South Florida Criminal Attorneys Blog
“As a talented eighth-grader moving from Optimist League football to high school, DiIvory Edgecomb thought he could adjust quickly.” reported the Fort Lauderdale Sun Sentinel in a December 2003 article that was publicized in their sports section.
And based on the Florida Atlantic University’s (FAU) official Website, he did just that. Edgecomb, now 27, still holds the FAU Owls single-season kick return record with 1,155 yards in the 2007 season as well as being the record holder for most returns in a single game with seven. He was also third in the category of most all-purpose yards in a single season with 1,761. He graduated FAU in 2009 but did not go on to play professional football.
He was hired by the Hollywood Police Department in November 2009 and a according to Union leader Jeff Marano “comes from a law enforcement family”. His LinkedIn social media profile lists him as “Entrepreneur, Realtor, Investor, Philanthropist, Enthusiast” He’s also listed as a licensed real estate sales associate with The Keyes Company in Hollywood.
But recently, the once aspiring golden boy’s good fortune seems to have dramatically changed course.
Late last month Edgecomb was arrested by officers from his own department for charges of Driving under the Influence (DUI). He was directly relieved of his duties and placed on paid administrative leave. He was further ordered to relinquish his squad car, badge, and department-issued firearm, according to Lieutenant Osvaldo Perez of the Hollywood Police Department.
The incident took place a short time after 1:30 a.m., on Sept. 30 as Edgecomb was driving his grey Toyota in the northbound lane of North 22nd Avenue in Hollywood. He was travelling in a southerly direction when his car struck another vehicle.
Shantrice Shipman, the driver of the vehicle that was hit told police that a car was coming toward her in the wrong lane. She said that she turned sharply to the left in an effort to avoid a collision. But as she swerved her car away from the other vehicle it crashed into her car, hitting it on the passenger side. After the impact, the driver of the Toyota continued driving south, apparently without making an attempt to stop at all.
Edgecomb’s damaged vehicle was detected by Hollywood police about a half a mile from the crash, not moving, on the side of the road. The right front side of the car was noticeably dented and one of the tires was flat.
The officer that interviewed Edgecomb at the scene noted that his eyes were bloodshot and his breath smelled from alcohol, He also wrote in his report that the subject’s speech was slurred.
Edgecomb refused to take part in a roadside sobriety test. He also told police that he had nothing to say until he was able to contact his attorney. He was arrested at 3:40 a.m. and driven to be processed at the Broward Sheriff’s Office Detention Facility which is located at Hollywood Police Headquarters. After posting a bond of $1,500.00 he was released just after 2:00pm that same afternoon. His attorney could not be reached for comment on behalf of his client. Union leader Jeff Marano termed Edgecomb a “good, solid” cop, however the beleaguered officer declined to comment through his Union leader as well.
“He’s a sweetheart,” Marano said and went on to say that he “comes from a law enforcement family. Always has a smile on his face. He’s a great kid.”
However, the Hollywood Police Department will have to deal with the fact that one of their own is facing charges for DUI after being arrested by a fellow officer.
Currently, his case is pending.
In this case, in addition to the charge of DUI, the officer can also be charged with leaving the scene of an accident which can be punishable by a steep fine and a possible lengthy term of incarceration.
If you, a friend or family member is facing charges relating to any felony driving offense it is crucial that you secure a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney who has experience in these types of prosecutions.
Mr. Cohen is a board certified criminal trial lawyer rated AV by Martindale Hubbel (pre-eminent) and a “Super Lawyer” recognized as being in the top 5% of his specialized field (criminal trial law) among Florida lawyers. He is considered a specialist by the Florida Bar in his field. Mr. Cohen has tried scores of cases over his 35 year career and is a member of the Florida and New York Bars. He practices in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and Miami, among other counties. He is also admitted to practice in the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh and Second Circuit.
Mr. Cohen’s practice has recently expanded and he is now a partner in the prestigious law firm of McLaughlin & Stern, LLP. Through this partnership, Mr. Cohen can now lead your defense in the New York Metropolitan area in addition to the Broward, Dade, or Palm Beach County areas as well as all other jurisdictions throughout the state of Florida
Mr. Cohen is also listed in the 2013 edition of “Best Lawyers in America”