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Warren v. DeSantis case in judge’s hands
Gloria Gomez reports.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - After nearly a week of testimony, courtroom exhibits, and legal arguments, Andrew Warren's legal fight is now in the hands of Judge Robert Hinkle.
"Like all of you and countess people across Florida, I look forward to the judge’s decision," said Warren after the trial ended.
The twice-elected Hillsborough state attorney is suing Governor Ron DeSantis to get his job back.
On August 4, the governor suspended Warren from office for what he claims was "neglect of duty," but Warren argues he was unlawfully removed.
The governor pointed to two pledges Warren had signed not to prosecute abortion and gender-affirming cases.
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Full press conference: Florida Gov. DeSantis announces suspension of Hillsborough State Attorney Andrew Warren
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Attorney General Ashley Moody announced the suspension of Hillsborough State Attorney Andrew Warren, effective immediately, for refusing to enforce Florida law.
Warren says the abortion pledge was not a blanket policy. Each case would be evaluated on the facts and circumstances before deciding whether to prosecute.
Warren says his removal was politically motivated and is being punished because his beliefs don’t line up with the governor's opinions. But the governor’s attorneys said Warren was not enforcing the law.
MORE: Acting Hillsborough State Attorney speaks on last 4 months, Warren v. DeSantis trial
As the trial wrapped up Thursday evening, Judge Hinkle told the lawyers he would begin reviewing the case in two weeks, the earliest his schedule would allow.
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Full press conference: Andrew Warren speaks after judge rules case against DeSantis will go to trial
Suspended Hillsborough State Attorney Andrew Warren and his legal team speak after a federal judge ruled his case against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis will go to trial.
The loser of Hinkle’s ruling will likely appeal the decision.
If the governor wins his appeal and they uphold Warren’s suspension, that would be the end of the road for Warren's legal battle.
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Suzy Lopez on 'whirlwind' after replacing Andrew Warren
Suzy Lopez says her life has been a whirlwind since she got the epic call on Aug. 1 from Governor Ron DeSantis appointing her as the new Hillsborough County State Attorney.
However, if Warren wins, he will be reinstated immediately and the acting state attorney, Suzy Lopez, appointed by the governor, will have to step aside.
Once Hinkle rules, it’s expected he will issue a "stay" and put his decision on hold to give both sides time to appeal.