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.
Carlton SMITH, Appellant, v. STATE of Florida, Appellee.
Carlton Smith appeals following a guilty plea to battery on a law enforcement officer, driving while license suspended, obstructing an officer without violence, and possession of a controlled substance. We affirm but note that we have not reached the merits of the sentencing issue.
Pursuant to the plea agreement, Smith was sentenced as a habitual offender for the battery and possession convictions. Smith argues that the State failed to introduce sufficient evidence to support a habitual offender classification.1 Smith raised this argument for the first time in a motion filed under Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.800(b)(2), but “it is not a proper subject for a rule 3 .800(b) motion.” See Jones v. State, 981 So.2d 676, 678 (Fla. 2d DCA 2008). Furthermore, Smith's motion did not allege that he lacked the necessary convictions to qualify for habitual offender sentencing. “A facially sufficient attack on the legality of a habitual felony offender (‘HFO’) sentence requires the defendant to affirmatively allege that the predicate prior convictions do not exist as a matter of law.” Macaluso v. State, 912 So.2d 694, 695 (Fla. 2d DCA 2005).
Affirmed.
NORTHCUTT, Judge.
ALTENBERND and KHOUZAM, 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. 2D10–4901.
Decided: December 05, 2012
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)