Opinion ID: 2509688
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Respondent's immunity under the Act

Text: The State argues the circuit court erred in finding respondent was entitled to immunity under the Act. We disagree. The circuit court found that, applying any standard of proof, respondent would be entitled to immunity under the Act. The proper standard of proof in determining immunity under the Act is also a novel issue in this state. Other states have addressed this matter. In Dennis, the Florida Supreme Court rejected the State's argument that the pre-trial hearing on immunity should test merely whether the State has probable cause to believe the defendant's use of force was not legally justified. Dennis, 51 So.3d at 463. Specifically, the Dennis court found the grant of immunity from criminal prosecution under the statute must be interpreted in a manner that provides the defendant with more protection from prosecution for a justified use of force than the probable cause determination previously provided to the defendant by rule. Id. Accordingly, the court found the procedure set out in Peterson, supra , best effectuated the intent of the legislature. The Peterson court held that when a defendant raises the question of statutory immunity pre-trial, the trial court must determine whether the defendant has shown by a preponderance of the evidence that the immunity attaches. Peterson, 983 So.2d at 29. Likewise, we hold that when a party raises the question of statutory immunity prior to trial, the proper standard for the circuit court to use in determining immunity under the Act is a preponderance of the evidence. Turning to the facts of this case, we find there is evidence to support the circuit court's finding that respondent was entitled to immunity. Templeton's testimony and statements showed that, at the time the victim was shot, she was between the victim and respondent, trying to remove the victim from the dwelling. The victim, however, continued to force his way onto the porch. We find respondent showed by a preponderance of the evidence that the victim was in the process of unlawfully and forcefully entering respondent's home in accordance with § 16-11-440. Accordingly, the circuit court properly found respondent was entitled to immunity under the Act. We further find the circuit court's order of dismissal was proper because it found respondent was entitled to immunity under the Act under any standard of proof. In other words, had the circuit court held respondent to a stricter standard of proof, such as clear and convincing evidence or even proof beyond a reasonable doubt, the circuit court would have nonetheless found respondent was entitled to immunity.