Opinion ID: 1882379
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 9

Heading: Assessments of Aggravating and Mitigating Circumstances

Text: Stephens makes several arguments that the trial court erred in weighing the aggravating and mitigating circumstances in his case. We find the trial court acted within its discretion in making this determination. In reviewing the trial court's order, we must determine whether there is substantial, competent evidence in the record to support the aggravators and mitigators found to exist. See Gordon v. State, 704 So.2d 107 (Fla.1997); Larzelere v. State, 676 So.2d 394 (Fla.1996). First, Stephens argues the trial court improperly considered the same felonies used to support the felony murder conviction as prior felony convictions under section 921.141(5)(b), Florida Statutes (1997). This argument is without merit. Stephens was convicted of multiple felonies involving multiple victims. Only one of those felonies is needed for the first-degree felony murder conviction. He cannot complain because his criminal episode has resulted in numerous crimes and more than one aggravating circumstance. See, e.g., James v. State, 695 So.2d at 1229 (Fla. 1997) (holding felonies committed contemporaneously with the capital crime can qualify under the prior violent felony aggravator where, as here, the criminal episode involved multiple victims). Next, Stephens argues the trial court erred in finding and giving great weight to the fact that the death of this child occurred while the defendant was engaged in or fleeing from the crimes of armed kidnapping, armed robbery and burglary with an assault. Stephens argues he had reached a point of safety prior to the child's death and, therefore, the court erred in finding this an aggravating factor. As previously discussed, there is substantial, competent evidence that Sparrow III died as a result of the felonies Stephens committed. Therefore, this aggravator should be upheld. Next, Stephens argues the trial court failed to give due consideration to his acceptance of responsibility and remorse. The determination of what weight, if any, is to be given to a particular aggravating or mitigating circumstance is left within the sound discretion of the trial court. See Gordon v. State, 704 So.2d 107 (Fla.1997). We will not disturb that determination absent an abuse of discretion. Since the record adequately supports the trial court's conclusions that the pleas were made for tactical advantage and for use as argument before the jury, we will not disturb those findings. See Gordon, 704 So.2d at 118; Larzelere, 676 So.2d at 394. In addition, the trial judge found that Stephens appeared cavalier throughout the trial, a factor supporting the finding that he was not truly remorseful. The trial court's failure to give great weight to this mitigating factor is supported by competent, substantial evidence. Finally, Stephens argues the trial court erred in failing to give adequate weight to Cummings' life sentence. This argument is without merit because Stephens testified Cummings did not know that he was going to the house to rob the occupants, and he acted alone when he kidnapped Sparrow III. Therefore, the record adequately supports the trial court's conclusion that Stephens and Cummings were not equally culpable. See Raleigh v. State, 705 So.2d 1324 (Fla.1997); Cardona v. State, 641 So.2d 361 (Fla.1994).