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.
Ramon GALARZA, Appellant, v. STATE of Florida, Appellee.
Ramon Galarza timely appeals the summary denial of his motion for postconviction relief filed pursuant to Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.850. Galarza claims that his sentencing guidelines scoresheet contained a conviction that should not have been scored because it was more than ten years old. See § 921.0011(5), Fla. Stat. (1997). Galarza says that he informed his trial counsel of the error, and trial counsel was ineffective for failing to object to the use of the prior conviction. We reverse and remand.
Galarza originally raised the issue of the scoresheet error in a motion to correct illegal sentence filed pursuant to rule 3.800(a). This court affirmed the summary denial of that motion without prejudice to any right Galarza might have to file a motion pursuant to rule 3.850. Galarza v. State, 792 So.2d 600 (Fla. 2d DCA 2001). Galarza then filed the instant rule 3.850 motion, but the trial court converted the motion to a rule 3.800(b)(2) motion and denied it.
Galarza has made a facially sufficient claim that his trial counsel was ineffective. We reverse and remand for the trial court to address this claim. The trial court must attach documents that conclusively refute the claim if the trial court again summarily denies it.
Reversed and remanded.
COVINGTON, Judge.
FULMER and SILBERMAN, JJ., Concur.
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. 2D01-5200.
Decided: January 18, 2002
Court: District Court of Appeal of Florida,Second 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)