WHEELER v. STATE (2015)

Phillip Wheeler challenges the life sentence imposed upon him on resentencing for his 1997 sexual battery offense. He argues that, although the judge orally pronounced reasons for departure on the record at the resentencing hearing, the judge failed to file written reasons or sign the transcript containing the reasons for departure as required by Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.703(d)(30)(A).¹ Therefore, he claims he must be resentenced within the 1994 sentencing guidelines range of 11.2 to 18.7 years in prison. We agree that the sentence must be reversed because of the failure to comply with the rule; however, having articulated valid reasons for departure at the resentencing hearing, on remand the judge is not required to sentence Wheeler within the guidelines.

At the hearing, the judge asked the court reporter to transcribe the stated departure reasons so that the transcript could be filed within seven days of sentencing as required by rule 3.703(d)(30)(A). The court reporter complied with the judge's request. Although the transcript was timely filed, the judge never signed the transcript or filed separate written reasons for departure.

Accordingly, we reverse and remand with instructions that the judge either sign the transcript of the orally pronounced reasons for departure or resentence Wheeler within the sentencing guidelines range. See Esquivel v. State, 958 So.2d 517, 518–19 (Fla. 3d DCA 2007) (holding that the judge's failure to file a timely and properly signed transcript of orally stated reasons for departure was harmless error and that the remedy was to remand for the judge to either sign the transcript or resentence the appellant within the guidelines).

Reversed and remanded with directions.

FOOTNOTES

1.  Rule 3.703(d)(30)(A) states as follows:If a sentencing judge imposes a sentence that departs from the recommended guidelines sentence, the reasons for departure shall be orally articulated at the time sentence is imposed. Any departure sentence must be accompanied by a written statement, signed by the sentencing judge, delineating the reasons for departure. The written statement shall be filed in the court file within 7 days after the date of sentencing. A written transcription of orally stated reasons for departure articulated at the time sentence was imposed is sufficient if it is signed by the sentencing judge and filed in the court file within 7 days after the date of sentencing. The sentencing judge may also list the written reasons for departure in the space provided on the guidelines scoresheet and shall sign the scoresheet.

KELLY, Judge.

NORTHCUTT and BLACK, JJ., Concur.