‘Stand Your Ground’ law at issue in Drejka case
John Travena, an attorney representing Michael Drejka in a manslaughter trial that looks to once again put Florida’s controversial “stand your ground” law to the test, will join guest host Doug Smith on The Erik Kuselias Show Friday afternoon.
Drejka was charged with manslaughter earlier this month after a fatal shooting in a Clearwater parking lot in July. Drejka claims he felt threatened by Markeis McGlockton during an altercation. Surveillance video shows McGlockton shoving Drejka to the ground in the argument that began with Drejka being upset with McGlockton’s girlfriend parking in a handicap spot. Markies McGlockton had three young children.
The “stand your ground” law is intensely disputed within Florida, and cases that involve it tend to gather national attention. Smith, a longtime investigative reporter for Fox 13 and other outlets, will ask Travena about how the law might apply to Drejka’s case.
This case’s timing is interesting as well, as it comes during an election year where many statewide offices are up for grabs. Already in candidate forums leading up to next week’s primary, candidates have been asked about their stance regarding “stand your ground” and the law will be a major issue in the general election for prospective state legislators, gubernatorial candidates, and aspiring judges all over the Sunshine State.
As this is one of the most hotly-debated laws anywhere in the country, Travena’s insights both as Drejka’s attorney and a defense attorney in general may shed a light on what this looks like from the legal angle.
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Listen to the Erik Kuselias Show, weekday afternoons from 1-3 on AM 820 News Tampa Bay and 98.3 FM Pinellas County.
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More on the Michael Drejka case:
Clearwater Shooter in Stand Your Ground Case Charged With Manslaughter