The state of Florida is trying to put Marissa Alexander back in jail because she allegedly violated the terms of her bond -- by visiting a bank and getting a new driver's license.
According to Florida State Attorney Angela Corey’s office, Alexander has “repeatedly flouted” her bond conditions by running various errands with her family.
“She continues to demonstrate her utter disregard for conforming her behavior to the rules of others ... must abide by,” read the motion from Assistant State Attorney Richard Mantei.
Alexander was recently released on bond while she awaits a new trial for firing a warning shot into the wall to ward off her abusive husband during a domestic violence incident. No one was injured by the warning shot, but Alexander was given a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years nonetheless. After sustained pressure from Alexander's legal team and a national network of activists, the conviction was overturned in November, and Alexander now awaits a new trial.
As Morgan Whitaker at MSNBC notes, in response to the state's claims that Alexander violated the terms of her bond, her attorney pointed out that the Jacksonsville Sheriff’s Office gave prior approval for every errand she ran and trip she took.
“Unfortunately, the State of Florida, knowing that [her corrections officer] had authorized and given Marissa Alexander permission for each of the trips and stops alleged by the State to be willful violations of Marissa Alexander’s bond, failed to include those exonerative facts in its application to this Court,” said attorney Bruce Zimet.
“No justification supports the state’s failure to include in its motion to modify and revoke bond the fact that every activity alleged to be a violation of bond had been approved by the agency charged with the responsibility of supervising Marissa Alexander’s bond,” he added. “Obviously, including those omitted facts would expose the frivolity of the state’s motion.”
A hearing to determine whether or not her bond will be revoked is scheduled for Friday.
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