Law in the News Archives

Maya’s Family Will Not Receive $208 Million Judgment in Lawsuit Against All Children’s

An appeals court has reversed a judgment that would have awarded Maya Kowalski’s family $208 million. Why did the family receive the award in the first place, and what does it mean now that the judgment has been reversed?

A Painful Illness

In 2016, a young girl in Sarasota, Maya Kowalski, was suffering from headaches, asthma attacks, and painful lesions that formed on her arms and legs. She was frequently in pain and unable to walk.

Maya’s family searched for help for their daughter’s unusual symptoms and eventually found Dr. Anthony Kirkpatrick, a Tampa-based anesthesiologist and pharmacologist, who diagnosed Maya with complex regional pain syndrome (CPRS). She was put on a treatment plan that included ketamine infusions.

The treatments helped Maya, but when she was 10, she had a flare-up that caused her parents to bring her to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida. The admittance would change the family forever.

Maya’s parents, Jack and Beata Kowalski, explained their daughter’s condition and treatment plan to the hospital staff, but the medical teams were skeptical. Instead of following Maya’s healthcare plan or releasing Maya to her partners, the team at All Children’s contacted Sally Smith, the medical director of the county’s child protection team.

Smith filed a report questioning Maya’s care. A judge then ruled that Maya wasn’t allowed to be discharged to her family or another treatment facility. She was placed into state custody and ordered not to have contact with her mother.

A Painful Separation

For three months, Maya was without any in-person interaction with her mother. The time was difficult for both Maya and Beata.

At the time, the family’s attorney, Gregory Anderson, told The Daily Mail that the hospital “removed all proven therapies and treated her [Maya] as a psychiatric patient. As a consequence, her CRPS is now a threat to her life and will manifest over her ’30s, early ’50s with more frequent, longer duration and more severe and painful events.”

The separation also had life-changing consequences for Maya’s mother. After three months of separation, Maya’s mother was diagnosed with a depressive mood and adjustment disorder and committed suicide.

Who Is to Blame?

Shortly after Beata’s death, Maya was released from All Children’s. The Kowalskis were exonerated on January 14, 2017, after the hospital found that Maya’s condition failed to get better and determined that her mother was not causing her symptoms.

The Kowalskis sought justice for what happened to Maya and Beata. The family retained AndersonGlenn LLP and filed a medical malpractice civil lawsuit against All Children’s in 2018.

The family’s story was documented in Netflix’s movie, “Take Care of Maya” which came out in June 2023. The case went to trial in Florida’s 12th Judicial Circuit in Sarasota County, and in November 2023, the jury found All Children’s liable for damages after a nine-week trial.

The jury originally ordered All Children’s to pay $211 million in compensatory damages and $50 million in punitive damages for false imprisonment, battery, medical negligence, and other charges. Now, an appeals court has reversed that jury’s decision.

Why Was There a Reversal?

Almost two years after a jury said All Children’s was liable for damages caused to the Kowalskis, an appeals court reversed the decision, as reported by the Tampa Bay Times.

On October 19, 2025, Florida’s 2nd District Court of Appeals issued a 48-page ruling that listed multiple reasons for the decision. The ruling argued that:

Evidence from the civil trial didn’t support the jury’s verdict.
The lower court erred in not giving more legal protection to the hospital.
There was no evidence to support the $50 million in punitive damages because it requires proof that the hospital was “guilty of intentional misconduct or gross negligence”

The ruling also said the original judge should have given the hospital a new trial and that a judge, not a jury, should have been responsible for ruling on some counts.

What’s Next?

The Kowalskis seem committed to continue fighting against All Children’s.

Nick Whitney, the Kowalski family’s attorney, wrote, “We’re disappointed by the decision, but the Kowalskis will persevere. Judge Smith’s concurring opinion emphasized Johns Hopkins’ outrageous actions towards Maya, and the next jury will see things just like the first one did.”

The case could end up in front of a jury again if the Kowalskis fight to bring the case back to court.

Fighting for Justice

Everyone deserves a high standard of care during a medical encounter. If you or a family member feels you received inadequate care from a medical team, talk to an attorney about your case today. A personal injury attorney will help you determine if you have a medical malpractice case worth fighting for.

TJ Grimaldi is a Tampa Bay attorney who fights for the rights of his clients during their most difficult moments. If you are struggling to recover after a medical experience gone wrong, talk to TJ. Get a free consultation to review your case directly with TJ. Request your consultation or call 813-226-1023.

November 5, 2025/0 Comments/by tjgrimaldi

Law in the News

Netflix’s “The Perfect Neighbor” Highlights Florida’s Controversial Stand Your Ground Laws

In less than three days, a Netflix documentary captured 16.7 million views. The film documents the moments leading up to a woman fatally shooting her neighbor through her front door. Why did the movie capture the attention of the United States, and what does it say about Florida’s controversial Stand Your Ground laws?

What Is “The Perfect Neighbor”?

The Perfect Neighbor is a documentary originally released to critical acclaim at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival on January 24, 2025. Netflix secured the rights to add the movie to its streaming platform. It was released on October 10, 2025. In just three days, the movie had been viewed 16.7 million times.

Through mostly police bodycam footage, the documentary tells the story of what happened in a Florida neighborhood in 2023. The documentary follows multiple police visits to the Ocala neighborhood, where a woman, Susan Lorincz, repeatedly called authorities on children playing around her rental home.

The story escalates to an altercation between Lorincz and one of the children’s mothers, Ajike “AJ” Owens. When Owens knocks on Lorincz’s door to ask her about an incident with her child, Owens fires a gun through the door and kills Lorincz.

The movie then follows the delayed arrest of Owens and points a finger at Florida’s controversial Stand Your Ground laws. While Owens is eventually arrested and convicted, the movie concludes with a statement that says, “Stand Your Ground laws have been linked to an 8% to 11% increase in homicide rates, or roughly 700 additional deaths each year.”

What Are Stand Your Ground Laws?

Stand Your Ground laws refer to a set of Florida laws that are described in Florida Statute Sections 776.012 and 776.013.

Statute 776.012 describes the law as:

“A person is justified in using or threatening to use deadly force if he or she reasonably believes that using or threatening to use such force is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to himself or herself or another or to prevent the imminent commission of a forcible felony.

A person who uses or threatens to use deadly force in accordance with this subsection does not have a duty to retreat and has the right to stand his or her ground if the person using or threatening to use the deadly force is not engaged in a criminal activity and is in a place where he or she has a right to be.”

The laws allow a person to use deadly force if they feel their life is in danger. These laws are different from laws in other states that require a “duty to retreat” before using deadly force.

Florida was one of the first states to pass Stand Your Ground laws. Now, many other states have similar laws. States that have similar Stand Your Ground laws include:

Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
Georgia
Idaho
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Michigan
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nevada
New Hampshire
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
West Virginia
Wyoming

Stand Your Ground laws are used as a criminal defense. They can result in either a case being dismissed and never going to trial, or they can be used during a trial to lead to a not guilty verdict.

Why Are Stand Your Ground Laws Controversial?

Stand Your Ground laws have been the subject of many controversies. Most notably, in 2012, George Zimmerman was acquitted in the murder of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin after using Stand Your Ground laws in his legal defense.

In another case, former police captain Curtis Reeves was found not guilty after using Stand Your Ground laws in his defense of shooting and killing Chad Oulson in a movie theater. TJ Grimaldi knows this case well as he represented Oulson’s wife, Nicole Oulson, throughout the eight-year legal battle. Grimaldi saw first-hand how Stand Your Ground laws can be used to get unfair acquittals in cases that would otherwise lead to convictions.

Stand Your Ground cases highlight the challenge in proving when is the right time to use deadly force. To use Stand Your Ground as a defense, defendants must prove:

They had a right to be in the area where the incident occurred.
They believed they were in immediate danger that threatened their life.
They did not start or escalate the altercation.

In the case of “The Perfect Neighbor,” the jury found that Lorincz did not have the right to use deadly force. She was found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to 25 years in prison.

The Story Continues with a Wrongful Death Case

One part of the story “The Perfect Neighbor” left out is the legal fight that is ongoing in the case.

The Owens family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Lorincz and Charles Gabbard, the landlord of the property where the shooting took place. The family is seeking $50,000 in damages, according to reporting by 20 WCJB.

The wrongful death case remains open at this time.

Get a Lawyer for Life’s Difficult Moments

The law is complex and complicated. Don’t navigate any legal matter on your own. If you are facing a legal matter during one of life’s difficult moments, get a trusted attorney by your side. Schedule a call with Tampa-based TJ Grimaldi. All consultations are free. Schedule or call 813-226-1023 today.

Taking a Stand Against Gun Violence

TJ Grimaldi works to support families impacted by gun violence. He is the Executive Director and Board Member of The Oulson Family Foundation, a non-profit created to honor the life and legacy of Chad Oulson, whose life ended in a senseless act of gun violence. Learn more about The Oulson Family Foundation.

October 29, 2025/0 Comments/by tjgrimaldi

Law in the News

Is Hulk Hogan’s Family Getting Ready to File a Wrongful Death Medical Malpractice Lawsuit?

NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 1 : Hulk Hogan at the WWE’s Wrestlemania 30 Press conference at The Hard Rock Cafe on April 1, 2014 in New York City. Credit: RW/MediaPunch /IPX

Three months after the legendary professional wrestler, Terry “Hulk Hogan” Bollea died in his home, his family is saying they want to know more about what led to his death.

A recent court filing shows that Hogan’s family might be getting ready to file a wrongful death medical malpractice lawsuit. Why? And who might be charged?

Hogan Collapses and Dies After Heart Surgery

Terry “Hulk Hogan” Bollea was known for his physical strength, but in early 2025, he was dealing with major health issues. His wife, Sky Daily Bollea, shared that Hogan underwent “a major four-level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion.”

The day after Hogan returned home from the hospital post-surgery, he collapsed. He was rushed to a local hospital and died on July 24, 2025, at the age of 71.

According to reporting by the Tampa Bay Times, the Pinellas-Pasco County Medical Examiner’s Office listed Hogan’s cause of death as “myocardial infarction (more commonly known as a heart attack), as a consequence of atrial fibrillation (an irregular heart rhythm) and leukemia.”

An investigator from the medical examiner’s office said Hogan’s cause of death was determined by his doctor. No autopsy was performed as the cause of death did not seem suspicious.

But now Hogan’s family wants to take another look at the events that led to Hogan’s death.

Hogan Family Opens an Investigation

On October 2, 2025, Hogan’s wife and son, Nicholas Bollea, petitioned the circuit court in Pinellas County to extend the window of time for filing a potential medical malpractice lawsuit.

While the petition doesn’t mean the Hogan family will file a malpractice case, it does mean they want more time to find more information.

They aren’t the only ones looking for more details into Hogan’s death.

A spokesperson for the Clearwater Police Department said a police investigation into Hogan’s death remains open and ongoing after more than two months. In August, the agency said the “unique nature of this case has required us to interview multiple witnesses and seek medical records from a variety of providers.”

Who Could Be Responsible For Hogan’s Death?

According to legal documents, no parties have been accused of wrongdoing at this time. But it does name parties of interest. The lawsuit mentions:

Morton Plant Hospital
Tampa General Hospital
Thomas Roush, an orthopedic surgeon who owns Roush Spine
Guilherme H. Oliveira, an executive and expert in heart failure and transplantation cardiology at Tampa General

The filing also lists “any and all other applicable health care providers,” which leaves room for additional names and organizations to be added.

According to FOX 13, a source told Clearwater police Hogan “was a victim of medical malpractice because one of his nerves was severed during a recent surgery.” Hogan’s wife also told TMZ that Hogan’s phrenic nerve was ”compromised” during one of his surgeries.

What Does It Take to Win a Medical Malpractice Case?

Hogan’s family has not initiated a medical malpractice case yet. Under Florida law, victims have up to two years to file a wrongful death claim. Hogan’s family has requested an early extension on that time, adding another 90 days to the two years.

Medical malpractice is a type of personal injury lawsuit. For Hogan’s family to win a medical malpractice case against a healthcare provider or organization, they would need to prove four things.

Duty: The healthcare provider had a clear duty to care for Hogan. The healthcare provider and the patient had an established relationship.
Deviation: The healthcare provider deviated from standard of care. The healthcare provider did not provide Hogan with the same level of care as other qualified practitioners would have.
Direct Cause: The actions or inaction of a healthcare provider caused direct harm to Hogan. The provider did something or failed to do something that directly caused Hogan harm.
Damages: The actions or inaction of a healthcare provider led to financial, physical, or emotional damages to Hogan and/or his family.

Since Hogan died, the case is also a type of wrongful death claim. Hogan’s family could seek damages that cover not only his medical bills and cost of funeral and burial. Damages could also be awarded for loss of financial contribution and future wages, loss of consortium or companionship, and emotional distress of the surviving family.

In 2013, Hogan had pursued a medical malpractice lawsuit regarding another incident. It was filed against a Florida spine surgeon in Pinellas county and was later dismissed.

Right now, we’ll wait to see if the Hogan family chooses to move forward with suing for wrongful death in this medical malpractice case.

Get Justice for You and Your Loved Ones

Dealing with the aftermath of a medical procedure gone wrong is incredibly stressful and difficult. If you or a loved one is fighting to get justice after inadequate care, don’t give up. Put up a fight with the help of TJ Grimaldi.

TJ is an experienced personal injury attorney who will take on your fight for you so you can recover and heal on the way to justice. Schedule your free consultation to speak directly with TJ about your situation and see how he can get to work on your case right away. Schedule your consultation or call 813-226-1023 now.

October 7, 2025/by tjgrimaldi

Law in the News

Roblox and Discord Sued After Multiple Cases Show Harm to Children

The recent suicide of a 15-year-old boy in California is shining a light on the dangers of online platforms that attract kids and teens without enough parental oversight. What are these platforms, and how are parents fighting back?

A Tragic Story Starts With a Roblox Account

Before he turned ten, Ethan Dallas was already on Roblox. Roblox is an online platform where users can play games and interact with one another. It has roughly 111 million active users per day, many of whom are kids and teens.

Dallas’s parents allowed him to sign up for the platform when he was 9, although the platform has no age minimum or age verification system, according to reporting by NBC News. His parents believed the platform was safe for young users due to its marketing and set of parental controls.

Dallas used Roblox for years before his parents knew what was actually happening on the site.

Now, they say they realize Dallas had been approached by an adult who posed as a kid. The man made contact with Dallas and started off with innocent conversations. Then, the man told Dallas how to change parental controls settings and suggested moving the conversation to Discord. Discord is a communication platform that is commonly used by gamers. Like Roblox, it does not verify the age of its users.

Then, the conversation escalated. The man demanded explicit photos from Dallas and then said he would share them. Dallas’s parents noticed a change in his behavior due to the incidents, but their intervention failed. Dallas took his own life at the age of 15.

Now, the Dallas family is suing both Roblox and Discord for failing to protect their child on their platforms.

Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed Against Roblox and Discord

Dallas’s mother, Rebecca, filed a lawsuit against Roblox and Discord in San Francisco County Superior Court. The lawsuit accuses Roblox and Discord of wrongful death, fraudulent concealment and misrepresentations, negligent misrepresentation, and strict liability.

Rebecca Dallas says her son was groomed and coerced to send explicit images, and Roblox and Discord are at fault because of “recklessly and deceptively operating their business in a way that led to the sexual exploitation and suicide.”

The lawsuit points to the ease with which Ethan Dallas was able to turn off parental controls and create an account on Discord without parental permission. It also claims that the two platforms misrepresent their safety and create environments that make “children easy prey for pedophiles.”

Sadly, this is not the first case of predators using Roblox and Discord to find young victims.

A Pattern of Abuse on Roblox and Discord

In 2023, NBC News shared a report that showed 35 cases over a six year period in which adults were prosecuted on charges of kidnapping, grooming, or sexual assault that allegedly involved communications on Discord.

Another investigation has led Dallas’s family to believe the man Ethan met online was Timothy O’Connor, a 37-year-old man living in Florida. Per the New York Times, O’Connor was arrested on separate charges of possessing child pornography and transmitting harmful material to minors.

One young Roblox user even went as far as using his account to attempt to expose predators on the site. NBC Chicago reported that the user, known as “Schlep,” helped lead law enforcement to six individuals who were said to be grooming children on the platform.

A law firm in Chicago says it now has 500 clients with stories where they encountered predatory behavior on Roblox.

Florida law enforcement is taking the issue seriously. On April 16, 2025, James Uthmeier, Florida’s Attorney General, issued a statement revealing that the state had subpoenaed Roblox in an effort to get information about how the “platform markets to children, sets age-verification requirements, and moderates chat rooms.”

“There are concerning reports that this gaming platform, which is popular among children, is exposing them to harmful content and bad actors,” Uthmeier said. The press release references “numerous reports about children being exposed to graphic or harmful material on the gaming platform, as well as predatory adults being able to message minors on the app freely.”

What To Do If Your Family Is Harmed

Roblox has millions of users under the age of 13. Many families believe that it is a safe platform for their children. To protect your family, the first step is reviewing your child’s account, monitoring your child’s use, and potentially canceling their account.

If you find your child has been harmed by their experience on Discord or Roblox, talk to an attorney right away.

Personal injury attorney, TJ Grimaldi is here to help. Contact our office to schedule your free consultation to discuss your case and see how you can hold companies accountable for creating harmful environments for children and failing to protect them. Call 813-226-1023 or contact us today to schedule your free consultation.

September 16, 2025/by tjgrimaldi

Law in the News

FBI Raid in Tampa Leads to The Arrests of Two Kingdom of God Global Church Leaders

Neighbors were surprised to see FBI agents and a SWAT team show up in North Tampa’s prestigious Avila neighborhood to raid a ten-bedroom mansion owned by a church.

What led to the raid? And who are the two people now indicted on ten federal criminal charges?

Who Was Arrested?

On August 27, 2025, the FBI conducted a raid on a property located at 706 Guisando De Avila in Tampa, Florida. The 10-bedroom, 10.5-bathroom, 28,000-square-foot home, last sold for $8 million, is owned by the Kingdom of God Global Church, formerly known as Joshua Media Ministries International (JMMI), as reported by FOX News 13.

The Kingdom of God Global Church is an organization run by David Taylor, 53, who refers to himself as “Apostle,” and Michelle Brannon, 56, who is described as the church’s Executive Director.

Both were arrested on August 27. Taylor was arrested in North Carolina, while Brannon was arrested at the mansion in Tampa. Their arrests were the result of a multi-state investigation of the church that led to a ten-count federal indictment.

What Are The Church Leaders Accused Of?

Taylor and Brannon are facing charges of forced labor, conspiracy to commit forced labor, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. According to the indictment, they exploited workers and forced labor under abusive conditions. Taylor and Brannon are said to have convinced people to work for them for free as personal servants, which they called “armor bearers.”

Additionally, the two are said to have run call centers in Florida, Texas, Missouri, and Michigan where they forced workers to make calls to solicit donations for the church. In some cases, the workers were made to sleep in calling centers and live at properties owned by the church. They were also subject to punishment if they failed to meet their monetary goals.

According to The Department of Justice, “If victims disobeyed an order or failed to reach his monetary goals, Taylor and Brannon punished the victims with public humiliation, additional work, food and shelter restrictions, psychological abuse, forced repentance, sleep deprivation, physical assaults, and threats of divine judgment in the form of sickness, accidents, and eternal damnation.”

Since 2014, the call centers are said to have brought in roughly $50 million in donations.

Taylor and Brannon are accused of using the funds to live a lavish lifestyle. In addition to luxury homes, the pair bought expensive vehicles, boats, jet skis, and ATVs.

Former insiders and non-profit watchdog groups say the abuse has been going on for years, and it may also include human trafficking.

Potential for Additional Charges

Looking at the indictment, some human trafficking advocates say there could be additional charges filed against Taylor and Brannon. The indictment lists eight victims and also references at least one woman who was required to use Plan B emergency contraceptives.

In a statement released by the Justice Department, Special Agent in Charge Karen Wingerd of IRS Criminal Investigation, Detroit Field Office said, “Money laundering is tax evasion in progress, and in this case, the proceeds funded an alleged human trafficking ring and supported a luxury lifestyle under the guise of a religious ministry.”

Martina Vandenberg, the president of the Human Trafficking Legal Center, thinks the case could encourage other victims to speak out which could lead to further indictments.

What’s Next for Church Leaders?

Taylor and Brannon currently face serious federal charges. The charges include:

Conspiracy to Commit Forced Labor, which carries the punishment of up to 20 years of imprisonment and a fine up to $250,000
Forced Labor, which carries the punishment up to 20 years of imprisonment and a fine up to $250,000
Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering, which carries the punishment of up to 20 years of imprisonment and a fine up to $500,000 or twice the value of the properties involved in the money laundering transactions

Brannon, who was arrested in Florida, appeared in federal court without an attorney. She said she had representation based in St. Louis and Oklahoma, but the court was unable to reach the attorneys.

The federal case is expected to be heard in Michigan, per reported by FOX News 13.

An Attorney for Life’s Most Difficult Moments

Never navigate a legal challenge on your own. If you find yourself caught up in one of life’s most difficult moments, get a trusted advisor by your side. TJ Grimaldi is proud to help people when they are dealing with the complicated legal system.

Make sure you’re protected when you are at your most vulnerable. Schedule a free call with Tampa-based personal injury and criminal defense attorney TJ Grimaldi today to see how he can help you get through life’s challenging moments. Contact us or call now to 813-226-1023 to get your free consultation.

September 2, 2025/by tjgrimaldi

Law in the News

Why Did It Take 3 Months for Jeff Knight’s Arrest in Deadly Clearwater Ferry Accident?

Weeks of speculation led Tampa Bay to wonder whether a prominent business owner would be charged for his role in a boating accident that left ten people injured and one man dead. Now, we have an answer.

Three months after the deadly accident, Jeff Knight was officially charged with 24 counts, including eight counts of felony leaving the scene of a boating accident involving death and or serious bodily injury.

What led to Knight being charged weeks after the accident?

A Deadly Crash in Clearwater

On the evening of April 27, 2025, the Clearwater Ferry was carrying 45 people near the Memorial Causeway in Clearwater, Florida. At the same time, Jeff Knight was driving a private 37-foot boat toward the ferry.

As Knight’s boat came upon the ferry, it did not stop. It ran into the stern of the boat, causing damage to the ferry and serious injuries to the passengers on board. At least ten people were injured, and one man, Jose Castro, was killed, as reported by the New York Post.

What happened next has been up for debate in the news and now, in the courts.

Knight says he tied his boat to the ferry and stayed on the scene to assist. He claims he was on the scene for 11 minutes before deciding to drive his boat to the shore because he was taking on water.

Others say Knight illegally fled the scene.

After Knight left, Pinellas County deputies stopped him about 3.5 miles south of the crash. They gave Knight a breathalyzer test, which showed no alcohol in his system. He was not arrested and was permitted to leave. Now, authorities are saying Knight never should have left the scene, and they have criminally charged him for his actions.

What Are the Charges Against Jeff Knight?

Roughly three months after the deadly boating accident, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) in conjunction with the Pinellas County State Attorney’s Office said that Knight was being charged for his role in the accident.

Knight was charged with 24 criminal counts that include:

8 counts of third-degree felony for leaving the scene of a boating accident involving death and or serious bodily injury
8 counts of violation of navigational rule 5 (which says every vessel must maintain a proper look-out at all times by sight and hearing)
8 counts of violation of navigational rule 6 (which says every vessel must proceed at a safe speed at all times)

Each count is related to a person who needed medical assistance beyond first-aid.

What Evidence Led Jeff Knight to Be Criminally Charged?

Authorities say that further investigation conducted over the last three months provided evidence to charge Knight.

MSN and ABC Action News said the investigation included:

Interviewing nearly fifty witnesses
Reviewing multiple surveillance videos
Reviewing 911 calls
Creating a digital reconstruction of both vessels
Examining both vessels
Analyzing GPS forensic analysis
Testing of the lights in question

Authorities believe they now have enough evidence to charge Knight with a serious felony for leaving the scene, as well as smaller misdemeanor charges for his actions that led to the accident.

Knight was charged under Florida Statute 327.30 which says, “It is unlawful for a person operating a vessel involved in an accident or injury to leave the scene of the accident or injury without giving all possible aid to all persons involved and making a reasonable effort to locate the owner or persons affected and subsequently complying with and notifying the appropriate law enforcement official as required under this section. Any person who violates this subsection with respect to an accident resulting in personal injury commits a felony of the third degree.”

The investigation also led authorities to charge the ferry boat captain, Dennis Kimmerer. He has been charged with violating a navigation rule for failing to have a working stern light at the time of the accident.

Knight Pleads Not Guilty

Knight stands by his account that he stayed long enough at the scene. He pleaded not guilty and plans to fight the charges.

His attorney, J. Kevin Hayslett said, “The claim that Jeff Knight immediately sped from the scene is false — and it’s time to correct the record… We look forward to presenting that evidence to an impartial jury of Mr. Knight’s peers — and finally setting the record straight.”

In addition to fighting the criminal charges against him, Knight is also facing a civil case. Six injured passengers have filed three lawsuits against Knight and Mad Toys III, the company that owns the 38-foot-long boat. Per reporting by ABC Action News, the plaintiffs are seeking damages in excess of $50,000.

TJ’s Take

Tampa-based defense attorney TJ Grimaldi shared his thoughts about Knight’s delayed arrest. “I am not surprised Mr. Knight was charged, but knowing Pinellas County, I am surprised it took this long to get the charges filed,” said Grimaldi.

Grimaldi suspects the case will drag on even more and turn into a lengthy legal battle.

“This will be a lengthy and difficult defense as there will be a large amount of discovery that needs to occur. Additionally, given the significant media exposure that this case has received coupled with his prior criminal history, his attorney will have a long fight ahead. That is exactly why it is important to get the right attorney on your side,” he said.

Get Legal Help In Tampa Bay

When life is at its most challenging, you need a trusted attorney by your side.

Whether you have been injured in an accident or accused of a crime, you need someone who can take all the evidence and use it to build and support your case. Don’t go into these situations alone. Make sure an expert is by your side to analyze the situation and help you get the best possible outcome. TJ Grimaldi is a Tampa Bay attorney committed to helping people during their most difficult moments. From personal injury to criminal defense cases, TJ works side-by-side with his clients to guide them through life’s challenges.

If you’re going through a legal challenge of your own, see how TJ can help. Contact us or call now to 813-226-1023 to get your free consultation.

August 13, 2025/by tjgrimaldi

Criminal Law, Law in the News

Florida Ex-Cop on the Run After Failing to Appear Before Court for DUI Manslaughter Case

Image via Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office

A Florida man went from being a sheriff’s deputy to being a fugitive. What events led this man from being a person who enforces the law to someone who runs from the law?

A DUI Leaves Two Men Dead

In the early morning of April 13, 2022, Joshua Roelofs was speeding down Courtney Campbell Causeway near Tampa, Florida. Dashcam footage from his 2017 Nissan GT-R would later show that as he drove, Roelofs swerved. His vehicle weaved in and out of lanes and straddled the middle lane. He was driving close to 100 mph when he ran into the back of a 2005 Kia Sorento, per reporting by Tampa Bay Times .

The Kia was propelled forward. It flipped multiple times, ejecting all four occupants. Two of the passengers were declared dead at the scene. The other two occupants were taken to a hospital. One would be left with a permanent disability.

Roelofs was not injured. As officers arrived, he stayed on the scene and refused to take a field sobriety test.

Reports from officers say that Roelofs smelled of alcohol and that he had bloodshot and watery eyes. After a warrant was obtained, Roelofs was taken into custody where he had his blood drawn. It showed a .069 blood-alcohol level approximately five hours after the crash. Within the state of Florida, you can be charged with a DUI if you have a blood alcohol or breath alcohol level of .08 or above at the time of driving.

Former Cop Faces Serious Charges

Roelofs would later be booked into the Hillsborough County jail and charged with two felony counts of DUI manslaughter and two felony counts of DUI causing serious bodily injury. He was released on a $19,000 bond.

After the accident, the Polk County Sheriff’s office confirmed that Roelofs was a former employee. He had been a deputy for five years before he was arrested and fired in 2015 for repeatedly filing inaccurate time cards to increase his pay.

Roelofs went from being a police officer to facing serious criminal charges.

In Florida, felony DUI manslaughter charges carry the maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Under Florida Statutes 316.193, a DUI resulting in death is a second-degree felony that comes with a mandatory prison sentence of four years.

Three years after the fatal crash, Roelofs decided he didn’t want to face the consequences of his actions.

An Ex-Cop Turns Into a Fugitive

In April 2025, the time finally came for Roelofs to appear in court. He was supposed to appear before a judge and enter a plea.

It was reported that prosecutors offered Roelofs an agreement for 28 years in prison if he pled guilty. Roelofs’ defense countered with an offer of 10 years, followed by 10 years of supervision, but no official agreement was made.

Roelofs needed to make his plea in court, but he did not show.

The court waited for an hour for Roelofs to appear. After that hour, they issued a warrant for his arrest, and Roelofs’ two attorneys, Deborah Barra and Glen Lansky, withdrew as his counsel.

Roelofs has not been seen since.

A Man on the Run

For weeks, law enforcement has been looking for Roelofs. Police have been searching in Florida along with Columbus, Ohio and northwestern Michigan where Roelofs has personal ties.

Roelofs will now face additional charges for fleeing while on bond. Failing to appear in court can result in a third-degree felony charge with penalties up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

Also, failure to appear may also impact Roelofs’ future case and sentencing. Once Roelofs is apprehended and eventually faces his charges, he may face the steepest penalties if found guilty of the crimes.

Anyone with information regarding Roelofs’ whereabouts can call the Tampa Police Department at 813-231-6130 or the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office at 813-247-8200.

Get Help from an Experienced DUI Attorney

A DUI is a serious charge, but it is nothing to run from. Avoiding the situation will only make it worse.

If you are facing a DUI or criminal charge, call an attorney immediately to begin to make the best path for resolving the situation. An experienced DUI attorney will help you assess your case and fight for you to get the best possible outcome.

To learn more about how to manage a DUI case in Tampa, Florida, please visit our DUI resource center. It answers all of your DUI questions and offers resources to support you throughout your case. Then, call 813-226-1023 to talk to TJ Grimaldi to get one-on-one help with your DUI case. TJ Grimaldi is an experienced Tampa DUI attorney who will work by your side to help you get through your DUI case and arrive at the best possible outcome. Schedule your consultation or call 813-226-1023 now.

June 27, 2025/by tjgrimaldi

Law in the News

Drug Trafficking Conviction Overturned After Court Says They Couldn’t Tell if Substance Was Pot or Hemp

A man was arrested at the Tampa airport with what authorities believed to be 25 bags of illegal marijuana. He was charged and convicted of drug trafficking. Now, a judge ordered the man’s conviction to be overturned.

What led the judge to reconsider the charge and the conviction, and what does it mean for other drug possession cases?

Airport Arrest Finds 25 Bags of “Green, Leafy” Substance

In 2022, Pryce Campbell landed at the Tampa International Airport on a flight from Denver, Colorado. He had checked at least two bags. As the bags went through security screening, a drug-sniffing dog signaled at one of the bags. The alert meant drugs could be inside the luggage, so authorities pulled the bags and searched them.

Two of Campbell’s duffle bags were filled with 25 vacuum-sealed packages of a “green, leafy” substance, per the Tampa Bay Times.

Law enforcement took a 24.47-gram sample from one of the bags and tested it. The testing reported that illegal cannabis was part of the sample.

When questioned, Campbell said the substance was not illegal marijuana but a legal hemp product. He said he purchased each bag for $50 from an Oregon man while in Colorado. His statement didn’t stop authorities from arresting and charging him with drug trafficking.

A Drug Trafficking Charge & an Appeal

In Florida, drug trafficking charges apply when an individual has between 25 and 2,000 pounds of marijuana. The minimum mandatory sentence is three years in prison and a fine of $25,000.

Campbell was found guilty and sentenced to three years in prison, but his legal team appealed the conviction. Campbell’s legal team argued that authorities didn’t properly test and identify the substance in Campbell’s possession, and, therefore, wrongly convicted him of marijuana possession in excess of 25 pounds.

During the appeals process, a detective testified that the K-9 who signaled at Campbell’s bag, “Could not identify whether the duffle bags contained cannabis, rather it could only alert to odors of illicit substances in general.”

The appeals court agreed with Campbell’s legal team, and Cambell’s conviction was overturned. The judge ordered his sentence to be reduced to a drug possession charge and for him to be resentenced.

Problems with Identifying Legal and Illegal Drugs

This case is just one example of how law enforcement is struggling to deal with the challenge of identifying substances that are legal and illegal. As the legality of drug substances now ranges, such as the introduction of legal medicinal marijuana, authorities are needing to find new ways to find and identify illegal drugs.

In Campbell’s appeal ruling, Chief Judge Daniel Sleet, who was joined by Judges Patricia Kelly and Craig Villanti, said, “The state can no longer rely solely on appearance and odor to extend an inference of illegal cannabis.” The judge said Campell could not be charged on the evidence that the entire substance was illegal marijuana since only a portion of it was tested.

Another drug possession conviction was recently challenged in the 5th District Court of Appeal in Lake County, Florida. Stephon Ford was arrested and charged with drug possession after he was pulled over and a drug-sniffing dog signaled at his car. Ford’s legal team challenged his conviction, arguing that the dog who identified the drugs could not tell the difference between legal and illegal marijuana. The court agreed.

While Ford’s conviction was not overturned, the judge agreed that dogs cannot tell the difference between legal and illegal marijuana, therefore, their signal should not be able to trigger a car search. The ruling is another example highlighting the complexities as to whether officers are legally allowed to search vehicles and if the evidence they find can be used in court.

Take to an Experienced Drug Possession Attorney

Laws and legal standards are constantly changing. If you have been charged with a crime or illegal drug possession, make sure you talk to a criminal defense attorney who is familiar with new and changing laws.

Get the best defense possible by working with a drug possession attorney who understands how changing regulations and rules can impact your case. Get help now. Schedule a free consultation with attorney TJ Grimaldi to see how he can lead you through a criminal charge. Request your free consultation or call 813-226-1023.

April 8, 2025/by tjgrimaldi

Law in the News

Man Burned by Spilled Starbucks Tea Awarded $50 Million in Personal Injury Lawsuit

A spilled drink leads to a mess, but in one case, a spilled hot tea led to a $50 million lawsuit. Why was Starbucks ordered to pay millions to a man after a drink spilled into his lap?

A Delivery Turns Into a Trip to the ER

On February 8, 2020, Michael Garcia was a 25-year-old delivery driver for Postmates. He responded to an order at a Los Angeles Starbucks to pick up three venti hot teas. The venti size at Starbucks is 20 ounces of fluid for a hot drink.

Video footage from Starbucks captured Garcia’s encounter with the barista as he picked up the three hot teas from the drive-through window, per a report by the New York Times. The barista placed the three teas in a cardboard holder and handed it to Garcia. One of the drinks tipped and spilled into Garcia’s lap. The video shows Garcia writhe in pain and drive away.

Garcia left Starbucks and drove to an emergency room where he was treated for third-degree burns on his penis, groin, and inner thighs. The incident would lead to multiple medical treatments and to Garcia filing suit against Starbucks.

Suing Starbucks for Personal Injury

The incident left Garcia with serious burns that required multiple skin grafts and medical treatments on his groin area. The severity of his injuries led him to file a personal injury lawsuit against Starbucks.

According to his attorneys, the barista “negligently failed to properly” secure the drinks in the holder. She also failed to fasten the lid tight enough that it would not fall off. Attorneys said Garcia was due damages for the pain and suffering the incident caused.

Garcia “has lived for five years with the disfigurement, pain, dysfunction, and psychological harm caused by the burns,” his lawyers said.

The lawsuit sought damages to cover Garcia’s physical pain as well as mental suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, humiliation, inconvenience, grief, disfigurement, physical impairment, and anxiety, according to the jury award.

A Jury Awards $50 Million in Damages

Roughly five years after the incident, Garcia won his case against Starbucks. A jury awarded Garcia more than $50 million in damages. Garcia’s attorneys say the award is likely to total more than $60 million after interest, attorneys’ fees, and costs are added.

Starbucks says it plans to appeal. Jaci Anderson, Starbucks’s director of corporate communications, said in the statement, “We disagree with the jury’s decision that we were at fault for this incident and believe the damages awarded to be excessive.”

The award isn’t the first time a fast-food chain has been found liable for burning a customer. In 1994, a woman sued McDonald’s after she said she was burned by hot coffee spilled in her lap. The woman was originally awarded $2.7 million, but a judge later reduced the jury’s verdict. The Starbucks case has a substantially higher award.

Determining Personal Injury Awards

Personal injury compensation covers a wide range of damages that are both monetary and non-monetary. Because the specifics of each personal injury case are different, the amount of damages for each case will also be unique.

Damages may include:

Special compensation damages with a specific monetary amount that cover immediate medical bills, future medical bills, cost of home care, lost income, property damage, loss of future income, etc.
General compensation damages that don’t have a specific monetary value such debilitating long-term physical impairments, physical disfigurement or deformities, emotional trauma (stress and anxiety), loss of consortium or companionship, and damage to lifestyle because of the injury.
Punitive damages that may include an additional financial award if there is proof that injuries were a result of malicious or intentional actions.

In this case, Garcia sought both special compensation to cover his medical bills and related expenses as well as general compensation to cover the medical anguish and emotional toll the incident had on him. He was awarded damages for both by the jury.

Do You Have a Personal Injury Case to Discuss?

If you have been injured by the negligence of another party, you deserve compensation to treat your injuries and support your healing journey. A personal injury attorney can help you hold a negligent person or company accountable for damages to your physical and mental health.

If you have an injury case, talk to an attorney right away. Review the details of the incident to determine if you have a case worth fighting for. To get an expert opinion about your case, schedule a call with TJ Grimaldi. TJ is an experienced personal injury attorney who can review your case and provide you with options. Plus, all consultations are free. Schedule your consultation or call 813-226-1023 now.

March 25, 2025/by tjgrimaldi

Criminal Law, Law in the News

Golf Cart Driver Charged with DUI Manslaughter After Woman Falls Out and Dies

Taking a ride on a golf cart doesn’t seem like it could lead to a life-changing moment. But, for two individuals in Florida, one ride changed their lives forever. One lost her life, while another is now facing up to 15 years in prison.

What happened, and why are there serious criminal changes in this tragic case?

A Deadly Golf Cart Ride

Late at night on March 9, 2025, Richard Keil, 58, and a woman took a ride in a golf car. Keli is a resident of The Villages, a senior living community located in central Florida. The woman, whose identity has not been released, is a resident of Illinois and was visiting the area. She would not be returning home. The Florida Highway Patrol shared the details of what happened based on a statement from Keil.

At around 1 am, Keil was driving the golf cart on the road of a residential area, according to the Tampa Bay Times. The golf cart was heading north on San Marino Drive when it encountered a parked car near the intersection of Santa Clara Circle. Keil swerved to avoid a parked car, and the sudden movement caused the woman to fall from the golf cart.

The woman was seriously injured and taken to a local hospital, where she later died from her injuries. Keil appeared to exhibit signs of impairment. He was arrested by FHP and charged with DUI manslaughter.

Golf Cart Driver Charged with DUI Manslaughter

A DUI is a serious charge, but a DUI manslaughter charge is even more consequential. Florida DUI laws and their potential punishments are outlined in Florida Statutes 316.193. DUI penalties are enhanced when the incident leads to damages, injury, or the death of another person. When a DUI leads to death, it is considered manslaughter.

DUI manslaughter is defined by Florida Statute 782.07 as “the killing of a human being by the act, procurement, or culpable negligence.” It is a second-degree felony and comes with a mandatory prison sentence of four years. The maximum sentence is 15 years in prison, 15 years of probation, and up to a $10,000 fine.

An individual can be charged with DUI or manslaughter as separate crimes, but they become one charge when the crimes occur at the same time. For Keil to be convicted, state prosecutors will have to show that he was impaired and under the influence while driving and took action that led to the death of another person.

Yes, You Can Get a DUI on a Golf Cart

While DUIs are often associated with individuals being under the influence of alcohol while operating a vehicle, a DUI can include many other situations.

A DUI, or driving under the influence, does not only refer to being intoxicated by alcohol. A person could be charged with driving while intoxicated, DMI, if impaired by alcohol as well as drugs or even prescription medications.

You do not need to be driving a vehicle to get a DUI or DWI. Depending on the jurisdiction, a person could be charged with a DUI while operating a variety of motorized and non-motorized modes of transportation such as:

Bicycles and e-bikes
Electric scooters
Boats
Jet skis
ATVs
Golf carts
Tractors and lawn mowers
Horses and horse-drawn carriages

The type of transformation and whether it is motorized or non-motorized has no bearing on the severity of a DUI charge. If you are intoxicated by a substance and controlling a mode of transportation, you could possibly be charged with a DUI.

Each state has its own set of DUI laws, so it is important to know and understand the statutes of your state if charged with driving under the influence.

Get Legal Support for a DUI

A DUI, whether it is a first-time offense or a second-degree felony, is a serious criminal charge. The choices you make during the legal process can impact the rest of your life. If you are charged with a DUI, take the situation seriously. Talk to an experienced DUI attorney right away.

An experienced attorney knows how to fight against the charges to get you the best possible outcome for your situation. If you need legal advice about a DUI or other criminal charge, we’re here to help.

Contact our office to schedule a free consultation with criminal defense attorney, TJ Grimaldi. Request your consultation or call 813-226-1023 today.

March 20, 2025/by tjgrimaldi