Opinion ID: 1103334
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 13

Heading: sexual batterysentencing guidelines scoresheet

Text: Next, Fitzpatrick asserts that his sentence for sexual battery must be vacated because a guidelines scoresheet was not prepared. As Fitzpatrick contends, the record demonstrates that no scoresheet was prepared for the noncapital offense of sexual battery, contrary to the provisions of Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.701(d)(1). This section provides: One guideline scoresheet shall be utilized for each defendant covering all offenses pending before the court for sentencing. The state attorney's office will prepare the scoresheets and present them to defense counsel for review as to accuracy in all cases unless the judge directs otherwise. The sentencing judge shall approve all scoresheets. Thus, rule 3.701(d)(1) mandates that a sentence be imposed based on a sentencing guidelines scoresheet that has been reviewed by the trial judge. Holton v. State, 573 So.2d 284, 290-91 (Fla.1990) (reversing and remanding sentences for noncapital offenses of sexual battery and arson for preparation of scoresheet and consideration by trial judge); see also Lukehart v. State, 776 So.2d 906, 927 (Fla.2000) (holding that the trial court was required to complete a guidelines scoresheet for the noncapital offense, and remanding for a resentencing on the aggravated child abuse conviction); Pietri v. State, 644 So.2d 1347, 1355 (Fla.1994) (vacating appellant's sentences for the noncapital offenses and remanding for resentencing after the preparation and consideration of sentencing guidelines scoresheets). Consistent with prior precedent, we vacate Fitzpatrick's sentence for the noncapital offense of sexual battery and remand for resentencing after a guidelines scoresheet has been prepared and considered by the trial judge.