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Donell Dowell, Appellant, v. State of Florida, Appellee.
We affirm this Anders* appeal but remand for the correction of scrivener's errors. The trial court found that Appellant met the criteria for habitual felony offender (“HFO”) sentencing. However, the court did not impose an enhanced sentence, finding it unnecessary for the protection of the public. See § 775.084(4)(e), Fla. Stat. (2022). At odds with the court's oral pronouncement, Appellant's written sentence has a box marked indicating that he was “sentenced to an extended term” under the HFO statute. Likewise, the court's HFO sentencing order reflects that Appellant was “sentenced pursuant to” the HFO statute. On remand, Appellant need not be present for the correction of these scrivener's errors. See Sol v. State, 268 So. 3d 749, 750–51 (Fla. 4th DCA 2019) (remanding for the same correction to a written sentence and noting that the appellant's presence was not required for the correction); see also Walker v. State, 393 So. 3d 274, 275–76 (Fla. 5th DCA 2024) (affirming an Anders appeal but remanding for the correction of “an inadvertent check mark” on the written sentence that contradicted the court's oral pronouncement).
* Anders v. California, 386 U.S. 738 (1967).
We also note that the court imposed special conditions of probation at sentencing, but the record does not contain a written probation order. See § 948.039, Fla. Stat. (“The court shall impose the special terms and conditions by oral pronouncement at sentencing and include the terms and conditions in the written sentencing order.”). On remand, the court shall enter a written probation order that comports with its oral pronouncements.
Affirmed; Remanded with instructions.
Jay, Harris, and Pratt, JJ., concur.
Per Curiam.
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Docket No: Case No. 5D2023-3502
Decided: February 14, 2025
Court: District Court of Appeal of Florida, Fifth District.
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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.
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