The budget crisis has had a crippling effect on Broward County Sheriff Al Lamberti’s ability to run the Broward jails. Sheriff Al Lamberti’s solution initially was to close down one of the wings at the Paul Rein Detention Facility in Pompano. Sheriff Al Lamberti has canceled the closure plan. This plan was projected to have shaved $5 million from the Broward Sheriff’s Office’s roughly $425 million general budget.
The unions representing the Broward Sheriff’s Office jail workers have been clashing with Sheriff Lamberti for pay increases. During an arbitration, the ruling seems to clearly take Lamberti’s side saying that the unions are fighting for better pay “during the worst economic climate in more than a half century.”
The Broward jails are clearly struggling from overcrowding. In fact, the County is under the watchful eye of the federal government. Should the County overcrowd the jails they may be fined $1000.00 per day according to Lamberti.
So long as judges in Broward are sending Defendant’s to jail for arriving five minutes late to court and the Broward State Attorney’s Office maintains policies that lead to unjust treatment of criminal defendant’s the problem of jail overcrowding will continue. If you have been arrested in Broward County and are seeking the advice of a criminal attorney then call (954) 761-4011 24/7. Whether you have been arrested for a drug crime, DUI, or any other felony or misdemeanor – The Ansara Law Firm can help!