Watch CBS News

Lawmaker Wants To Allow Warning Shot To be Fired

TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/AP) — A case that shocked the nation after a woman was sentenced to 20 years for firing a shot during an argument with her estranged husband may inspire a change in the law.

Polk City Republican Rep. Neil Combee filed a bill Thursday that he says would let people defend themselves without fear of getting arrested.

Combee says he filed the bill (HB 89) as a response to Marissa Alexander and others. The bill would exempt someone from Florida's "10-20-Life" law if they show their gun or fires a warning shot at an attacker.

Alexander was sentenced to 20 years for firing a shot during an argument with her estranged husband. Alexander maintains she fired a warning shot into a wall, but prosecutors contend she fired it in the direction of her husband and his two sons.

An appeals court this week ordered a new trial for Alexander.

(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.