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NewsWSVN 7News – Local NewsAugust 26, 2026Miami-Dade

Miami-Dade judge denies request to dismiss battery charges against autistic student

A Miami-Dade Circuit Court judge ruled that criminal battery charges against 21-year-old Halle Hansen must remain open for at least one year despite a court-appointed psychologist finding her incompetent to stand trial. The judge stated that Florida law prevents her from dismissing the case at this stage, requiring the legal process to continue until the one-year mark is reached.

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Read the full story at WSVN 7News – Local News

Why It Matters

The case highlights the mandatory legal timelines in Florida for criminal defendants found incompetent to stand trial, which requires families to remain in the court system for a minimum of one year regardless of the defendant's diagnosis.

Key Facts

  • Halle Hansen, 21, is facing battery charges for an incident involving a teacher at American Senior High School last November.
  • A court-appointed psychologist found Hansen incompetent to stand trial due to her autism.
  • Judge Maria Verde-Yanez stated she lacks the legal authority to dismiss the charges at this stage.
  • Florida law requires criminal cases involving defendants found incompetent to stand trial to remain open for at least one year.
  • The family's attorney, Michael Pizzi, argued that because the defendant's condition is permanent, the case should be dismissed immediately.
  • The family is seeking video evidence from the school cafeteria to provide further context for the incident.
  • The next court hearing is scheduled for October.

Who's Mentioned

personHalle Hansen“21-year-old defendant with autism”personEsther King“Mother of the defendant”personMaria Verde-Yanez“Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge”locationAmerican Senior High School“Site of the incident”personMichael Pizzi“Attorney for the family”