Florida Governor Signs New Criminal Accountability Law
On Tuesday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis enacted a new criminal accountability law, further advocating for impeachment powers aimed at judges who release criminals, only for them to commit more violent acts.
“We’re in a situation where even judges seem unwilling to hold these individuals accountable as required by law,” DeSantis stated during a news conference about the signing of what’s being called Missy’s Law.
He specifically pushed for the impeachment of Leon County Judge Tiffany Baker-Carper, who allowed a convicted sex offender to be released on bail before sentencing. DeSantis suggested this decision may have played a role in the man’s subsequent accusation of murdering his 5-year-old stepdaughter.
“I don’t think what you’ve done is sufficient,” DeSantis said to those in the Florida House of Representatives. “You have the authority and the votes necessary to impeach Judge Baker-Carper.” He urged that without accountability, judges would keep finding ways to favor criminal behavior.
Baker-Carper had granted bail to Daniel Spencer, who was previously convicted in an underage sex sting operation. Later, along with Chloe Spencer, he was charged with the murder of his stepdaughter, Missy Mogul, in 2025, with the state pushing for the death penalty for both.
DeSantis expressed outrage over the situation, emphasizing how straightforward it would have been to sentence Spencer appropriately before this tragedy occurred. He noted that the state legislature has the two-thirds majority required for impeachment and hinted that even some Democrats might support the move given the case’s circumstances.
Judge Baker-Carper, who took her seat on November 3, 2020, made history as the youngest woman and the first Black woman to be elected to a judgeship in Florida’s Second Judicial Circuit.
Missy’s Law mandates that judges must keep individuals convicted of serious crimes locked up until sentencing. DeSantis characterized the judge’s decision as both a judicial mistake and a failure of duty, asserting that if the law had been in effect, Missy would still be alive.
He said this legislation is a positive step but stressed the need for further action to ensure judicial accountability. The governor also signed House Bill 1159, which enhances protections for children and toughens penalties related to child sexual abuse offenses.
“We must ensure justice for victims of crime,” said DeSantis. “Today, I signed two significant laws aimed at holding dangerous criminals and sex offenders accountable in Florida.” The legislation bolsters the pretrial detention framework for certain serious crimes, preventing individuals from being released on bail immediately after arrest.
Missy’s Law specifically expands the criteria for dangerous crimes to include offenses related to computer pornography and child exploitation, ensuring that those arrested for these crimes are detained and not released at their first court appearance.
Florida Attorney General James Usmeyer remarked that the bill removes judicial discretion for dangerous criminals, guaranteeing they are incarcerated post-conviction. He expressed gratitude to Governor DeSantis for signing it into law.
