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William J. KELLY, Appellant, v. STATE of Florida, Appellee.
William Kelly appeals the sentence he received after the revocation of his probation. We reverse.
Kelly was originally sentenced to twenty-four months' imprisonment, the entire term suspended, and placed on three years' drug offender probation. After revocation of his probation, Kelly was sentenced to two years' incarceration followed by two years' probation. This was error. Kelly's original sentence was a true split sentence, and therefore, the maximum penalty he could receive is twenty-four months. See Silva v. State, 602 So.2d 694 (Fla. 2d DCA 1992). Consequently, the total penalty of four years is illegal, see Silva, and constitutes fundamental error which we can address despite Kelly's failure to raise this issue in the trial court. See Bain v. State, 730 So.2d 296 (Fla. 2d DCA 1999).
Accordingly, we reverse Kelly's sentence and remand for resentencing. Upon remand, the trial court may vacate the probationary term or combine a period of probation with a period of incarceration which does not exceed the twenty-four month sentence originally imposed.
Reversed and remanded.
WHATLEY, Judge.
PATTERSON, C.J., and NORTHCUTT, J., Concur.
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Docket No: No. 2D99-1774.
Decided: March 31, 2000
Court: District Court of Appeal of Florida,Second District.
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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.
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