Court Opinion

ID: 4059183
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2016-09-29 15:04:10.932355+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T14:31:52.593433
License: Public Domain

Supreme Court of Florida
                                 ____________

                                 No. SC15-1582
                                 ____________

          IN RE: AMENDMENTS TO THE FLORIDA RULES OF
           CRIMINAL PROCEDURE AND FLORIDA RULE OF
                   APPELLATE PROCEDURE 9.140.

                              [September 29, 2016]

PER CURIAM.

      In In re Amendments to the Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure & Florida

Rule of Appellate Procedure 9.140, 176 So. 3d 980 (Fla. 2015), we amended

Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure 3.220 (Discovery) and 3.989 (Affidavit,

Petition, and Order to Expunge or Seal Forms), and Florida Rule of Appellate

Procedure 9.140 (Appeal Proceedings in Criminal Cases). We also adopted new

criminal rules 3.781 (Sentencing Hearing to Consider the Imposition of a Life

Sentence for Juvenile Offenders) and 3.802 (Review of Sentences for Juvenile

Offenders). Because the Criminal Procedure Rules Committee (CPRC) and the

Appellate Court Rules Committee (ACRC) filed a “fast-track” out-of-cycle report

proposing the amendments, the proposals had not previously been published for

comment. Accordingly, in adopting the Committees’ proposals, we provided for a
period of sixty days after release of the Court’s opinion for interested persons to

file comments with the Court, followed by a period of twenty-one days for the

CPRC and the ACRC to file a response to any comments filed.1 In re Amends. to

Fla. Rules of Crim. Pro. & Fla. Rule of App. Pro. 9.140, 176 So. 3d at 982.

      Three comments were received by the Court, including one from the Sixth

Judicial Circuit pertaining to rule 3.781, one from the Florida Association of

Criminal Defense Lawyers (FACDL) pertaining to rule 3.802, and one from

attorneys Eugenia Keough Rains and Kenneth McLaughlin pertaining to rule 9.141

(Review Proceedings in Collateral or Post-Conviction Criminal Cases).2 After

consideration of the comments filed, the CPRC and the ACRC proposed additional

amendments to the criminal rules and an amendment to rule 9.141.

      We briefly discuss the new amendments to the rules as proposed and

adopted by the Court.3

      First, rule 3.781 is amended by substituting in subdivision (a) (Application)

the word “may” for “can,” to allow for cases in which no hearing is necessary as

      1. We have jurisdiction. Art. V, § 2(a), Fla. Const.

       2. We recognize that rule 9.141 was not previously the subject of any
amendments in our earlier opinion in this case. However, the non-technical
amendment to rule 9.141 pertains to one of the other rules previously amended,
rule 3.802.
      3. Minor, technical changes to the rules are not elaborated upon.

                                         -2-
the parties have agreed that life imprisonment, or a term of years equal to life

imprisonment, will not be sought. Next, we divide subdivision (c) (Findings) into

new subdivisions (c)(1)-(c)(3). Subdivision (c)(1) adds a reference to section

921.1402(2)(a), Florida Statutes. In regard to the sentence pertaining to capital

cases, the sentence is deleted and rewritten as (c)(2) so that it is not so broad, to

make clear that a defendant who is convicted of premeditated murder is not entitled

to a sentencing review proceeding if the defendant was previously convicted of an

offense enumerated in section 921.1402(2)(a). Finally, the remainder of existing

subdivision (c) is new subdivision (c)(3), which provides, “A copy of the written

findings shall be made a part of the commitment packet for the Department of

Corrections.”

      With respect to rule 3.802, we first substitute in subdivision (c) (Contents of

Application) the word “state” for the word “certify.” Next, the following language

is added to subdivision (c)(1):

            (1) a copy of the judgment and sentence;, or a statement
      containing the following:
                   (A) the date of sentencing;
                   (B) the offense for which the defendant was sentenced;
      and
                   (C) the sentence imposed;

In subdivision (d), we remove the second sentence (“The juvenile offender is

entitled to be represented by counsel at the review hearing.”) and move it to new

subdivision (g) (Right to Counsel). In addition, the requirement that the court

                                          -3-
attach documents to an order if the court denies an application without a hearing is

added to subdivision (d). Finally, we add new subdivision (g), which provides for

the right to counsel previously included in subdivision (d).

      Turning to rule 9.141, a reference to rule 3.802 is added to subdivisions (b),

(b)(2)(A), (b)(3)(A), and (b)(3)(B)(i).

      Accordingly, we amend the Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure and the

Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure as reflected in the appendix to this opinion.

New language is underscored; deleted language is stricken through. The

amendments to these rules shall become effective immediately upon the release of

this opinion.

      It is so ordered.

LABARGA, C.J., and PARIENTE, LEWIS, QUINCE, CANADY, POLSTON,
and PERRY, JJ., concur.

THE FILING OF A MOTION FOR REHEARING SHALL NOT ALTER THE
EFFECTIVE DATE OF THESE AMENDMENTS.

Original Proceeding – Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure

H. Scott Fingerhut, Chair, Criminal Procedure Rules Committee, Coral Gables,
Florida; Kristin Ann Norse, Chair, Appellate Court Rules Committee, Tampa,
Florida; Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II, Past-Chair, First District Court of Appeal,
Tallahassee, Florida, Meredith Charbula, Past-Chair, Jacksonville, Florida; and
John F. Harkness, Jr., Executive Director, and Heather Savage Telfer, Bar Staff
Liaison, The Florida Bar, Tallahassee, Florida,

      for Petitioner

                                          -4-
Eugenia Morgan Keough Rains, Tallahassee, Florida; Kenneth McLaughlin,
Tallahassee, Florida; Jennifer Alani Parker, St. Petersburg, Florida; Luke Newman
of Luke Newman, P.A., Tallahassee, Florida; and William Rudolf Ponall of Snure
& Ponall, P.A., Winter Park, Florida,

      Responding with Comments

                                      -5-
                                    APPENDIX

RULE 3.781.        SENTENCING HEARING TO CONSIDER THE
                   IMPOSITION OF A LIFE SENTENCE FOR JUVENILE
                   OFFENDERS

      (a) Application. The courts shall use the following procedures in
sentencing a juvenile offender for an offense which was committed after July 1,
2014, if the conviction canmay result in a sentence of life imprisonment or a term
of years equal to life imprisonment, or for resentencing any juvenile offender
whose sentence is determined to be unconstitutional pursuant to the United States
Supreme Court’s decision in Miller v. Alabama, 132 S. Ct. 2455, 2469 (2012) or
Graham v. Florida, 560 U.S. 48 (2010).

      (b)    [No change]

      (c)    Findings.

              (1) The court shall make specific findings on the record that all
relevant factors have been reviewed and considered by the court prior to imposing
a sentence of life imprisonment or a term of years equal to life imprisonment. The
court shall make written findings as to whether the defendant is eligible for a
sentence review hearing under sections 921.1402(2)(a), (2)(b), or (2)(c), Florida
Statutes, based on whether the defendant killed, attempted to kill, or intended to
kill the victim.

       In capital cases, the court’s determination of whether the defendant is
eligible for a sentence review hearing is based further on whether the defendant has
a previous conviction for one of the enumerated offenses or conspiracy to commit
one of the enumerated offenses found in section 921.1402(2)(a), Florida Statutes.

              (2) A defendant who is convicted of an offense punishable under
section 775.082(1)(b)1., Florida Statutes, shall not be eligible for a sentence review
hearing if the trial court finds that the defendant has previously been convicted of
one of the enumerated offenses, or conspiracy to commit one of the enumerated
offenses, found in section 921.1402(2)(a), Florida Statutes.

          (3) A copy of the written findings shall be made a part of the
commitment packet for the Department of Corrections.

                                        -6-
RULE 3.802.        REVIEW OF SENTENCES FOR JUVENILE
                   OFFENDERS

      (a) – (b) [No Change]

      (c) Contents of Application. The application must certifystate that the
juvenile offender is eligible for sentence review and include:

             (1)   a copy of the judgment and sentence;, or a statement containing
the following:

                   (A)    the date of sentencing;

                   (B)    the offense for which the defendant was sentenced; and

                   (C)    the sentence imposed;

             (2)   the nature of the relief sought;

             (3) whether a previous application has been filed, the date of filing
of the application, and the disposition of that application;

             (4)   a brief statement outlining the facts in support of the
application; and

              (5) if the application is being filed by a juvenile offender sentenced
to life pursuant to section 775.082(1)(b)1., Florida Statutes, a statement certifying
that the applicant has not been previously convicted of one of the offenses
enumerated in sections 921.1402(2)(a)1.–(2)(a)10., Florida Statutes, or conspiracy
to commit one of offenses enumerated in sections 921.1402(2)(a)1.–(2)(a)10.,
Florida Statutes, in a separate criminal transaction or episode than that which
resulted in the sentence under section 775.082(1)(b)1., Florida Statutes.

       (d) Procedure; Evidentiary Hearing; Disposition. Upon application
from an eligible juvenile offender, the trial court shall hold a sentence review
hearing to determine whether the juvenile offender’s sentence should be modified.
The juvenile offender is entitled to be represented by counsel at the review hearing.
If the application, files, and records in the case conclusively show that the
applicant does not qualify as a juvenile offender under section 921.1402(1), Florida
Statutes, or that the application is premature, the court may deny the application

                                        -7-
without a hearing, and shall attach such documents to the order. If an application is
denied as premature, the denial shall be without prejudice.

             (1) At the sentence review hearing, the court shall consider the
following factors when determining if it is appropriate to modify the juvenile
offender’s sentence:

                   (A)    whether the juvenile offender demonstrates maturity and
rehabilitation;

                     (B) whether the juvenile offender remains at the same level
of risk to society as he or she did at the time of the initial sentencing;

                   (C)    the opinion of the victim or the victim’s next of kin;

                     (D) whether the juvenile offender was a relatively minor
participant in the criminal offense or acted under extreme duress or the domination
of another person;

                   (E) whether the juvenile offender has shown sincere and
sustained remorse for the criminal offense;

                  (F) whether the juvenile offender’s age, maturity, and
psychological development at the time of the offense affected his or her behavior;

                   (G) whether the juvenile offender has successfully obtained a
general educational development certificate or completed another educational,
technical, work, vocational, or self-rehabilitation program, if such a program is
available;

                   (H) whether the juvenile offender was a victim of sexual,
physical, or emotional abuse before he or she committed the offense;

                   (I)   the results of any mental health assessment, risk
assessment, or evaluation of the juvenile offender as to rehabilitation; and

                   (J)    any other factor the court deems appropriate.

             (2) If the court determines at a sentence review hearing that the
juvenile offender has been rehabilitated and is reasonably believed to be fit to
reenter society, the court shall modify the sentence and impose a term of probation

                                        -8-
of at least 5 years. If the court determines that the juvenile offender has not
demonstrated rehabilitation, or is not fit to reenter society, the court shall issue a
written order stating the reasons why the sentence is not being modified.

      (e) – (f) [No change]

       (g) Right to Counsel. A juvenile offender who is eligible for a sentence
review hearing under section 921.1402(5), Florida Statutes, is entitled to be
represented by counsel, and the court shall appoint a public defender to represent
the juvenile offender if the juvenile offender cannot afford an attorney.

RULE 9.141.         REVIEW PROCEEDINGS IN COLLATERAL OR POST-
                    CONVICTIONPOSTCONVICTION CRIMINAL CASES

      (a)    [No change]

      (b) Appeals from Post-ConvictionPostconviction Proceedings Under
Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.800(a), 3.801, 3.802, 3.850, or 3.853.

             (1)    [No change]

           (2) Summary Grant or Denial of All Claims Raised in a Motion
Without Evidentiary Hearing.

                     (A) Record. When a motion for post-
convictionpostconviction relief under rule 3.800(a), 3.801, 3.802, 3.850, or 3.853 is
granted or denied without an evidentiary hearing, the clerk of the lower tribunal
shall electronically transmit to the court, as the record, the motion, response, reply,
order on the motion, motion for rehearing, response, reply, order on the motion for
rehearing, and attachments to any of the foregoing, together with the certified copy
of the notice of appeal.

                    (B) – (D) [No change]

           (3) Grant or Denial of Motion after an Evidentiary Hearing
was Held on One or More Claims.

                     (A) Transcription. In the absence of designations to the
court reporter, the notice of appeal filed by an indigent pro se litigant in a rule
3.801, 3.802, 3.850, or 3.853 appeal after an evidentiary hearing shall serve as the

                                          -9-
designation to the court reporter for the transcript of the evidentiary hearing.
Within 5 days of receipt of the notice of appeal, the clerk of the lower tribunal shall
request the appropriate court reporter to transcribe the evidentiary hearing and shall
send the court reporter a copy of the notice, the date of the hearing to be
transcribed, the name of the judge, and a copy of this rule.

                    (B)   Record.

                           (i)    When a motion for post-convictionpostconviction
relief under rule 3.801, 3.802, 3.850, or 3.853 is granted or denied after an
evidentiary hearing, the clerk of the lower tribunal shall index, paginate, and
electronically transmit to the court as the record, within 50 days of the filing of the
notice of appeal, the notice of appeal, motion, response, reply, order on the motion,
motion for rehearing, response, reply, order on the motion for rehearing, and
attachments to any of the foregoing, as well as the transcript of the evidentiary
hearing.

                            (ii) Appellant may direct the clerk to include in the
record any other documents that were before the lower tribunal at the hearing. If
the clerk is directed to include in the record a previously prepared appellate record
involving the appellant, the clerk need not reindex or repaginate it.

                           (iii) The clerk of the lower tribunal shall serve copies
of the record on the attorney general (or state attorney in appeals to the circuit
court), all counsel appointed to represent indigent defendants on appeal, and any
pro se indigent defendant. The clerk of the lower tribunal shall simultaneously
serve copies of the index on all nonindigent defendants and, at their request, copies
of the record or portions of it at the cost prescribed by law.

                    (C)   [No change]

      (c) – (d)     [No change]

                                  Committee Notes
                                    [No change]

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