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.
Ronald RILEY, Appellant, v. STATE of Florida, Appellee.
Ronald Riley challenges the summary denial of his motion for postconviction relief filed pursuant to Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.800(a). Because there are errors on both Riley's scoresheet and his judgment, we reverse. Riley was convicted of two counts of sexual activity with a child between the ages of twelve and eighteen in a familial or custodial relationship, under section 794.011(8)(b), Florida Statutes (1995). He was sentenced under the 1994 sentencing guidelines to 231.7 months in prison. In his motion, Riley cited to Chavis v. State, 796 So.2d 607 (Fla. 2d DCA 2001), and argued that the trial court incorrectly calculated his sentence by scoring his offenses as level nine offenses. We agree. Chavis held that, because section 794.011(8)(b) was not listed as a level nine offense in the 1994 ranking chart under section 921.0012, it must be scored as a level seven offense. Id. at 608. Under a corrected scoresheet, Riley's applicable sentencing range would be 100.5 to 167.5 months. Because his sentence of 231.7 months exceeds this range, Riley is entitled to resentencing.
We also note that Riley's judgment incorrectly cites to section 794.011(2)(B), rather than section 794.011(8)(b). We therefore reverse and remand for correction of this scrivener's error and for resentencing with the two counts of sexual activity with a child between the ages of twelve and eighteen in a familial or custodial relationship scored as level seven offenses under the 1994 guidelines.
Reversed and remanded with instructions.
SILBERMAN, Judge.
SALCINES and KELLY, 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. 2D03-5701.
Decided: July 30, 2004
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)