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Scott Signs Bill Cracking Down On Probation Violators

TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami) - Violent criminals who violate probation could be held without bond pending a probation violation hearing under legislation signed Monday by Gov. Rick Scott during a vigil at the Fort Myers Police Department to honor fallen officers.

The bill was named for Officer Andre Widman, who was shot to death in 2008 while responding to a domestic violence call involving someone who had an outstanding warrant.

The measure  makes clear that judges have the ability to consider additional factors when determining whether to jail or release offenders who have violated community supervision prior to their hearings.

"The Officer Andrew Widman Act empowers judges to keep criminals off the streets," Scott said in a statement. "If a person is likely to be sentenced to prison if found guilty, then it is in the best interest of public safety to hold that person in custody while waiting for a hearing."

The News Service of Florida continued to this report.

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