Learn About the Law
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
Glenn Jeffery GOINGS, Appellant, v. STATE of Florida, Appellee.
The appellant challenges the summary denial of his motion to correct illegal sentence filed pursuant to Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.800(a). The appellant claims his sentencing scoresheet improperly assessed eighteen points for use of a firearm, when his sentence was already enhanced to include a three-year minimum mandatory for use of a firearm. Section 921.0014(1), Florida Statutes (1995) provides, in pertinent part, “If the offender is convicted of committing or attempting to commit any felony other than those enumerated in s. 775.087(2) while having in his possession: a firearm as defined in s. 790.001(6), an additional 18 sentence points are assessed.” Among the enumerated felonies in section 775.087(2)(a), is the offense of “murder.”
In the instant case, the appellant was convicted of second-degree murder. Therefore, the trial court erred in imposing the firearm points. See Bush v. State, 687 So.2d 312, 312 (Fla. 1st DCA 1997). The state concedes that 18 points were erroneously assessed. Furthermore, a corrected scoresheet only allows up to 21.6 years' imprisonment. Because the appellant's 23.5-year sentence could not have been imposed absent a departure, the appellant is entitled to relief. See Brooks v. State, 969 So.2d 238, 238 (Fla.2007). Accordingly, we reverse the trial court's summary denial of the appellant's motion to correct an illegal sentence. On remand, should the trial court again determine that the appellant is not entitled to relief, it shall attach to its order those portions of the record conclusively demonstrating that; otherwise, it shall grant the motion.
REVERSED AND REMANDED, with directions.
PER CURIAM.
BROWNING, C.J., and WOLF, J., concur; WEBSTER, J., concurs in result only.
Thank you for your feedback!
As the largest network of trusted legal brands, we help firms build authority across the platforms consumers and AI systems rely on most. Our network helps attorneys strengthen visibility, credibility, and preference where legal decisions begin.
Docket No: No. 1D08-0638.
Decided: September 23, 2008
Court: District Court of Appeal of Florida,First District.
Search our directory by legal issue
Enter information in one or both fields (Required)
Harness the power of our directory with your own profile. Select the button below to sign up.
Learn more about FindLaw’s newsletters, including our terms of use and privacy policy.
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
Search our directory by legal issue
Enter information in one or both fields (Required)