DOOM v. STATE (2014)

Karl Doom appeals following his no contest plea to use of a computer to solicit sex with a minor and to traveling to meet a minor for sex, both crimes alleged to have occurred on the same date. The dual convictions violated the constitutional protection against double jeopardy. Accordingly, we reverse the conviction and sentence for use of a computer to solicit sex with a minor.

Doom raises the double jeopardy violation as a matter of fundamental error. He relies on this court's decision in Shelley v. State, 134 So.3d 1138, 1141 (Fla. 2d DCA), review granted, No. SC14–755 (Fla. July 1, 2014), in which we held that “dual convictions for soliciting and traveling in the course of one criminal transaction or episode violate the prohibition against double jeopardy.”

The State maintains that Shelley was incorrectly decided, and it additionally argues that double jeopardy was not violated in this case because there were multiple communications that could have been charged as multiple counts. But this argument was also rejected in Shelley. See id. at 1141–42 (“The State only charged one use of computer devices to solicit, and that charge was based on a solicitation occurring on the same date as the travelling offense. We find no legal basis to deny a double jeopardy challenge based on uncharged conduct simply because it could have been charged.”). Here, the State charged that both the solicitation and the traveling offenses occurred on February 9, 2013, thus bringing this case within the rule announced in Shelley. As we did in Shelley, we certify conflict with State v. Murphy, 124 So.3d 323 (Fla. 1st DCA 2013).

Traveling conviction affirmed; soliciting conviction and sentence reversed; conflict certified.

NORTHCUTT, Judge.

LaROSE and CRENSHAW, JJ., Concur.