CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. — A Charlotte County judge said the trial for Cassandra Smith, the woman accused of killing a deputy in a DUI crash, will happen next week.
The judge’s decision comes despite Smith’s defense team insisting they’re not ready.
The Massachusetts woman is accused of driving drunk in November 2022, eventually striking Charlotte County Deputy Christopher Taylor on the side of I-75.
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Smith’s attorney argued three things. First, she wanted to make sure potential jurors were questioned individually. They want to ask jurors in private whether they had any prior knowledge of the 2022 crash that killed Deputy Taylor on I-75. Judge Shannon McFee granted that motion.
Second, the defense wanted to ensure the state would not introduce evidence regarding Smith’s previous April 2021 DUI charge from Palm Beach County, which was reduced to reckless driving. McFee granted that motion as well.
Lastly, Smith’s defense requested a change of venue. They argued that some of the news coverage of the case from around the state was “excessive and inflammatory,” adding that it would be impossible to find a jury. McFee, however, disagreed with this point and said they have to at least try to seat a jury.
Jury selection is scheduled to start on Tuesday, Dec. 12.
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