Schofield prosecutor Jerry Hill lawyers up, gets extension for responding to Bar complaint

Every tough talking prosecutor accused of misconduct is, of course, entitled to a competent defense. Hiring high-powered lawyers doesn't mean Jerry knows he's guilty.

Late yesterday, I received a copy of a letter from Nassau County law firm Jacobs Scholz & Wyler informing the Florida Bar that it “represents the interests” of Jerry Hill in the complaint I’ve filed against him.

The letter also relates that Jerry Hill has asked for and received a multi-week extension for responding to my complaint. The previous deadline was July 21. It is now August 11. It’s not clear to me why Jerry needs the extra time to answer my fairly simple allegations. I was not asked if I objected to the extension.

No objection to Jerry’s lawyers taking extra time to defend him

But I don’t have any objection. It’s fine. Every lawyer, like every criminal defendant, is entitled to a robust defense against allegations of misconduct as a lawyer.

I would never suggest to any form of tribunal, as Hill did repeatedly concerning Leo Schofield at the 2020 parole hearing, that asserting innocence is evidence of wrongdoing and low character worthy of punishment and ridicule.

I am very curious, now, if the law firm will write Jerry’s response in the third person (i.e., “Mr. Hill denies or acknowledges, etc) or if Jerry will write the response himself.

My article from yesterday lays out the details of the overall process. It’s not clear to me if or how hiring a law firm to represent Hill can alter the course of the process. We’ll see.