Prior Bad Acts (Williams Rule)

Florida legal definition under F.S. 90.404(2)

Verified by Licensed Bail Bond ProfessionalsLast updated: March 2026
Definition: Evidence of other crimes, wrongs, or acts committed by the defendant. Inadmissible to prove character, but may be admitted to prove motive, opportunity, intent, preparation, plan, knowledge, identity, or absence of mistake (the "Williams Rule").

Category: Evidence · Statute: F.S. 90.404(2) · Source: Florida Legislature

Understanding Prior Bad Acts (Williams Rule) in Florida

Evidence of other crimes, wrongs, or acts committed by the defendant. Inadmissible to prove character, but may be admitted to prove motive, opportunity, intent, preparation, plan, knowledge, identity, or absence of mistake (the "Williams Rule").

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