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.
James WHITE, Appellant, v. STATE of Florida, Appellee.
James White appeals an order denying as untimely his motion for postconviction relief. Following a 2004 trial, a jury found White guilty of two counts of sexual battery and one count of false imprisonment. Under Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.850(b), White had two years after his judgment and sentence became final to seek postconviction relief. White's judgment and sentence became final on September 19, 2005, when this Court granted his motion to voluntarily dismiss the appeal of his judgment and sentence.
In October 2005, White did file a timely motion under rule 3.850, raising forty-six grounds for postconviction relief. After an evidentiary hearing, the trial court denied that motion. And this Court affirmed White's appeal of the trial court's ruling. See White v. State, 7 So. 3d 1103 (Fla. 1st DCA 2009) (unpublished table decision).
Then, sixteen years after his judgment and sentence became final, White moved for postconviction relief for a second time. But White's motion was time-barred under rule 3.850(b), and he alleged no exception under the rule. For this reason, the trial court found that the motion was procedurally barred and dismissed White's second postconviction motion. We find no error in the trial court's ruling. See Fla. R. Crim. P. 3.850(b).
We also find that this appeal was frivolous. The Court warns White that any future filings that this Court determines to be frivolous may result in the imposition of sanctions, including a prohibition against any further pro se filings in this Court and a referral to the appropriate institution for disciplinary procedures. See § 944.279, Fla. Stat. (2021).
Affirmed.
Per Curiam.
Rowe, C.J., and Lewis and M.K. Thomas, JJ., concur.
A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes visit FindLaw's Learn About the Law.
Docket No: No. 1D21-2157
Decided: February 16, 2022
Court: District Court of Appeal of Florida, First District.
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)