Opinion ID: 1619733
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: The Conflict with Isaac

Text: In light of our decision in Hughes v. State, 901 So.2d 837, 838 (Fla.2005), that Apprendi does not apply retroactively to cases that were final when it was decided, the Third District in Galindez held that to apply Apprendi and Blakely in a resentencing held after those opinions issued, when the conviction and original sentence were final before they issued, would constitute retroactive application. Galindez, 910 So.2d at 285. In the conflict case, however, the First District held the opposite. See Isaac, 911 So.2d at 814. Isaac's conviction was final in 1998, and his sentence was final the next year. See id. Subsequently, pursuant to a rule 3.800(a) motion, Isaac's sentence was vacated, and he was resentenced. During the pendency of his appeal from resentencing, he filed motions under Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure 3.850 and 3.800(b) raising claims of Apprendi error. See Isaac, 911 So.2d at 814; Isaac v. State, 826 So.2d 396, 396 (Fla. 1st DCA 2002). In considering the circuit court's denial of Isaac's 3.850 motion, the First District stated that the heart of Isaac's claim was that, by making the factual determination of an escalating pattern of criminal activity in imposing a departure sentence at resentencing, the trial court violated Apprendi, as clarified by Blakely. 911 So.2d at 814. The First District concluded that as Apprendi was decided prior to the appellant's resentencing, the trial court was bound by its holding. Although this Court previously affirmed the appellant's departure sentence on the basis that Apprendi does not apply so long as a sentence does not exceed the statutory maximum set forth in section 775.082, Isaac, 826 So.2d at 396, the statutory maximum has since been revealed to mean the maximum sentence a judge may impose solely on the basis of the facts reflected in the jury verdict or admitted by the defendant. Blakely, 124 S.Ct. at 2537. Therefore, a departure sentence imposed pursuant to the trial court determining a fact by merely a preponderance of the evidence violates the holding of Apprendi as explained by Blakely. Id. at 814-15; accord Moline v. State, 31 Fla. L. Weekly D701, ___ So.2d ___, 2006 WL 504028 (Fla. 1st DCA Mar.3, 2006), notice invoking discretionary review filed, No. SC06-482 (Fla. Mar. 13, 2006). Although these two district court decisions clearly conflict regarding the application of Apprendi and Blakely in resentencings held after a conviction is final, we express no opinion on this issue. As we explain below, if it was error not to apply these cases at the resentencing hearing, the error is harmless.