morphine, opium, oxycodone, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, or any salt, derivative, isomer, or salt of an isomer thereof, including heroin, as described in s. 893.03(1)(b), (2)(a), (3)(c)3., or (3)(c)4., or 4 grams or more of any mixture containing any such substance, but less than 30 kilograms of such substance or mixture, commits a felony of the first degree, which felony shall be known as "trafficking in illegal drugs," punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. If the quantity involved:

a. Is 4 grams or more, but less than 14 grams, such person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 3 years, and the defendant shall be ordered to pay a fine of $50,000.

b. Is 14 grams or more, but less than 28 grams, such person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years, and the defendant shall be ordered to pay a fine of $100,000.

c. Is 28 grams or more, but less than 30 kilograms, such person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 25 calendar years and pay a fine of $500,000.

2. Any person who knowingly sells, purchases, manufactures, delivers, or brings into this state, or who is knowingly in actual or constructive possession of, 30 kilograms or more of any morphine, opium, oxycodone, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, or any salt, derivative, isomer, or salt of an isomer thereof, including heroin, as described in s. 893.03(1)(b), (2)(a), (3)(c)3., or (3)(c)4., or 30 kilograms or more of any mixture containing any such substance, commits the first degree felony of trafficking in illegal drugs. A person who has been convicted of the first degree felony of trafficking in illegal drugs under this subparagraph shall be punished by life imprisonment and is ineligible for any form of discretionary early release except pardon or executive clemency or conditional medical release under s. 947.149. However, if the court determines that, in addition to committing any act specified in this paragraph:

a. The person intentionally killed an individual or counseled, commanded, induced, procured, or caused the intentional killing of an individual and such killing was the result; or

b. The person's conduct in committing that act led to a natural, though not inevitable, lethal result,

such person commits the capital felony of trafficking in illegal drugs, punishable as provided in ss. 775.082 and 921.142. Any person sentenced for a capital felony under this paragraph shall also be sentenced to pay the maximum fine provided under subparagraph 1.

3. Any person who knowingly brings into this state 60 kilograms or more of any morphine, opium, oxycodone, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, or any salt, derivative, isomer, or salt of an isomer thereof, including heroin, as described in s. 893.03(1)(b), (2)(a), (3)(c)3., or (3)(c)4., or 60 kilograms or more of any mixture containing any such substance, and who knows that the probable result of such importation would be the death of any person, commits capital importation of illegal drugs, a capital felony punishable as provided in ss. 775.082 and 921.142. Any person sentenced for a capital felony under this paragraph shall also be sentenced to pay the maximum fine provided under subparagraph 1.

(d)1. Any person who knowingly sells, purchases, manufactures, delivers, or brings into this state, or who is knowingly in actual or constructive possession of, 28 grams or more of phencyclidine or of any mixture containing phencyclidine, as described in s. 893.03(2)(b), commits a felony of the first degree, which felony shall be known as "trafficking in phencyclidine," punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. If the quantity involved:

a. Is 28 grams or more, but less than 200 grams, such person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 3 years, and the defendant shall be ordered to pay a fine of $50,000.

b. Is 200 grams or more, but less than 400 grams, such person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 7 years, and the defendant shall be ordered to pay a fine of $100,000.

c. Is 400 grams or more, such person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 calendar years and pay a fine of $250,000.

2. Any person who knowingly brings into this state 800 grams or more of phencyclidine or of any mixture containing phencyclidine, as described in s. 893.03(2)(b), and who knows that the probable result of such importation would be the death of any person commits capital importation of phencyclidine, a capital felony punishable as provided in ss. 775.082 and 921.142. Any person sentenced for a capital felony under this paragraph shall also be sentenced to pay the maximum fine provided under subparagraph 1.

(e)1. Any person who knowingly sells, purchases, manufactures, delivers, or brings into this state, or who is knowingly in actual or constructive possession of, 200 grams or more of methaqualone or of any mixture containing methaqualone, as described in s. 893.03(1)(d), commits a felony of the first degree, which felony shall be known as "trafficking in methaqualone," punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. If the quantity involved:

a. Is 200 grams or more, but less than 5 kilograms, such person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 3 years, and the defendant shall be ordered to pay a fine of $50,000.

b. Is 5 kilograms or more, but less than 25 kilograms, such person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 7 years, and the defendant shall be ordered to pay a fine of $100,000.

c. Is 25 kilograms or more, such person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 calendar years and pay a fine of $250,000.

2. Any person who knowingly brings into this state 50 kilograms or more of methaqualone or of any mixture containing methaqualone, as described in s. 893.03(1)(d), and who knows that the probable result of such importation would be the death of any person commits capital importation of methaqualone, a capital felony punishable as provided in ss. 775.082 and 921.142. Any person sentenced for a capital felony under this paragraph shall also be sentenced to pay the maximum fine provided under subparagraph 1.

(f)1. Any person who knowingly sells, purchases, manufactures, delivers, or brings into this state, or who is knowingly in actual or constructive possession of, 14 grams or more of amphetamine, as described in s. 893.03(2)(c)2., or methamphetamine, as described in s. 893.03(2)(c)4., or of any mixture containing amphetamine or methamphetamine, or phenylacetone, phenylacetic acid, or ephedrine in conjunction with other chemicals and equipment utilized in the manufacture of amphetamine or methamphetamine, commits a felony of the first degree, which felony shall be known as "trafficking in amphetamine," punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. If the quantity involved:

a. Is 14 grams or more, but less than 28 grams, such person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 3 years, and the defendant shall be ordered to pay a fine of $50,000.

b. Is 28 grams or more, but less than 200 grams, such person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 7 years, and the defendant shall be ordered to pay a fine of $100,000.

c. Is 200 grams or more, such person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 calendar years and pay a fine of $250,000.

2. Any person who knowingly manufactures or brings into this state 400 grams or more of amphetamine, as described in s. 893.03(2)(c)2., or methamphetamine, as described in s. 893.03(2)(c)4., or of any mixture containing amphetamine or methamphetamine, or phenylacetone, phenylacetic acid, or ephedrine in conjunction with other chemicals and equipment used in the manufacture of amphetamine or methamphetamine, and who knows that the probable result of such manufacture or importation would be the death of any person commits capital manufacture or importation of amphetamine, a capital felony punishable as provided in ss. 775.082 and 921.142. Any person sentenced for a capital felony under this paragraph shall also be sentenced to pay the maximum fine provided under subparagraph 1.

(g)1. Any person who knowingly sells, purchases, manufactures, delivers, or brings into this state, or who is knowingly in actual or constructive possession of, 4 grams or more of flunitrazepam or any mixture containing flunitrazepam as described in s. 893.03(1)(a) commits a felony of the first degree, which felony shall be known as "trafficking in flunitrazepam," punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. If the quantity involved:

a. Is 4 grams or more but less than 14 grams, such person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 3 years, and the defendant shall be ordered to pay a fine of $50,000.

b. Is 14 grams or more but less than 28 grams, such person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 7 years, and the defendant shall be ordered to pay a fine of $100,000.

c. Is 28 grams or more but less than 30 kilograms, such person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 25 calendar years and pay a fine of $500,000.

2. Any person who knowingly sells, purchases, manufactures, delivers, or brings into this state or who is knowingly in actual or constructive possession of 30 kilograms or more of flunitrazepam or any mixture containing flunitrazepam as described in s. 893.03(1)(a) commits the first degree felony of trafficking in flunitrazepam. A person who has been convicted of the first degree felony of trafficking in flunitrazepam under this subparagraph shall be punished by life imprisonment and is ineligible for any form of discretionary early release except pardon or executive clemency or conditional medical release under s. 947.149. However, if the court determines that, in addition to committing any act specified in this paragraph:

a. The person intentionally killed an individual or counseled, commanded, induced, procured, or caused the intentional killing of an individual and such killing was the result; or

b. The person's conduct in committing that act led to a natural, though not inevitable, lethal result,

such person commits the capital felony of trafficking in flunitrazepam, punishable as provided in ss. 775.082 and 921.142. Any person sentenced for a capital felony under this paragraph shall also be sentenced to pay the maximum fine provided under subparagraph 1.

(h)1. Any person who knowingly sells, purchases, manufactures, delivers, or brings into this state, or who is knowingly in actual or constructive possession of, 1 kilogram or more of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), as described in s. 893.03(1)(d), or any mixture containing gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), commits a felony of the first degree, which felony shall be known as "trafficking in gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB)," punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. If the quantity involved:

a. Is 1 kilogram or more but less than 5 kilograms, such person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 3 years, and the defendant shall be ordered to pay a fine of $50,000.

b. Is 5 kilograms or more but less than 10 kilograms, such person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 7 years, and the defendant shall be ordered to pay a fine of $100,000.

c. Is 10 kilograms or more, such person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 calendar years and pay a fine of $250,000.

2. Any person who knowingly manufactures or brings into this state 150 kilograms or more of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), as described in s. 893.03(1)(d), or any mixture containing gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), and who knows that the probable result of such manufacture or importation would be the death of any person commits capital manufacture or importation of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), a capital felony punishable as provided in ss. 775.082 and 921.142. Any person sentenced for a capital felony under this paragraph shall also be sentenced to pay the maximum fine provided under subparagraph 1.

(i)1. Any person who knowingly sells, purchases, manufactures, delivers, or brings into this state, or who is knowingly in actual or constructive possession of, 1 kilogram or more of gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), as described in s. 893.03(1)(d), or any mixture containing gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), commits a felony of the first degree, which felony shall be known as "trafficking in gamma-butyrolactone (GBL)," punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. If the quantity involved:

a. Is 1 kilogram or more but less than 5 kilograms, such person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 3 years, and the defendant shall be ordered to pay a fine of $50,000.

b. Is 5 kilograms or more but less than 10 kilograms, such person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 7 years, and the defendant shall be ordered to pay a fine of $100,000.

c. Is 10 kilograms or more, such person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 calendar years and pay a fine of $250,000.

2. Any person who knowingly manufactures or brings into the state 150 kilograms or more of gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), as described in s. 893.03(1)(d), or any mixture containing gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), and who knows that the probable result of such manufacture or importation would be the death of any person commits capital manufacture or importation of gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), a capital felony punishable as provided in ss. 775.082 and 921.142. Any person sentenced for a capital felony under this paragraph shall also be sentenced to pay the maximum fine provided under subparagraph 1.

(j)1. Any person who knowingly sells, purchases, manufactures, delivers, or brings into this state, or who is knowingly in actual or constructive possession of, 1 kilogram or more of 1,4-Butanediol as described in s. 893.03(1)(d), or of any mixture containing 1,4-Butanediol, commits a felony of the first degree, which felony shall be known as "trafficking in 1,4-Butanediol," punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. If the quantity involved:

a. Is 1 kilogram or more, but less than 5 kilograms, such person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 3 years, and the defendant shall be ordered to pay a fine of $50,000.

b. Is 5 kilograms or more, but less than 10 kilograms, such person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 7 years, and the defendant shall be ordered to pay a fine of $100,000.

c. Is 10 kilograms or more, such person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 calendar years and pay a fine of $500,000.

2. Any person who knowingly manufactures or brings into this state 150 kilograms or more of 1,4-Butanediol as described in s. 893.03(1)(d), or any mixture containing 1,4-Butanediol, and who knows that the probable result of such manufacture or importation would be the death of any person commits capital manufacture or importation of 1,4-Butanediol, a capital felony punishable as provided in ss. 775.082 and 921.142. Any person sentenced for a capital felony under this paragraph shall also be sentenced to pay the maximum fine provided under subparagraph 1.

(k)1. Any person who knowingly sells, purchases, manufactures, delivers, or brings into this state, or who is knowingly in actual or constructive possession of, 10 grams or more of any of the following substances described in s. 893.03(1)(a) or (c):

a. 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA);

b. 4-Bromo-2,5-dimethoxyamphetamine;

c. 4-Bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine;

d. 2,5-Dimethoxyamphetamine;

e. 2,5-Dimethoxy-4-ethylamphetamine (DOET);

f. N-ethylamphetamine;

g. N-Hydroxy-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine;

h. 5-Methoxy-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine;

i. 4-methoxyamphetamine;

j. 4-methoxymethamphetamine;

k. 4-Methyl-2,5-dimethoxyamphetamine;

l. 3,4-Methylenedioxy-N-ethylamphetamine;

m. 3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine;

n. N,N-dimethylamphetamine; or

o. 3,4,5-Trimethoxyamphetamine,

individually or in any combination of or any mixture containing any substance listed in sub-subparagraphs a.-o., commits a felony of the first degree, which felony shall be known as "trafficking in Phenethylamines," punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

2. If the quantity involved:

a. Is 10 grams or more but less than 200 grams, such person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 3 years, and the defendant shall be ordered to pay a fine of $50,000.

b. Is 200 grams or more, but less than 400 grams, such person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 7 years, and the defendant shall be ordered to pay a fine of $100,000.

c. Is 400 grams or more, such person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 calendar years and pay a fine of $250,000.

3. Any person who knowingly manufactures or brings into this state 30 kilograms or more of any of the following substances described in s. 893.03(1)(a) or (c):

a. 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA);

b. 4-Bromo-2,5-dimethoxyamphetamine;

c. 4-Bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine;

d. 2,5-Dimethoxyamphetamine;

e. 2,5-Dimethoxy-4-ethylamphetamine (DOET);

f. N-ethylamphetamine;

g. N-Hydroxy-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine;

h. 5-Methoxy-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine;

i. 4-methoxyamphetamine;

j. 4-methoxymethamphetamine;

k. 4-Methyl-2,5-dimethoxyamphetamine;

l. 3,4-Methylenedioxy-N-ethylamphetamine;

m. 3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine;

n. N,N-dimethylamphetamine; or

o. 3,4,5-Trimethoxyamphetamine,

individually or in any combination of or any mixture containing any substance listed in sub-subparagraphs a.-o., and who knows that the probable result of such manufacture or importation would be the death of any person commits capital manufacture or importation of Phenethylamines, a capital felony punishable as provided in ss. 775.082 and 921.142. Any person sentenced for a capital felony under this paragraph shall also be sentenced to pay the maximum fine provided under subparagraph 1.

(l)1. Any person who knowingly sells, purchases, manufactures, delivers, or brings into this state, or who is knowingly in actual or constructive possession of, 1 gram or more of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) as described in s. 893.03(1)(c), or of any mixture containing lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), commits a felony of the first degree, which felony shall be known as "trafficking in lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)," punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. If the quantity involved:

a. Is 1 gram or more, but less than 5 grams, such person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 3 years, and the defendant shall be ordered to pay a fine of $50,000.

b. Is 5 grams or more, but less than 7 grams, such person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 7 years, and the defendant shall be ordered to pay a fine of $100,000.

c. Is 7 grams or more, such person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 calendar years and pay a fine of $500,000.

2. Any person who knowingly manufactures or brings into this state 7 grams or more of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) as described in s. 893.03(1)(c), or any mixture containing lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and who knows that the probable result of such manufacture or importation would be the death of any person commits capital manufacture or importation of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), a capital felony punishable as provided in ss. 775.082 and 921.142. Any person sentenced for a capital felony under this paragraph shall also be sentenced to pay the maximum fine provided under subparagraph 1.

(2) A person acts knowingly under subsection (1) if that person intends to sell, purchase, manufacture, deliver, or bring into this state, or to actually or constructively possess, any of the controlled substances listed in subsection (1), regardless of which controlled substance listed in subsection (1) is in fact sold, purchased, manufactured, delivered, or brought into this state, or actually or constructively possessed.

(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of s. 948.01, with respect to any person who is found to have violated this section, adjudication of guilt or imposition of sentence shall not be suspended, deferred, or withheld, nor shall such person be eligible for parole prior to serving the mandatory minimum term of imprisonment prescribed by this section. A person sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment under this section is not eligible for any form of discretionary early release, except pardon or executive clemency or conditional medical release under s. 947.149, prior to serving the mandatory minimum term of imprisonment.

(4) The state attorney may move the sentencing court to reduce or suspend the sentence of any person who is convicted of a violation of this section and who provides substantial assistance in the identification, arrest, or conviction of any of that person's accomplices, accessories, coconspirators, or principals or of any other person engaged in trafficking in controlled substances. The arresting agency shall be given an opportunity to be heard in aggravation or mitigation in reference to any such motion. Upon good cause shown, the motion may be filed and heard in camera. The judge hearing the motion may reduce or suspend the sentence if the judge finds that the defendant rendered such substantial assistance.

(5) Any person who agrees, conspires, combines, or confederates with another person to commit any act prohibited by subsection (1) commits a felony of the first degree and is punishable as if he or she had actually committed such prohibited act. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prohibit separate convictions and sentences for a violation of this subsection and any violation of subsection (1).

(6) A mixture, as defined in s. 893.02(14), containing any controlled substance described in this section includes, but is not limited to, a solution or a dosage unit, including but not limited to, a pill or tablet, containing a controlled substance. For the purpose of clarifying legislative intent regarding the weighing of a mixture containing a controlled substance described in this section, the weight of the controlled substance is the total weight of the mixture, including the controlled substance and any other substance in the mixture. If there is more than one mixture containing the same controlled substance, the weight of the controlled substance is calculated by aggregating the total weight of each mixture.

(7) For the purpose of further clarifying legislative intent, the Legislature finds that the opinion in Hayes v. State, 750 So. 2d 1 (Fla. 1999) does not correctly construe legislative intent. The Legislature finds that the opinions in State v. Hayes, 720 So. 2d 1095 (Fla. 4th DCA 1998) and State v. Baxley, 684 So. 2d 831 (Fla. 5th DCA 1996) correctly construe legislative intent.

History.--s. 1, ch. 79-1; s. 1, ch. 80-70; s. 2, ch. 80-353; s. 491, ch. 81-259; s. 1, ch. 82-2; s. 3, ch. 82-16; s. 53, ch. 83-215; s. 5, ch. 87-243; ss. 1, 4, ch. 89-281; s. 1, ch. 90-112; s. 3, ch. 93-92; s. 24, ch. 93-406; s. 15, ch. 95-184; s. 5, ch. 95-415; s. 54, ch. 96-388; s. 3, ch. 97-1; s. 1828, ch. 97-102; s. 23, ch. 97-194; s. 9, ch. 99-188; s. 4, ch. 2000-320; s. 2, ch. 2001-55; s. 7, ch. 2001-57; ss. 1, 2, 3, ch. 2002-212; s. 4, ch. 2003-10.




"""Dealers are not eligible for downward departure from the sentencing guidelines based on the status of being a user."""

Not rebutable.

[longtermmemmory]

oops

this is better

893.10 Burden of proof.--

(1) It shall not be necessary for the state to negative any exemption or exception set forth in this chapter in any indictment, information, or other pleading or in any trial, hearing, or other proceeding under this chapter, and the burden of going forward with the evidence with respect to any such exemption or exception shall be upon the person claiming its benefit.

(2) In the case of a person charged under 1s. 893.14(1) with the possession of a controlled substance, the label required under s. 893.04(1) or s. 893.05(2) shall be admissible in evidence and shall be prima facie evidence that such substance was obtained pursuant to a valid prescription form or dispensed by a practitioner while acting in the course of his or her professional practice.

History.--s. 10, ch. 73-331; s. 1442, ch. 97-102.

1Note.--Repealed by s. 14, ch. 80-409.

[WackyKat]

Yowsa!

Thanks for posting that- I have saved it for future reference

Looks like Rush may have a bit of a problem

[longtermmemmory]

Florida has a couple of interesting constutional provisions.

(one is making english the official language of the state of FL. Try and explain that in miami.)

Another is this:
.....
SECTION 23. Right of privacy.--Every natural person has the right to be let alone and free from governmental intrusion into the person's private life except as otherwise provided herein. This section shall not be construed to limit the public's right of access to public records and meetings as provided by law.

History.--Added, C.S. for H.J.R. 387, 1980; adopted 1980; Am. proposed by Constitution Revision Commission, Revision No. 13, 1998, filed with the Secretary of State May 5, 1998; adopted 1998.

....

Not that FL court respect law too much, however it is worth noting that Palm Beach recently invoked the privacy provision to exempt a unmarried teenager from being force to publish a john doe advertisement telling potential fathers that she was putting the baby up for adoption.

In all seriousness, I do not believe anyone (state attorney included) seriously believes Rush to be a dealer. They may want to conduct a fishing expedition to find out if there may be a case. From the articles posted here, I did not get a true sense of the arguments which the state used to justify what probable cause or suspicion they have against rush.