Florida's new 'Super Speeder' law may have issues, defense attorney says

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Florida has a new “Super Speeder” law, designed to make the state’s roads safer.

The law pertains to drivers going over 100 mph, or 50 mph above the posted speed limit.

Drivers can be immediately arrested and face a $500 fine and 30 days in jail if they are convicted.

Most people agree, driving at excessive speeds is dangerous.

“Whoever drives a hundred miles an hour is insane. If you want to go drag racing, go drag racing. The law is there for protection, you know,” said Michael Cornacchione who regularly drives around Tampa.

Joe Rooney said some new cars and even the truck he drives every day can be deceptively fast.

“This truck, I’ve shocked myself. It’s so smooth, I’m doing 90 miles an hour and I’m thinking I’m doing 70. It’s like 90 and I’m whoaa,” Rooney said.

Chris Castillo is a former Hillsborough County prosecutor who now works as a defense attorney.
He said he agrees with the intent of the law.

“I think personally the intent is great. We don’t want people who are acting recklessly, at that kind of speed on our roadways,” Castillo said.

However, as a defense attorney, he finds some problems with the way the law is written.

“From a defense perspective, I have some concerns because it actually duplicates some statutes that we have on the books,” Castillo said.

He said the legislature may need to make some adjustments in the way the law is written to prevent cases from being thrown out of court.

“I think the statute itself isn’t well written because it doesn’t exactly state what type of a crime it is,” Castillo said.

The Florida Highway Patrol says the law is already having an impact by putting people in jail who drive at excessive speeds.

“Hopefully, people will realize that you can get pulled over, you can actually go to jail, not just a ticket but you go to jail, your car gets towed, you have an arrest on your record,” said Sergeant Steve Gaskins with the Florida Highway Patrol.