Opinion ID: 1588052
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Improper Sentencing Order

Text: Burns' next claim on appeal is that the postconviction court erred in denying his claim that the resentencing court committed fundamental error by failing to file a proper sentencing order. Burns asserts that the resentencing court's sentencing memorandum did not sufficiently list the nonstatutory mitigating circumstances proposed by Burns' resentencing counsel. This claim, based upon a defect in the sentencing order, is procedurally barred because it could have been raised on direct appeal. Suggs v. State, 923 So.2d 419, 439 (Fla.2005). Burns also contends that resentencing counsel were ineffective for failing to file a motion for rehearing to correct the error in the sentencing order. In denying this claim the postconviction court held: [A]lthough [Burns] alleges that Resentence Counsel were ineffective for failing to move for a rehearing to correct the trial court's error, CCRC fails to allege or prove any prejudice flowing from this failure. Because the prior sentencing order was comprehensive enough to allow for meaningful review, Resentence Counsel had no meritorious issue to raise in a motion for rehearing. Counsel's failure to raise a nonmeritorious issue does not constitute ineffective assistance. Postconviction Order at 17. We find no error in the postconviction court's decision on this claim. Burns has failed to allege how he was prejudiced by resentencing counsel's failure to file a motion for rehearing. Again, any defect in the sentencing order should have been raised on direct appeal.