Death of attorney James Stokes - Key Defender of Children on Trial as Adults - is a Devastating Loss to Floridas Children.

Attorney's death leaves 15-year old Daniel Carter worried about his future. Overzealous Florida prosectuors have turned Daniel's self-defense actions into a first-degree murder charge.

The death of James Randall Stokes, a lawyer from Escambia County who opposed the controversial practice of prosecuting children in adult court will be remembered for his support of children. Stokes believed that children should not be held to the same standard of culpability for their actions as adults.

James Stokes wasnt the only person in Florida who felt children were too young to face adult court. As Jeb Bush, Governor of Florida recently stated, "There should be a sensitivity to the fact that a 14 year old, is NOT a little adult."
The late James Stokes was selfless in his dedication to assisting children who are facing adult courts. As Florida leads the nation in sending children to adult court, there was never a shortage of children awaiting adult court in Pensacola. Before his sudden death, James Stokes was preparing to defend 15-year old Daniel Carter.

Daniel Carter is currently being held at the Escambia County Jail awaiting his trial for premeditated first-degree murder. Overzealous Florida prosecutors have turned Daniels simple self-defense actions into a premeditated murder charge. Daniel was defending himself from his intoxicated and irrational uncle who forcibly entered the boys room while he was sleeping and started attacking the boy.

Stokes became a good friend to Daniel and was determined to get Daniel acquitted of the charges against him. Stokes made it his business to get involved in these types of cases, which appear to be nothing more than the tools of politically-minded prosecutors looking to advance in their careers.

James Stokes passing is sure to be a serious blow to Daniels defense and is only one of the many stressful situations that Daniel has faced while incarcerated at Escambia County Jail. For reasons unknown, Daniel has been denied an education, has been denied treatment for depression, as well as for a life threatening heart-related disability and dental care. Daniel is in pain every day due to his medical conditions.

With the unfortunate death of James Stokes, Daniel is at the mercy of Escambia County and is worried about his future. Who will follow Stokes example and take the lead in protecting children who are being held to adult standards?

"James Stokes was an honest, big hearted man who truly cared about those he tried so hard to help - and that is his legacy - one man with a heart of gold who truly cared," stated Cindy Carter, Daniel Carters mother.

Kids in Court:
Kids in Court is a childrens advocate group that is against transferring youths charged with a crime from rehabilitation based juvenile courts, into the adult punishment based prison system. Kidsincourt members include Mothers, Fathers, Concerned Citizens, legal and medical professionals, former child prisoners and their families.
For more information, please visit www.kidsincourt.com and www.danielcarter.us or contact Donna Gallegos at 270-415-9955 or email savedanielcarter@yahoo.com