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.
Raymond LOPEZ, Appellant, v. The STATE of Florida, Appellee.
Raymond Lopez appeals from a summary denial of his motion for post conviction relief filed pursuant to Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.850. We reverse, finding that the motion was timely filed and the trial court failed to attach the necessary documents to its order in support of its determination that the motion for post conviction relief was successive.
The trial court based its summary denial on the grounds that the motion was untimely and successive. Lopez's judgment and sentence became final on March 14, 2003. The motion was filed on December 27, 2004. Thus, the motion was not untimely filed.
As to the successive nature of the motion, the trial court failed to attach the previous motion for post conviction relief or order to its order in which it summarily denied the motion. Pursuant to Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.850(d), a summary denial is permitted only if the motion filed and records in the case conclusively show the movant is entitled to no relief. We thus remand this cause to the trial court so that it can attach the necessary documents to its summary denial order to establish that the motion is successive, or to take other appropriate action on the merits. See Callwood v. State, 931 So.2d 281 (Fla. 5th DCA 2006).
Reversed and remanded.
PER CURIAM.
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. 3D05-2936.
Decided: December 13, 2006
Court: District Court of Appeal of Florida,Third 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)