County Court Bench Book

Criminal Edition

 

 

Produced by the Education Committee

of the

Florida Conference of County Court Judges

 

The Honorable Beth Bloom,

Conference President, 2002-2003

 

The Honorable Mark King Leban,

Education Committee Chair, 2002-2003

 

The Honorable David E. Silverman

Criminal Law Bench Book Subcommittee

Chair, 2002-2003

 

 

Contributors to the Current Edition

 

The Honorable Jeff Arnold

The Honorable Beth Bloom

The Honorable Karl Grube

The Honorable Doug Henderson

The Honorable Anne Kaylor

The Honorable Mark King Leban

The Honorable Robert Lee

The Honorable David E. Silverman

 

 

 

                                                                     July, 2003 Edition


 

 

Table of Contents

 

Introduction............................................................................................................................... i  

 

Chapter 1 -- First Appearance and Bonds

 

1.01     Key Points...................................................................................................................... 1.1                                                                                                                                         

           1.011    Pretrial Release.................................................................................................... 1.2

           1.012    Pretrial Detention................................................................................................. 1.3

 

1.02     Authorities....................................................................................................................... 1.5

 

1.03     Tips/Notes...................................................................................................................... 1.5

 

1.04     Checklists/Forms............................................................................................................. 1.6

          

            1.041     First Appearance Checklist................................................................................ 1.6

            1.042     Sample Advisory for First Appearance............................................................... 1.6

            1.043     Questions - Bail Determination and Eligibility for a Public Defender..................... 1.8

 

 Chapter 1 – Case Notes

 

            Denial of Bail and Pretrial Detention................................................................................. 1.9

            First Appearance Bond Review....................................................................................... 1.10

            Entitlement to Release...................................................................................................... 1.10

            Amount of Bail................................................................................................................ 1.11

            Bail Criterion................................................................................................................... 1.12

            Conditions of Release...................................................................................................... 1.12

 

 

Chapter 2 - Arraignments and Pleas

 

2.01      Key Points..................................................................................................................... 2.1

 

             2.011     Right to Counsel............................................................................................... 2.1

             2.012     Faretta Inquiry - Defendant Wishes to Proceed Pro Se.................................... 2.2

             2.013     Accepting Pleas................................................................................................ 2.2

 

2.02      Authorities...................................................................................................................... 2.4

            

2.03      Tips/Notes..................................................................................................................... 2.5

 

2.04      Checklist/Forms............................................................................................................. 2.5

 

             2.041     Arraignment Checklist....................................................................................... 2.5

             2.042     Sample Colloquy - Arraignments....................................................................... 2.7

             2.043     Sample Colloquy - Criminal Traffic Arraignments.............................................. 2.11

             2.044     Faretta Inquiry - Plea Stage ............................................................................ 2.15

             2.045     Accepting the Plea Colloquy............................................................................. 2.18    

 

Chapter 2 – Case Notes

 

             Right to Counsel............................................................................................................. 2.22

             Faretta Inquiry.............................................................................................................. 2.24

             Pleas.............................................................................................................................. 2.30

 

Chapter 3 - Pretrial Motions

 

3.01     Key Points...................................................................................................................... 3.1                                                                                                                                         

            3.011     Rule 3.190(a): Motions...................................................................................... 3.1

            3.012     Motion to Dismiss.............................................................................................. 3.1

            3.013     Motion to Suppress Physical evidence................................................................ 3.2

            3.014     Motion to Suppress Confession or Admission.................................................... 3.2

            3.015     Motion to Take Deposition to Perpetuate Testimony.......................................... 3.2

            3.016     Speedy Trial...................................................................................................... 3.3

            3.017     Incompetency.................................................................................................... 3.5

 

3.02     Authorities....................................................................................................................... 3.6

        

3.03     Tips/Notes...................................................................................................................... 3.6

 

3.04     Checklists/Forms............................................................................................................. 3.6

 

Chapter 3 – Case Notes

 

            Motion to Dismiss............................................................................................................ 3.7

            Motion to Suppress Physical evidence.............................................................................. 3.10

            Motion to Suppress Confession or Admission.................................................................. 3.13

            Motion to Take Deposition to Perpetuate Testimony........................................................ 3.23

            Speedy Trial.................................................................................................................... 3.24

            Incompetency.................................................................................................................. 3.29

 

Chapter 4 - Conducting the Trial

 

4.01     Key Points....................................................................................................................... 4.1

            4.011   Waiver of Jury Trial............................................................................................. 4.1

            4.012    Steps in Jury Trial............................................................................................... 4.2

            4.013    Peremptory Challenges....................................................................................... 4.4

 

4.02     Authorities....................................................................................................................... 4.5

          

4.03     Tips/Notes....................................................................................................................... 4.5

 

4.04     Checklists/Forms............................................................................................................. 4.6

            4.041     Faretta Inquiry - Trial Stage.............................................................................. 4.6

            4.042     Sample Colloquy - Waiver................................................................................. 4.8

            4.043     Sample Order Waiving Jury Trial........................................................................ 4.9

            4.044     Sample Colloquy for Prospective Jurors............................................................. 4.10

            4.045     Sample Colloquy for Note-Taking - Permitted.................................................... 4.15

            4.046     Sample Colloquy for Note-Taking - Not Permitted............................................. 4.16

            4.047     Sample Colloquy for Voir Dire........................................................................... 4.17

            4.048     Sample Colloquy for Exclusion of Witnesses....................................................... 4.24

            4.049     Sample Colloquy - Discharge of Jury.................................................................. 4.25

            4.050     Sample Letter to Jurors...................................................................................... 4.25

 

Chapter 4 – Case Notes

 

Conducting the Trial......................................................................................................... 4.26

Waiver of Jury Trial......................................................................................................... 4.26

Right to a Jury Trial.......................................................................................................... 4.27

Jury Selection.................................................................................................................. 4.27

Rule of Sequestration....................................................................................................... 4.28

 

Chapter 5 - Sentencing

 

5.01     Key Points...................................................................................................................... 5.1

 

            5.011     Maximum Penalties............................................................................................ 5.1

            5.012     Special Statutory Penalties................................................................................. 5.2

            5.013     Mandatory Costs............................................................................................... 5.2

            5.014     Discretionary Costs........................................................................................... 5.5

            5.015     Probation.......................................................................................................... 5.6

            5.016     Conditions of Probation..................................................................................... 5.7

            5.017     Restitution......................................................................................................... 5.8

            5.018     Modification of Probation Terms........................................................................ 5.9

            5.019     Violations of Probation...................................................................................... 5.9

            5.020     Sentencing After Probation Violation.................................................................. 5.12

 

5.02     Authorities....................................................................................................................... 5.13

 

5.03     Tips/Notes...................................................................................................................... 5.13

 

5.04     Checklists/Forms............................................................................................................. 5.13

          

Chapter 5 – Case Notes

 

Sentencing....................................................................................................................... 5.14

Costs.............................................................................................................................. 5.15

Probation........................................................................................................................ 5.15

 

Chapter 6 - Post Trial Motions

 

6.01      Key Points..................................................................................................................... 6.1

 

             6.011     Time Periods.................................................................................................... 6.1

             6.012     Motion for New Trial or Arrest of Judgment...................................................... 6.1

             6.013     Grounds for New Trial...................................................................................... 6.2

             6.014     Grounds for Arrest of Judgment........................................................................ 6.3

             6.015     Rule 3.691: Post Trial Release.......................................................................... 6.3

             6.016     Rule 3.800: Correction, Reduction and Modification of Sentence....................... 6.3

             6.017     Rule 3.850: Vacate, Set Aside or Correct Sentence by Defendant..................... 6.4

 

6.02     Authorities....................................................................................................................... 6.5

 

6.03     Tips/Notes...................................................................................................................... 6.5

 

6.04     Checklists/Forms............................................................................................................. 6.5

 

Chapter 6 – Case Notes

 

Motion for New Trial....................................................................................................... 6.6

Motion for Arrest of Judgment......................................................................................... 6.7

 

Chapter 7 - Contempt and Sanctions   

 

7.01     Key Points...................................................................................................................... 7.1

 

            7.011     Definitions......................................................................................................... 7.1

            7.012     Direct Criminal Contempt.................................................................................. 7.2

            7.013     Indirect Criminal Contempt................................................................................ 7.2

 

7.02     Authorities....................................................................................................................... 7.3

 

7.03     Tips/Notes...................................................................................................................... 7.3

 

7.04     Checklists/Forms............................................................................................................. 7.4

 

            7.041     Direct Contempt Checklist................................................................................. 7.5

            7.042     Indirect Contempt Checklist............................................................................... 7.6

 

Case Notes – Chapter 7

 

            Contempt........................................................................................................................ 7.7

Contempt Procedure....................................................................................................... 7.7

Indirect Contempt............................................................................................................ 7.8

Direct Contempt.............................................................................................................. 7.9

 

Chapter 8 - Disqualification

 

8.01     Key Points...................................................................................................................... 8.1                                                                                                                                         

            8.011     Voluntary Recusal.............................................................................................. 8.1

            8.012     Disclosure......................................................................................................... 8.2

            8.013     Motions for Disqualification of Judge.................................................................. 8.2

            8.014     If Prejudice is claimed........................................................................................ 8.3

            8.015     Motion Claiming Prejudice Against Subsequent Judge........................................ 8.6

            8.016     If Appealed, Do Not File a Response................................................................ 8.6                                                  

 

8.02     Authorities....................................................................................................................... 8.6

 

8.03     Tips/Notes...................................................................................................................... 8.6

 

8.04     Checklists/Forms............................................................................................................. 8.7

 

            8.041     Disqualification Checklist................................................................................... 8.7

            8.042     Recusal Form.................................................................................................... 8.7

 

Chapter 8 – Case Notes

 

            Criterion for Recusal........................................................................................................ 8.8

            Judicial Conduct.............................................................................................................. 8.8

            Judicial Comment............................................................................................................ 8.10

            Disqualification Motion and Hearing................................................................................. 8.11

            Successor Judge.............................................................................................................. 8.12


 

Introduction

 

Education enhances the knowledge and skills of the judiciary and, therefore, contributes to the administration of justice.  The Conference of County Court Judges of Florida is committed to the betterment of the judicial system of the state and the improvement of procedure and practice in the county courts.  The Conference’s Education Committee has developed this criminal bench book to aid the trial judge in basic procedures and techniques and to serve as a tool in the courtroom.

 

This bench book is divided into separate chapters - each with certain sections for ease of use.  A Akey points” section sets forth the basic substantive and procedural law applicable to the chapter’s topic.  The Aauthorities” section lists all relevant criminal rules, Florida statutes and case law as of the date of the bench book’s printing.  The Atips/notes” section contains any helpful procedures and has a separate page and section for the judges to include any notations applicable to the chapter.  The Achecklists/forms” section contains all checklists, forms and colloquies for the judge’s ready use.

 

Former chairs of the Education Committee were instrumental in the design and creation of the Criminal Law Bench Book including, Judge Terry Lewis, Chair 1994-1998, Judge Sandra Edwards-Stephens, Chair 1998, Judge Jeffrey Colbath, Chair 1998-1999, and Judge Beth Bloom, Chair 1999-2000.  The original contributors were Judge Mercedes Bach, Judge Beth Bloom, Judge Joel Lazarus, and Judge Lisa Kahn.  The original editors were Judge Thomas H. Bateman, III, Judge Beth Bloom, John Hogenmuller, Esquire, Elena Marlow, Esquire, Judge Mark King Leban and Judge Sandra Edwards-Stephens.

 

In the July, 2003 edition pertinent case summaries have been added to each of the chapters.  These case summaries have been excerpted from the The Florida Criminal Cases Notebook which is published by James Publishing, Inc., and authored by Kurt Erlenbach, Esquire. While the case summaries constitute copyrighted material, the publisher and the author have agreed to permit their inclusion in the Conference’s bench book.  Additional information about The Florida Criminal Cases Notebook and how to obtain a copy may be found in the advertisement included in this text. 

 

The July, 2003 edition is also the first to be available on compact disk and on the Conference web site.  Judge Anne Kaylor is principally responsible for the electronic publication of the bench book in a manner that reduces publication costs and enhances the availability of the text.

 

The Education Committee views this bench book as a work in progress.  It is our intention to update this book periodically.  Our fellow judges, the users of this book, are welcome to contribute to that process through comments and suggestions.  These can be sent directly to the Office of the State Courts Administrator, Legal Affairs and Education, Supreme Court Building, 500 South Duval Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1900.

 

JAMES PUBLISHING, INC.

The Florida Criminal Cases Notebook

by Kurt Erlenbach


 

Book Description

Author Kurt Erlenbach has boiled the key criminal cases of the last 12 years down to succinct summaries of their facts and holdings. One to three sentences cover most cases.

All case summaries are first organized by one of 150 topics, and then second by circuit. The most recent cases are positioned first. The end result is a quick-reading, easy-access summary of virtually the entire body of Florida criminal case law.

The Notebook amasses more than 8,000 case summaries, including every key criminal case since 1987. Written by one of the leading criminal specialists in Florida, it offers quick access to the most important cases with a comprehensive topical index. It’s updated twice annually to keep you up-to-date with the latest case law.

The latest update includes a new searchable CD-ROM featuring the entire text of the publication.

Updated twice annually.  ISBN 1-58012-035-0. Book price: $125.00

You may order The Florida Criminal Law Cases Note book by contacting James Publishing, Inc., at their web site, http://www.jamespublishing.com/books/fccn.htm, or at James Publishing, 3505 Cadillac Avenue, Suite H, Costa Mesa, CA 92626.  Tel. (800) 440-4780 or (714) 755-5450; Fax (714) 751-2709

You may contact the author with any comments or suggestions at Kurt Erlenbach, Esq., Erlenbach & Erlenbach, 2532 Garden Street, Titusville, FL 32796; Tel. (321) 264-6000; Fax (321) 269-8216

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER 1

FIRST APPEARANCE

AND BONDS

 

         

 

FIRST APPEARANCE

 

1.01     KEY POINTS

 

·        Held within 24 hours of arrest, in person, or by electronic audio visual device

 

·        Defendant must be advised of:

 

o       Charge (and provide copy to defendant)

o       Right to remain silent

o       Right to counsel, private or appointed

o       Right to communicate with counsel, family, or friends

·        Appoint counsel if appropriate:

 

o       Counsel may be appointed for limited purpose of representing defendant only at first appearance. 

 

o       Defendant may waive counsel at first appearance; waiver shall be in writing, signed and dated by defendant (statement that waiver only for first appearance). Waiver shall contain statement explaining right to counsel.

 

·        If private counsel, must give defendant reasonable opportunity to confer. Court may postpone first appearance if necessary.

 

·        Determine probable cause (for defendant in custody)

 

o       Must be made within 48 hours.

 

o       If extraordinary circumstances exist, can be continued for up to two additional 24 hour periods to allow State to supplement probable cause affidavit.

 

o       If no probable cause established, defendant must be released on recognizance (ROR).

 

o       Information offered during pre-trial release proceedings need not strictly conform with the rules of evidence.

 

·        Set bond and arraignment date

 

·        A defendant is entitled to an independent bail determination, in front of the first appearance judge, after a consideration of all relevant factors.

 

·        The case should be set for arraignment; however, the Court may accept pleas of guilty or no contest to misdemeanor charges and resolve the cases at first appearance without the necessity of further formal charges being filed.

 

1.011     Pretrial Release

 

·        Defendant entitled to pretrial release on reasonable conditions

 

o       Except capital or life felonies where proof of guilt is evident and presumption of guilt is great; or

 

o       Unless no conditions will reasonably protect the community from risk of physical harm, assure the presence of the accused at trial, or assure integrity of judicial process.

 

o       Presumption in favor of non-monetary conditions and least restrictive conditions which will serve purpose (assure presence, protect community and integrity of judicial process).

 

o       Non-monetary release presumption does not apply to violent offenses including domestic violence cases, however, court must set conditions of pretrial release in domestic violence cases, which may include monetary bond.

 

o       A defendant arrested on warrant or capias is entitled to independent review of bond and first appearance judge has discretion to modify conditions of pretrial release.                  

·        Release conditions can include:

 

o       Personal recognizance

 

o       Unsecured appearance bond

 

o       Restrictions on travel, association, or residence

 

o       Placement in custody of person or organization agreeing to supervise the defendant

 

o       Cash or surety bond

 

o       Any other condition reasonably necessary to assure appearance including return to custody after specified hours.

 

·        Factors to consider:

 

o       Nature and circumstances of the offense charged

 

o       Penalty

 

o       Weight of evidence against the defendant

 

o       Family ties

 

o       Length of residence in the community

 

o       Employment history

 

o       Financial resources

 

o       Mental condition

 

o       Defendant’s criminal history (including escape charges and failures to appear)

 

o       Nature and probability of danger to community posed by release

 

o       Source of funds used to post bail

 

o       Whether defendant has other pending criminal cases or is onprobation or parole

 

o       Nature and probability of intimidation of, or danger to, the victim

 

o       Value of drugs (if sale case)

 

·        Mandatory release conditions include:

 

o       No criminal activity

 

o       No contact with victim except through discovery. This may be modified only upon a showing of good cause and after the victim has been given notice and  an opportunity to be heard

 

Pretrial Detention

 

·        State must show:

 

o       Defendant’s previous violations and that no additional conditions will work

 

o       Defendant threatened, intimidated, or injured (or attempted or conspired to do so) a victim, witness, juror, or judicial officer, and no further conditions will prevent such conduct in the future

 

o       Defendant is charged with trafficking and there is a substantial probability defendant committed the offense, and no conditions will assure presence

 

o       Defendant poses threat of harm to community and is charged with a dangerous crime (listed in Section 907.041(4)(a), Florida Statutes), and   there is a substantial probability that the defendant committed the crime,  circumstances indicate disregard of community safety, and no conditions are reasonably sufficient to protect the community, and one of the following exists:

 

o       Defendant previously convicted of capital or life felony

 

o       Defendant convicted of dangerous crime within ten years of  arrest

 

o       Defendant on probation, parole, or pretrial release for dangerous crime at time of arrest

 

·        If the court finds probable cause exists that the defendant has committed another crime while already on pretrial release, the court may revoke pretrial release in the initial case and order pretrial detention in that case. Section 903.0471, Florida Statutes.

 

·        Subsequent application for setting or modifying bail:

 

o       Only by chief judge, judge assigned to preside over criminal trial, judge that imposed the conditions, or first appearance judge

o       Must be heard promptly, but with at least three hours notice

o       Burden is heavier for state to modify than for the defendant, as state must show good cause

 

·        Grounds for revocation include:

 

o       Failure to appear                                                                                             

o       Violation of release conditions

o       New information previously unavailable, which convinces the judge to increase security

 

·        If  bail revoked for failure to appear, no ROR. If FTA and defendant does not turn self in, bail must be the greater of $2,000 or twice the amount of original bond.

 

     AUTHORITIES

 

Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure:

3.130 - First Appearance

3.131- Pretrial Release

3.133 - Pretrial Probable Cause Determination

3.132 - Pretrial Detention

 

Florida Statutes:

Section 907.041, 903.0471 - Pretrial Detention

Section 903.047 - Mandatory Conditions

Section 903.046(2) - Bail Determination

 

TIPS / NOTES

 

·        Defendants can be advised as a group, either in person or by video, of the purpose of the hearing (to determine probable cause, to determine the conditions of release, and to appoint counsel if appropriate), of right to remain silent, and the right to communicate with family and friends.

 

·        Most jurisdictions have a pretrial release office or other staff who can assist the judge by doing a pretrial interview, obtaining personal and employment information from the defendant, and running a criminal history check.

 

CHECKLISTS/FORMS

 

1.041 First Appearance Checklist

 

·        Defendant should be advised of:

_____Charge(s); copy of complaint available

_____Right to remain silent and that anything said may be used against him/her

_____Right to have counsel or to a continuance so that counsel can be consulted

_____Right to an opportunity to communicate with family and friends

·        Judge must:

_____Appoint counsel if appropriate

_____Obtain written waiver of counsel where appropriate

_____Determine probable cause

_____Determine, announce, and explain conditions of pretrial release

1.042 Sample Advisory for First Appearance

·        Swear entire group of defendants at one time

 

·        Purpose of Hearing

 

·        You are here for a first appearance hearing.  Each person who is arrested is entitled to see a judge within 24 hours.  There are three (3) purposes for this hearing:

 

Probable Cause:

 

o       First, it is for the purpose of determining whether there is probable cause for your arrest.  That means whether there are reasonable grounds to believe that a crime may have been committed and that you are the person who committed that crime.

 

o       If I find there is no probable cause for your arrest, one of two (2) things may happen.  I may give the state up to 24 hours to produce additional facts to show probable cause, or I may direct that you be released.  If you are released for lack of probable cause that does not mean the case is over.  It only means that you will be released from custody.  If the State wants to proceed against you on these charges, it has the right to do so.

 

Public Defender

 

§         The second purpose of this proceeding is to determine whether you should have a lawyer appointed to represent you.  If you have your own attorney and you want him/her present, you should advise me, and I will direct the bailiff to attempt to reach him/her.  If we cannot reach him/her, this proceeding will have to be delayed.

 

§         If you want to have a lawyer appointed to represent you, i.e., a public defender, please advise me. I will appoint a public defender to represent you if you qualify for the services of the Public Defender.  I will ask you some questions regarding your financial situation, and based upon your answers, and the financial affidavit that you have filed, I will determine if you meet the statutory criteria for having a public defender appointed to represent you.

 

§         If you eventually enter a plea of guilty or no contest, or if you are eventually found guilty of the offense with which you are charged, then a judgment may be entered against you for the reasonable value of the public defender's services.  The judgment will become a lien upon any property that you may now have or hereafter acquire. 

 

Bond

 

§        The third purpose of the first appearance proceeding is to determine whether your bond should be changed. In some cases, the bond that was set when you went through booking may be too high and in other cases it may be too low.

 

Fifth Amendment Rights

 

§         Each of you has the right to remain silent under the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution. Anything you say can and will be used against you. So please do not say anything about the crime itself. I will be asking you questions that have nothing to do with the facts of the crime. The purpose of my questions is to determine whether a public defender should be appointed to represent you, and whether your bond should be changed. You may refuse to answer these questions.

 

§         You have the right to communicate by telephone with your family and friends.

 

 Questions - Determination of Bail and Eligibility for a Public Defender

 

·        Do you have an attorney?

 

·        If you do not have an attorney, do you wish to have the public defender represent you?

 

·        How long have you lived in Florida?

 

·        How long have you lived in _____County?

 

·        What is your address?

 

·        Do you have a job? Where do you work? How long have you had that job?

 

·        How much salary do you bring home a week/month/year?

 

·        Do you have family members in this county? If so, who?

 

·        Are you married? Do you have any children?

 

·        Are you on probation at the present time?

 

·        Have you ever been arrested before?

 

·        Have you ever been convicted of any prior crimes? If so, what?

 

·        Have you ever failed to appear in court when directed to do so? If so, why?

 

·        Do you own any property in this community? If so, describe the property?

 

·        Do you own any real estate? If so, how much equity do you have in this property?

 

·        Do you own a car, truck, a motorcycle, or a boat? If so, describe the property: year, make, model. When did you buy it? How much did you pay for it?  Are there any outstanding liens on the property?  What is the fair market value of the property?

 

·        Do you own any stocks, bonds, money markets, savings accounts, certificates of deposit or any other negotiable instruments or investments?

 

·        Do you own anything of value such as jewelry, television, etc?

 

·        Is anyone holding any money for you?

 

·        Make a decision regarding bail and appointing the public defender.

 

 

 

Chapter 1 –  First Appearance and Bonds

 

Denial of Bail and Pretrial Detention

 

When defendant violates bond conditions with a new offense, the court must follow the procedure and rules in § 907.041(b) before denying bond.

(See this case for extensive discussion of when the court can deny bond following a finding of violating the terms of release.)

•S. v. Paul, 783 So. 2d 1042 (Fla. 2001), 26 F.L.W. S185 (3/29/2001)

 

Court errs in holding defendant without bail as a result of appearing late for trial. Before the court can deny bail, the provisions of §907.041(c) must be complied with.

Roby v. S., 795 So. 2d 189 (3d DCA 2001), 26 F.L.W. D2355 (9/25/2001)

 

Court errs in refusing to set bond based on the court’s finding that no condition of release would reasonably protect the public from the risk of harm, and where the state does not prove the pretrial detention criteria.

Surdovel v. Jenne, 706 So. 2d 115 (4th DCA 1998), 23 F.L.W. D630 (2/25/98)

 

To order pretrial detention under §907.041, the defendant must be charged with a “dangerous crime” as defined in §907.041(4)(a)16, and defendant must meet at least one of the criteria in §907.041(4)(b)4. Where none of the three criteria are met, pretrial detention is improper.

Prior juvenile adjudications do not qualify as “conviction for a dangerous crime” under the statute (but see dissent).

Moody v. Campbell, 713 So. 2d 1032 (1st DCA 1998), 23 F.L.W. D1423 (6/5/98)

 

Under the 2000 amendments to §903.046 and §907.041, a person who commits a new crime while on bond, or who violates a pretrial release condition, can have his bail revoked and be held without bail.

(See this case for extensive discussion of the 2000 amendments to the pretrial release and pretrial detention statutes.)

•Barns v. S., 768 So. 2d 529 (4th DCA 2000), 25 F.L.W. D2320 (9/27/2000)

 

Under section 903.0471 (2000), when there is probable cause to believe that defendant committed a new crime while on bail, the court can hold defendant without bail. The statute is constitutional and does not violate article I, section 14 of the constitution.

(See this case for extensive discussion of § 903.0471 and the law concerning revoking pretrial release upon committing a new crime.)

Parker v. S., 780 So. 2d 210 (4th DCA 2001), 26 F.L.W. D396 (2/7/2001)

 

At first appearance, the court found that the arrest affidavit did not provide probable cause for burglary with an assault, and reduced the charge to battery and set bail accordingly. The state then filed burglary with an assault, and the court revoked bail without taking further testimony. Held: Under rule 3.133(a)(1)(4), the information cannot provide probable cause, and that in the absence of probable cause supported by sworn testimony, there can be no restraint on liberty other than appearing for trial. The court errs in revoking bond.

Blount v. Spears, 758 So. 2d 1287 (3d DCA 2000), 25 F.L.W. D1421 (6/14/2000)

 

First Appearance Bond Review

 

Under rule 3.131(b)(2), the first appearance judge must be allowed to consider bail for a defendant arrested pursuant to a warrant. Thus, an administrative rule that prohibits the first appearance judge from modifying a bond amount set by the judge who issues the arrest warrant is invalid.

However, under rule 3.131(j), when a capias is issued following the issuance of an information or indictment, the issuing judge is required to set the amount of bail, and the discretion of the first appearance judge can be limited by the issuing judge.

S. v. Norris, 768 So. 2d 1070 (Fla. 2000), 25 F.L.W. S714 (9/28/2000)

 

Trial court may not re