Opinion ID: 78178
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Florida State Trial Court Proceedings

Text: On 25 August 1995, Dombrowski was charged by information with one count each of burglary of a dwelling and grand theft. Before he pled guilty to the offenses underlying his § 2254 petition, the state filed notice of its intent to request that Dombrowski be sentenced as an habitual offender. At the original plea hearing on 30 October 1995, the state trial court informed Dombrowski that by pleading guilty, he was giving up the right to testify and to remain silent. Dombrowski stated that he understood this consequence, and the court accepted his open plea for burglary and grand theft. The sentencing hearing occurred on 8 December 1995. At its outset, the state requested a continuance of two weeks in order to collect certified copies of Dombrowski's numerous convictions ... outside of the state of Florida and multiple jurisdictions. R1-13, Exh. BB (Supp.) at 3. The sentencing court then stated that Dombrowski could avoid a delay in sentencing by confirming on the spot that he already had two prior felony convictions. The sentencing court placed the case on recall so that Dombrowski could discuss his options with his defense counsel. After several additional recalls, defense counsel announced that his client was prepared to be sentenced. The state reiterated its request that Dombrowski be sentenced as an habitual offender and the following exchange then occurred: THE COURT: Is Mr. Dombrowski agreeing that on November 7th of 1978 he got five years probation in Hawaii for two counts of Burglary; February 20th, 1981, he was sentenced to four years in prison for burglary and larceny; on February 8th, 1995, he was sentenced to five years in prison in New Jersey for burglaryexcuse me, on November 20th of 1986 he was sentenced to six years [in] prison in New Jersey for burglary; July 19th, 1988, he was sentenced to three years in prison in New York for grand larceny; and March 13th of 1992 he was sentenced to five years [in] prison in New Jersey for burglary? DOMBROWSKI: Yes, sir. THE COURT: And the Defense stipulates that he hasn't received any pardon or post conviction relief or anything to set aside any of those convictions? DEFENSE COUNSEL: Yes, Judge. R1-13, Exh. BB at 7-8. The court then inquired whether Dombrowski had any legal cause to show why [the] sentence should not be imposed[.] Id. at 10. Dombrowski's counsel stated that there was none. Finally, when the court asked Dombrowski whether he had anything to add, Dombrowski replied, [Defense counsel] Mr. Cotrone said it all, Your Honor. Id. Dombrowski was then sentenced as an habitual felony offender to fifteen years for the burglary and ten years for the grand theft, the sentences to run concurrently.