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The court proceedings are the same as if the case was filed by the State Attorney ’ s Office , but because I can file in any jurisdiction , I have to be familiar with the procedures in every circuit ; so , there can be some differences from case to case depending on the location . While the case is proceeding , I will maintain contact with law enforcement , victims , and witnesses so everyone is aware of how the case is progressing . Frequently our office charges complex RICO and fraud cases which can take a long time to reach a conclusion . Maintaining contact with all of the involved parties is critical to ensuring everyone will be available for trial . As cases progress , I will have discussions with the victims and law enforcement if there are going to be any plea negotiations and also to confirm dates for jury trials .
We all work together whether someone needs coverage due to calendar conflicts or talking about cases to get feedback and suggestions . Within the Tampa office , we are lucky to have Nick Cox , the Statewide Prosecutor for the State of Florida , located in our office . He makes himself available for discussions and advice . These cases are complex and can last for years , and we are lucky to be able to work closely to effectively prosecute the cases . n
Author : Deb Bell – Office of the Attorney General , Office of Statewide Prosecution
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