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A.D., a child, Petitioner, v. STATE OF FLORIDA, Respondent.
A.D., a juvenile, petitions this court for a writ of habeas corpus, contending that the circuit court unlawfully placed him in secure detention for various charges including domestic violence against his mother. We grant the petition because the court did not make written findings supporting the secure detention.
A.D. scored nine points on his risk assessment instrument (RAI). A score of nine points calls for only nonsecure or home detention. However, the screener who prepared the RAI concluded that the court needed to place A.D. in secure detention for three reasons: (1) the charge involved domestic violence; (2) respite care was not available; and (3) secure detention was necessary to protect the victim from injury. Those reasons can justify secure detention for a juvenile who does not otherwise qualify “if the court makes specific written findings” of those facts. § 985.255(2), Fla. Stat. (2010). However, the court's order did not include such specific written findings.
“If the court orders a placement more restrictive than indicated by the results of the risk assessment instrument, the court shall state, in writing, clear and convincing reasons for such placement.” § 985.255(3)(b), Fla. Stat. (2010). “Where a statute requires a written order giving findings and reasons, the transcript of the proceedings upon which the order was based cannot act as a substitute.” R.B.S. v. Capri, 384 So.2d 692, 696 (Fla. 3d DCA 1980).
Here, because the court ordered placement more restrictive than indicated by the results of the RAI without stating, in writing, clear and convincing reasons for such placement, we are required to grant the petition for writ of habeas corpus. We direct the court, by 5:00 p.m. on the second business day following the date of issuance of this opinion, either to enter a written order in accordance with section 985.255 or order A.D.'s release from secure detention. See D.F. v. Housel, 10 So.3d 694, 695 (Fla. 4th DCA 2009) (granting petition for writ of habeas corpus and directing circuit court, by 5:00 p.m. on the second business day following the date of issuance of the opinion, either to enter a written order in accordance with section 985.255 or order the juvenile's release from secure detention).Double
Petition granted; remanded for further proceedings.
May, Ciklin and Gerber, JJ., concur.
* * *
Petition for writ of habeas corpus to the Circuit Court for the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit, Broward County; Elijah H. Williams, Judge; L.T. Case No. 10-8106DL00A.
Howard Finkelstein, Public Defender, and Tamara L. Curtis, Assistant Public Defender, Fort Lauderdale, for petitioner.
Bill McCollum, Attorney General, Tallahassee, and Myra J. Fried, Assistant Attorney General, West Palm Beach, for respondent.
FOOTNOTES
FOOTNOTE. FNDouble. Both Westlaw and West's So.3d reporter inadvertently show D.F. as a first district opinion.
Per Curiam.
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Docket No: No. 4D10-4174
Decided: October 22, 2010
Court: District Court of Appeal of Florida, Fourth 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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