Opinion ID: 1703032
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Other Instances of Judicial Impropriety

Text: Maharaj next argues he is entitled to postconviction relief because the second trial judge had the State write the sentencing order and because the first postconviction judge was the attorney supervising Maharaj's prosecution. Maharaj received adequate relief for both of these claims. This Court reversed the summary denial of postconviction relief and remanded the case for an evidentiary hearing before a new judge. See Maharaj v. State, 684 So.2d 726 (Fla.1996). A new judge was appointed, an evidentiary hearing was conducted, and a new penalty phase trial has been ordered based on the second trial judge's failure to independently weigh the aggravating and mitigating factors. Adequate relief has been granted to this defendant.