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M.G., Appellant, v. STATE of Florida, Appellee.
The trial court adjudicated the appellant guilty of battery, a misdemeanor of the first degree. The appellant at that time was fifteen years and eleven months old. The trial court ordered that she serve an unspecified period of community control as a sanction for her delinquent conduct. We have reviewed the entire record pursuant to our obligation under In re Anders Briefs, 581 So.2d 149 (Fla.1991), and find error only in the trial court's sentencing the appellant to an indeterminate period of community control. This is so because the trial court adjudicated her delinquent. We directed the appellee to file a supplemental response and it conceded the error. When a juvenile is adjudicated, the disposition imposed is limited in time to the amount for which an adult could be sentenced for the same crime. Compare M.B. v. State, 693 So.2d 1066 (Fla. 4th DCA 1997) (where juvenile had adjudication withheld, indeterminate period of community control is a proper disposition; if juvenile had been adjudicated, disposition would have been limited to time adult could have served for same crime). We agree with Judge Shahood's reasoning in M.B. for the differing outcomes depending on whether the juvenile is adjudicated.
We affirm the conviction for battery but vacate the disposition and remand for redisposition of not more than one year of community control.
DANAHY, Acting Chief Judge.
FRANK and THREADGILL, JJ., concur.
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Docket No: No. 96-00099.
Decided: July 23, 1997
Court: District Court of Appeal of Florida,Second 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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