What is an illegal sentence? An illegal sentence is one which, when imposed is violative of our Constitution in that it constitutes cruel and unusual punishment when imposed.
The Third District Court of Appeal, State of Florida on April 24, 2013 most recently advised us as to what exactly constitutes an "illegal sentence" and the manner in which to go about rectifying the same in Lightsey v. State of Florida.
Here, the trial Court imposed a life sentence on a juvenile (16 years of age) for a robbery. The Court stated that this sentence clearly constituted as an illegal sentence. Further, it instructed as to how one may correct the same providing a procedural framework for all of us in the criminal field (see Rule 3.800(b)). "Rule 3.800(b)(1) provides that a motion to correct an illegal sentence may be filed in the trial court during the time allowed for the notice of filing a notice of appeal of sentence... If a motion is filed under subdivision (b)(1), the motion shall stay rendition of the sentencing order. Further, rule 3.800(b)(2) provides that if an appeal is pending, appellate counsel is permitted to file and serve a motion to correct illegal sentence in the trial court before the party's first appellate brief is served, and it a motion is filed in the trial court, appellate counsel shall file in the appellate court a notice of pending motion to correct an illegal sentence, which notice extends the time for filing the brief."
Accordinly, on should: (1) Bring the sentencing error to the attention of the trial court at the sentencing hearing OR in a motion filed post sentencing; (2) If this is not accomplished, file a motion to correct an illegal sentence under rule 3.800(b)(1) BEFORE a notice of appeal is file; (3) Under 3.800(b)(2), prior to filing the defendant's initial brief, file a motion to correct illegal sentence in the trial court AND notify the Appellate Court of the pending motion to correct illegal sentence.
If you think that you have been illegally sentenced, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney.
Friday, April 26, 2013
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Jury Selection - Striking for Cause
An interesting jury selection decision here in Florida was published yesterday in: ERNEST LARON BLAKE, Appellant, v. STATE OF FLORIDA, Appellee. 1st District. Case No. 1D12-1385. Opinion filed April 8, 2013.
The Court there held that it was an error to grant, over defendant's objection, state's challenge for cause as to prospective juror who indicated that he was engaged to a public defender in a different circuit where, although juror acknowledged that fiancee talked to him about the types of cases she worked on, juror indicated he would have no problem finding a person guilty if the evidence supported such a result.
The Court further held that the error not harmless, although state still had an unused peremptory challenge that could have been used to strike this juror.
From a procedural standpoint, it is important to object not only at time of striking, but also before the panel is sworn in as a whole in order to preserve the objection for appeal (as this lawyer did here). As a result of this attorney's diligence the instant conviction was overturned on appeal. and remanded for a new trial.
Should you be in need of an attorney or be representing yourself pro se, remember that jury selection may be better conducted by a competent criminal defense attorney.
The Court there held that it was an error to grant, over defendant's objection, state's challenge for cause as to prospective juror who indicated that he was engaged to a public defender in a different circuit where, although juror acknowledged that fiancee talked to him about the types of cases she worked on, juror indicated he would have no problem finding a person guilty if the evidence supported such a result.
The Court further held that the error not harmless, although state still had an unused peremptory challenge that could have been used to strike this juror.
From a procedural standpoint, it is important to object not only at time of striking, but also before the panel is sworn in as a whole in order to preserve the objection for appeal (as this lawyer did here). As a result of this attorney's diligence the instant conviction was overturned on appeal. and remanded for a new trial.
Should you be in need of an attorney or be representing yourself pro se, remember that jury selection may be better conducted by a competent criminal defense attorney.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)