In Re: Amendments To The Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure and The Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure ( 2014 )

Supreme Court of Florida
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No. SC11-1679
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IN RE: AMENDMENTS TO THE FLORIDA RULES OF CRIMINAL
PROCEDURE AND THE FLORIDA RULES OF APPELLATE
PROCEDURE.
[December 5, 2013]
CORRECTED OPINION
PER CURIAM.
Consistent with the orders entered in this case on December 5, 2013, the
opinion dated April 18, 2013, is withdrawn and this revised opinion is substituted
in its place.
BACKGROUND
The Supreme Court Criminal Court Steering Committee (Steering
Committee) and the Subcommittee on Postconviction Relief (Subcommittee) have
filed a joint petition recommending amendments to Florida Rules of Criminal
Procedure 3.170 (Pleas), 3.800 (Correction, Reduction, and Modification of
Sentences), 3.850 (Motion to Vacate, Set Aside, or Correct Sentence), and 3.851
(Collateral Relief after Death Sentence has been Imposed and Affirmed on Direct
Appeal), and recommending adoption of new Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure
3.801 (Correction of Jail Credit). We have jurisdiction. See art. V, § 2(a), Fla.
Const. The amendments we adopt here are the culmination of extensive study of
Florida’s postconviction relief process.
Among its 2010 charges, the Steering Committee was directed to review
Florida’s postconviction rules and, if necessary, recommend amendments to the
Court. In re Criminal Court Steering Committee, Fla. Admin. Order No. AOSC10-
34, at 2 (Jul. 1, 2010). To facilitate the Steering Committee’s charge, the
Subcommittee was established by the Court to “conduct a comprehensive review
of Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.800 (Correction, Reduction, and
Modification of Sentences), Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.850 (Motion to
Vacate, Set Aside, or Correct Sentence), and Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure
3.851 (Collateral Relief after Death Sentence has been Imposed and Affirmed on
Direct Appeal).” In re Subcommittee on Postconviction Relief, Fla. Admin. Order
No. AOSC10-40, at 1 (Jul. 2, 2010). The Subcommittee was directed to study the
recommendations made by the Commission on District Court of Appeal
Performance and Accountability and the Commission on Trial Court Performance
and Accountability pertaining to the postconviction relief process and Florida Rule
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of Criminal Procedure 3.170(l). Id. at 2; In re Subcommittee on Postconviction
Relief, Fla. Admin. Order No. AOSC10-53, at 1 (Oct. 6, 2010).1
On October 10, 2011, the Steering Committee and the Subcommittee filed a
joint petition proposing multiple amendments to the postconviction rules and the
deletion of rule 3.170(l). As explained in the joint petition, the proposed
amendments are “intended to more effectively control the filing of postconviction
motions by introducing greater finality and uniformity into what has become an
unwieldy postconviction process,” and to “achieve a balance between the rights of
the convicted defendants and the appropriate use of court resources.”
The Court published the proposals for comment in The Florida Bar News.
Several comments were filed, including comments from the Florida Public
Defender Association, the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, The
Florida Bar’s Appellate Court Rules Committee and Criminal Procedure Rules
Committee, 2 and the Innocence Project of Florida, as well as from a number of
1. In addition to the extensive work undertaken by the Steering Committee
and the Subcommittee on behalf of the Court, the Court also recognizes the work
of the Commission on District Court of Appeal Performance and Accountability,
the Commission on Trial Court Performance and Accountability, and the
Postconviction Rules Workgroup, which was created jointly by these Commissions
“to consider and recommend changes in the procedural rules, administrative
practices, and statutes that affect postconviction remedies.” Postconviction Rules
Workgroup, Report of the Postconviction Rules Workgroup, at 3 (2006).
2. Both rules committees were consulted by the Steering Committee prior to
the filing of the joint petition. In its comment in response to the proposed criminal
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individual commentors. The Steering Committee and the Subcommittee filed a
joint response to the comments. The Court heard oral argument on the proposals.
AMENDMENTS
Upon consideration of the proposed amendments, the comments and
response thereto, the matters discussed at oral argument, and the motions for
rehearing properly before the Court, we adopt a number of the proposed
amendments, some with modifications, and we adopt several additional
amendments on our own motion. We also decline to adopt several proposals, as
further explained below. 3
Rule 3.170(l) (Motion to Withdraw the Plea after Sentencing)
The Steering Committee and the Subcommittee recommend the deletion of
rule 3.170(l), which allows a defendant to file a motion to withdraw a plea of guilty
or nolo contendere within thirty days of rendition of the sentence. The rule limits
the grounds properly raised to those set out in Florida Rule of Appellate Procedure
rule amendments, the Appellate Court Rules Committee proposed conforming
amendments to Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure 9.020 (Definitions), 9.140
(Appeal Proceedings in Criminal Cases), and 9.141 (Review Proceedings in
Collateral or Post-Conviction Criminal Cases). We consider these proposals here
and adopt the conforming amendments to rules 9.140 and 9.141. Because we
decline to eliminate rule 3.170(l) as explained below, we also decline to adopt the
proposed conforming amendment to rule 9.020.
3. In addition to the amendments discussed herein, editorial and other minor
amendments are also made to rules 3.850 and 3.851. Subdivision (k) (Belated
Discretionary Review) of rule 3.850 is eliminated, as proposed in the joint petition.
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9.140(b)(2)(A)(ii)(a)-(e) except as provided by law. In proposing the deletion of
the rule, the Steering Committee and the Subcommittee contend that most motions
brought under this rule are pro se and allege ineffective assistance of counsel, and
as such, present issues that would be better addressed on appeal or pursuant to rule
3.850. We disagree. To the extent that these claims fall within the grounds
allowable by the rule and are timely, adjudication of a motion to withdraw the plea
is preferable in the trial court and closer in time to entry of the plea. Accordingly,
we decline to eliminate rule 3.170(l).
Rule 3.800 (Correction, Reduction, and Modification of Sentences)
The Steering Committee and the Subcommittee propose several amendments
to rule 3.800, including deleting the text of subdivision (a) (Correction) and
substantially amending subdivision (b) (Motion to Correct Sentencing Error). 4
Due to the concerns raised in the comments filed and at oral argument, we decline
to adopt these proposals. 5 However, we amend rule 3.800(a) to remove language
4. The Steering Committee and the Subcommittee also proposed an
amendment to Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.800(c). However, subsequent
to the filing of the joint petition, this amendment was adopted in another case. See
In re Amendments to Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.800(c), 76 So. 3d 913,
914-15 (Fla. 2011). Consequently, the proposal was withdrawn.
5. While we decline to delete the text of rule 3.800(a), which, as amended
by this opinion allows a court “at any time” to correct an illegal sentence or an
incorrect scoresheet calculation, we ask the Florida Bar’s Criminal Procedure
Rules Committee, with input from the Steering Committee, to review the issue of
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that would conflict with new rule 3.801, discussed below. In addition, we amend
rule 3.800(b) to add a provision governing the disposition of rehearing motions and
the effect such motions have on rendition of the order on a rule 3.800(b) motion.
As amended, the rule provides that a response may be filed within ten days of
service of a motion for rehearing, and a motion for rehearing must be disposed of
within fifteen days of the response but not later than forty days from the date of the
order for which rehearing is sought. If no order is filed within forty days, the
motion for rehearing is deemed denied. In addition, it provides that a timely filed
motion for rehearing tolls rendition of the order subject to appellate review.
New Rule 3.801 (Correction of Jail Credit)
We adopt new rule 3.801 as proposed with a minor modification. This new
rule governs the correction of a sentence that fails to allow county jail time credit
as provided in section 921.161, Florida Statutes (2012). The rule is intended to
prevent stale claims by requiring that jail credit issues be brought within one year
of the sentence becoming final. Successive motions for jail credit are not allowed.
The rule also identifies the contents that must be included in a motion seeking such
relief and specifies that certain subdivisions of rule 3.850 are applicable to motions
under this rule. The rule provides a one-year grace period for sentences imposed
prior to July 1, 2013.
successive rule 3.800(a) motions and propose a rule amendment restricting such
motions.
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Rule 3.850 (Motion to Vacate, Set Aside, or Correct Sentence) 6
We amend rule 3.850 to address several issues identified by the
Postconviction Rules Workgroup and by the Steering Committee and the
Subcommittee in the joint petition. However, due to the concerns raised in the
comments and at oral argument, we decline to amend current subdivisions (a)
(Grounds for Motion) and (b) (Time Limitations), and to adopt a new subdivision
(b), as proposed, the combined effect of which would have been to create separate
subdivisions of the rule governing conviction claims and sentencing claims. We
also decline to amend current subdivision (l) (Habeas Corpus), as proposed in the
joint petition.
We amend subdivision (c) (Contents of Motion) in several ways, as
proposed. First, it is amended to add the requirements that the motion be under
oath, stating that “the defendant has read the motion or that it has been read to him
or her, that the defendant understands its contents, and that all of the facts stated
therein are true and correct,” and that the motion explain whether the judgment
resulted from a plea or from a trial. Next, it is amended to require that newly
discovered evidence claims be supported by affidavits attached to the motion.
Lastly, it is amended to remove the language governing the form of the motion
6. In the course of amending rule 3.850, some of the subdivisions have been
redesignated.
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currently set out in the last paragraph and to move that language to new
subdivision (d) (Form of Motion). 7
Next, we add new subdivision (e) (Amendments to Motion). This new
subdivision is intended to codify existing case law on amendments to
postconviction motions and to comport with the amendments to current
subdivision (d) (Procedure; Evidentiary Hearing; Disposition), discussed below.
These new provisions together are meant to further the ultimate goal of allowing
the trial court to adjudicate the merits of all sufficiently pleaded postconviction
claims in a single postconviction proceeding, with a single final appealable order.
Current subdivision (d) (Procedure; Evidentiary Hearing; Disposition) is
substantially amended and is redesignated as (f). As amended, this subdivision
codifies existing case law and addresses the different options that the trial judge
has when considering a motion under the rule, dependent upon such factors as the
timeliness of the motion, whether and to what extent the motion is sufficient,
whether and to what extent the motion is subject to disposal on the record, whether
to obtain a response from the State, and whether counsel should be appointed. The
portion of this subdivision addressing disposition by evidentiary hearing is
amended to (1) require that the trial court cause notice of the evidentiary hearing to
7. The Steering Committee and the Subcommittee recommend that the
language addressing the form of the motion be moved to a new subdivision and
that it also be modified to set forth additional requirements and restrictions and a
shorter page limit. We decline to adopt the proposed modifying language.
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be served not only on the state attorney but also on the defendant or the
defendant’s counsel; (2) expressly provide that the defendant bears the burden of
presenting evidence at the evidentiary hearing and the burden of proof upon the
motion unless otherwise provided by law; and (3) require that the order issued by
the trial court after the evidentiary hearing resolve all claims raised and be
considered the final order for purposes of appeal. Additionally, language directing
the court to vacate and set aside the judgment and to discharge, resentence, grant a
new trial, or correct a sentence upon finding in favor of the defendant is deleted.
Next, current subdivision (e) (Movant’s Presence Not Required) is
redesignated as (g), retitled as “Defendant’s Presence Not Required,” and is
amended, as proposed, to clarify that the defendant’s presence is required only at
an evidentiary hearing on the merits of any claim.
Current subdivision (f) (Successive Motions) is redesignated as (h) and is
substantially rewritten. We adopt new subdivision (h)(1), requiring, as proposed,
that a second or successive motion be titled “Second or Successive Motion for
Postconviction Relief.” In addition, we retain with some modification the current
language as subdivision (h)(2), which pertains to dismissals of a second or
successive motion.
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Current subdivision (g) (Service on Parties) is redesignated as (i) and is
amended, as proposed, to clarify that the clerk of court must serve on the parties a
copy of any order issued in the rule 3.850 proceeding.
Next, current subdivision (h) (Rehearing) is redesignated as (j), and is
amended to state that a motion for rehearing in rule 3.850 proceedings is not
necessary to preserve an issue for appeal and to include the requirement that the
motion be “based on a good faith belief that the court has overlooked a previously
argued issue of fact or law or an argument based on a legal precedent or statute not
available prior to the court’s ruling.” Additionally, on our own motion, we amend
this subdivision to provide time limitations for the response to and the disposition
of a motion for rehearing. These amendments are intended to facilitate the trial
court’s correction of an obvious error without the expense or delay occasioned by
an appeal.
Current subdivision (i) (Appeals) is redesignated as (k) and is amended to
clarify that only the final order disposing of the motion for postconviction relief is
appealable. To that end, the amended rule requires final orders denying a rule
3.850 motion to state that the defendant has the right to appeal within thirty days of
rendition of the order and further provides that all nonfinal, nonappealable orders
should state that the defendant has no right to appeal the order until entry of the
final order.
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On our own motion, we amend current subdivision (j) (Belated Appeals).
The subdivision is redesignated subdivision (l) (Belated Appeals and Discretionary
Review), to include the provision for belated discretionary review based on the
elimination of current subdivision (k) (Belated Discretionary Review) as proposed.
Finally, we adopt new subdivision (n) (Certification of Defendant;
Sanctions), which replaces current subdivision (m) (Frivolous or Malicious
Collateral Criminal Pleadings or Motions), which is deleted. New subdivision (n)
is a complete rewrite of the subdivision addressing frivolous or malicious filings
by defendants. The provision is intended to require postconviction defendants to
take formal steps that communicate the significance of filing a document with a
court and to set forth a sanction mechanism to deter frivolous postconviction
motions, thus protecting the courts and other litigants from abuse of the
postconviction process. We have modified the provision to also apply to the filing
of an improper habeas petition seeking relief that should be or was sought by
motion under rule 3.850.
Rule 3.851 (Collateral Relief after Death Sentence has been Imposed and
Affirmed on Direct Appeal)
The proposed amendments to rule 3.851, governing postconviction motions
in capital cases, are relatively minor. 8 We adopt the amendments as proposed.
8. The proposal to amend rule 3.851(f) to substitute the word “paper” with
the word “document” was previously adopted in In re Amendments to the Florida
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Subdivision (b) of the rule is amended to substitute the phrase “Justice
Administrative Commission” for the phrase “Commission on Capital Cases.” New
subdivision (c)(5) (Record on Appeal) is adopted to facilitate the timely transfer of
the record on appeal from this Court to the records repository after the appointment
of postconviction counsel. Lastly, subdivision (f)(5) (Case Management
Conference; Evidentiary Hearing) is amended to shift the timing of discovery for
the State and to extend the time for the trial court to hold an evidentiary hearing.
CONCLUSION
Accordingly, the Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure and the Florida Rules
of Appellate Procedure are hereby amended as reflected in the appendix to this
opinion. New language is indicated by underscoring; deletions are indicated by
struck-through type. The Court Commentary is offered for explanation only and is
not adopted as an official part of the rules. The amendments shall become
effective nunc pro tunc on July 1, 2013, at 12:01 a.m.
We thank the Florida Supreme Court Criminal Court Steering Committee
and the Postconviction Relief Subcommittee for their hard work and thorough
recommendations. We also thank the Commission on District Court of Appeal
Rules of Civil Procedure, the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration, the Florida
Rules of Criminal Procedure, the Florida Probate Rules, the Florida Small Claims
Rules, the Florida Rules of Juvenile Procedure, the Florida Rules of Appellate
Procedure, and the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure—Electronic Filing, 102
So. 3d 451 (Fla. 2012).
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Performance and Accountability, the Commission on Trial Court Performance and
Accountability, and their Postconviction Rules Workgroup for the essential
contributions made to this effort to refine the postconviction relief process. We
also express our appreciation to the Florida Public Defender Association, the
Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, The Florida Bar’s Appellate
Court Rules Committee and Criminal Procedure Rules Committee, the Innocence
Project of Florida, and the individual commentors who provided the Court with
valuable input.
It is so ordered.
LEWIS, QUINCE, LABARGA, and PERRY, JJ., concur.
POLSTON, C.J., concurs in part and dissents in part.
PARIENTE, J., concurs in part and dissents in part with an opinion.
CANADY, J., concurs in part and dissents in part with an opinion, in which
POLSTON, C.J., concurs.
NO MOTION FOR REHEARING WILL BE ALLOWED.
PARIENTE, J., concurring in part and dissenting in part.
I commend the extensive work that has been done by the members of the
various committees, who over many years have endeavored to improve the
postconviction process. I write to address the amendments to the Rules of
Criminal Procedure that the Court now adopts and to explain my view that along
with these rule changes, the criminal justice system must give serious
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consideration to other innovations, such as the use of standard forms and evolving
technology, to further improve the postconviction process.
I. The New Amendments
With respect to the amendments adopted by the Court today, I agree with the
majority’s decision, except as follows. First, as to newly adopted rule 3.801 that
limits the time for correction of jail credit to one year after the sentence becomes
final, although I would consider some limitations on the filing of successive
motions, I continue to adhere to the view that a defendant should never be required
to serve any more time in prison than he or she is legally required to serve. As I
stated in my concurring in result only opinion in State v. McBride, this Court has
observed “that the State recognizes that it ‘has no interest in any defendant serving
a sentence that is longer than the sentence authorized by law.’ ” 848 So. 2d 287,
294 (Fla. 2003) (Pariente, J., concurring in result only) (quoting Maddox v. State,
760 So. 2d 89, 99 (Fla. 2000)). Indeed, I explained in McBride that “the entire
justice system certainly has an interest in ensuring that the defendant is not
incarcerated longer than is authorized by law, or under illegal terms. The courts
have an obligation to correct any such error whenever it is brought to their
attention.” Id. (Pariente, J., concurring in result only).
In this regard, a sentence not granting “proper credit for time served” was
deemed so important that it was specifically mentioned in rule 3.800(a) as an error
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that could be corrected at any time. Fla. R. Crim. P. 3.800(a). As this Court held
in State v. Mancino:
[S]ince a defendant is entitled to credit for time served as a matter of
law, “common fairness, if not due process, requires that the State
concede its error and correct the sentence ‘at any time.’ ” For that
reason, a prisoner should ordinarily first seek prompt administrative
relief in the corrections system before going to the circuit court for
relief under rule 3.800(a), mandamus or habeas corpus. Of course, the
trial court and counsel for the State and the defendant should be alert
to see that provision is always made in sentencing for a defendant to
receive credit for all time already served.
714 So. 2d 429, 433 (Fla. 1998) (emphasis supplied) (citation omitted) (quoting
Chojnowski v. State, 705 So. 2d 915, 918 (Fla. 2d DCA 1997) (Altenbernd, J.,
concurring specially)).
I agree with the comments filed by the Florida Public Defender Association
(FPDA) that the special procedure for jail credit adopted through rule 3.801 is
“unnecessarily restrictive” and that it would make more sense to instead utilize rule
3.800(b) and rule 3.850 to correct these errors. As the FPDA also points out,
newly adopted rule 3.801 eliminates a court’s power after one year to correct errors
even obvious on the face of the record and apparently eliminates the “manifest
injustice” exception to litigating an otherwise barred claim. In addition, valid
concerns have been raised as to whether this new rule addresses only county jail
credit or all credit issues.
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Further, the requirement in rule 3.801 of a one-year time limitation on the
filing of a motion to correct jail credit from the time the sentence becomes final
means that these motions must now be filed sooner than motions to vacate, set
aside, or correct a sentence under rule 3.850. At the very least, I believe that the
time for filing a motion to correct a sentence due to improperly calculated jail
credit should be expanded to correspond with the time limitations in rule 3.850.
Not only is jail credit now removed from the scope of rule 3.800(a), but the
pleading requirements of newly enacted rule 3.801 place the burden entirely on the
defendant, who will most likely be unrepresented at this stage of the proceedings.
In my view, the simplest solution to the problem sought to be remedied through the
adoption of rule 3.801 would be to have a procedure at the time of sentencing to
ensure the accurate calculation of credit for time served. Advancements in
technology certainly make this an achievable goal.
With the adoption of rule 3.801 and the strict time limits imposed, defense
counsel and prosecutors, as well as the trial courts, should take steps to ensure that
the calculation of jail credit is accurate at the time of sentencing. Indeed, such an
approach has always been the best way to limit subsequent challenges based on jail
credit and to ensure the accuracy of the sentence imposed. Specifically, Judge
Altenbernd of the Second District Court of Appeal brought this issue into focus
over fifteen years ago:
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Many, if not most, jail credit issues do not appear on the face of the
record available to the trial court. Either the trial court does not have
access to the jail records described by the prisoner or the prisoner is
claiming a factual error in those records. There is no valid reason to
allow such factual issues to be raised at any time in an unsworn
motion.
Thus, rule 3.850 currently provides the best procedure for a
prisoner to resolve jail credit issues because it allows for a sworn
pleading and the orderly resolution of factual disputes relating to
sentencing. These motions, however, cannot be filed during the
pendency of an appeal. At least in this district, with our public
defender’s backlog, unless the defendant chooses to forego his or her
constitutional right to appeal, it will be difficult for the trial court to
resolve a factual issue relating to jail credit before the prisoner fully
serves any sentence that is less than 3 years’ imprisonment. Even if
the trial court manages to reach the issue in time, a delayed
evidentiary hearing is a highly inefficient method to resolve jail credit
problems.
I do not profess to be an expert on the best methods to record
and calculate jail credit. I do know, however, that the Department of
Corrections already calculates prison credit when a trial judge checks
the box for prison credit on the written sentence. In this computer
age, the legislature could authorize the Department to obtain statewide
records for use in all cases. I believe the trial court should at least
have the option of allowing the Department to calculate jail credit in
complex cases. This certainly would be better than forcing trial
judges to scribble calculations while reciting “thirty days hath
September” at every sentencing hearing.
If it is not feasible for the legislature to delegate this task to the
Department, then the supreme court should consider the creation of a
specific rule of procedure to allow these matters to be processed in the
trial courts and reviewed on appeal in a timely and efficient manner.
Chojnowski, 705 So. 2d at 918-19 (Altenbernd, J., concurring specially)
(footnotes omitted). I am simply not convinced that the new procedure for jail
credit the Court adopts today will allow these issues to be processed in a timely
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and efficient manner, or that rule 3.801 adequately preserves a defendant’s right to
never have to serve more time in prison than legally required.
Second, as to the change to rule 3.850(c) that requires the attachment of an
affidavit for all newly discovered evidence claims, although I agree with the
requirement, I am also concerned that there may be real limits on an unrepresented
prisoner’s ability to obtain a properly executed affidavit. I therefore urge the trial
courts to liberally construe the alternative provision that if the affidavit is not
attached to the motion, “the defendant shall provide an explanation why the
required affidavit could not be obtained.”
Third, as to the changes to current subdivision rule 3.850(d), which is now
designated as subdivision (f), I concur with the adoption of this substantially
amended subdivision with the express understanding that the amended subdivision
codifies existing law and is not intended to change the law, as set forth in the
commentary to the 2012 amendment. Finally, the same caveat applies to the
subdivision now designated as rule 3.850(g).
II. Broader Considerations
As to the larger picture, the goal of both the committee members and this
Court has been to streamline the postconviction process and to limit the filing of
successive motions, while concomitantly preserving the rights of convicted
defendants. Against this backdrop is the reality that the vast majority of those
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prisoners filing postconviction motions are unrepresented and, because of
limitations on access to computers and typewriters, the majority of the petitions
this Court and other courts receive are handwritten—and oftentimes even illegible.
History and experience reveal that the majority of the pro se filings in
postconviction proceedings, appeals, and original writs at all levels of the court
system, including the Florida Supreme Court, are without merit. A number of
these filings are successive and frivolous, representing an abuse of the process.
The further truth of the matter is that as defendants in Florida have increasingly
been subject to lengthier prison terms, including mandatory minimums, courts
have seen an increase in the number of postconviction filings.
The amount of postconviction filings received in each of Florida’s five
district courts of appeal, for instance, has increased dramatically over the last two
decades. In the fiscal year 1992-93, the First District Court of Appeal received 358
postconviction filings and the Second District Court of Appeal received 650. By
2011-12, however, those numbers had essentially tripled, with the First District
receiving 1,178 postconviction filings and the Second District receiving a district
court high of 1,825.
This same pattern is evident in the number of circuit court filings for
postconviction relief. Individual circuits have almost universally experienced an
increase in postconviction filings over the last decade alone. In the fiscal year
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2002-03, Florida’s twenty circuits received a total of 10,005 motions for
postconviction relief. In 2011-12, the circuit courts received almost twice as many
postconviction filings—18,681.
Despite this objective reality, however, we must always remember another
essential truth about our system of justice: that, among the avalanche of
postconviction filings, there always exists the possibility of a defendant who in fact
is entitled to relief, either from his or her conviction or from the sentence—
including the possibility of actual innocence or credible newly discovered evidence
that sheds doubt on the validity of the conviction. Thus, I am convinced that, on
the front end, mandating and adopting standard forms for prisoners to use and
exploring electronic filing of postconviction petitions would be two significant
steps toward our ultimate goal of reforming an “unwieldy postconviction process”
while achieving a “balance between the rights of the convicted defendants and the
appropriate use of court resources.” Majority op. at 3. I believe that standard
forms and electronic filing would increase efficiency by enabling courts to track
postconviction filings by individual prisoners, more easily ensuring that the
process is not being abused and that multiple levels of courts are not reviewing the
same filings, and reducing the possibility that a petition with merit is overlooked in
the avalanche of pro se filings courts now receive.
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Because the ultimate issue is the efficient, effective, timely, and fair
administration of justice, I also note that, in the 2006 Report of the Postconviction
Rules Workgroup, the Committee consisting of trial and appellate court judges
observed that the addition of forms for use by prisoners, as well as the ability to
handle these filings electronically, would be two ways that the judicial system
could balance efficiency with fairness. As set forth in the report authored by Judge
Altenbernd:
Just as a more extensive collection of form motions and orders
was required to assist pro se litigants in family law cases, the
Workgroup believes that more extensive forms are needed to assist the
litigants and the courts in processing postconviction proceedings.
It is often cumbersome and time-consuming to amend rules of
procedures. Forms can be more readily adjusted. The law of
postconviction is frequently affected by an issue that generates many
motions for a short period of time. . . .
There is little question that a significant percentage of all
motions filed by prisoners have little or no merit. The typical
prisoner, however, is untrained in the law, given no adequate form
pleadings, and is represented, at best, by other prisoners with limited
paralegal training or experience. It is often difficult or impossible to
distinguish between a prisoner who is ignorant of the law and one who
is filing motions in bad faith. The fact that a prisoner often has
limited education and may suffer from mental illness makes this
process even more difficult.
This state wisely has a constitutional provision that guarantees
“every person” access to the courts. Art. I, § 21, Fla. Const.
Nevertheless, the courts must occasionally take steps to sanction or
control people who abuse this constitutional right. Within the
Workgroup, it was obvious that the members who deal directly with
the prisoners in the trial courts feel a strong need to have the power of
sanction. Those who deal indirectly with the prisoners in the appellate
court are more skeptical about the efficacy of sanctions in this context.
It remains at least debatable whether the additional judicial process
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required in the trial courts to impose sanctions and the inevitable
appeals that would arise from additional sanction orders might create
costs that outweigh the benefit of sanctions.
If the rules were changed and more forms were created to
simplify the legal tasks expected of prisoners, it would be easier to
identify the prisoners who should be sanctioned. . . .
....
Because prisoners have essentially no access to computer
technology, their motions cannot currently be filed electronically.
The courts must serve orders on prisoners by standard mail. The
requirement that the trial court attach court records to refute
conclusively the allegations in the motion results in massive copying.
This is an expensive and inefficient way to process postconviction
motions. It was workable and necessary in 1988, but it is no longer
the best method to manage this case load.
The Workgroup is making no recommendation in Appendix A
to solve this problem, in part, because the technology required to
solve this problem is beyond our expertise and, in part, because the
Department of Corrections would need to be a willing partner in
solving this problem. It should be emphasized that appellate
proceedings filed by prisoners are now approximately one-third of all
filings in the district courts. An electronic filing system in the trial
courts and appellate courts cannot achieve maximum efficiency until
filings from prisoners are received electronically.
Comm. on Performance & Accountability, Report of the Postconviction Rules
Workgroup 10-13 (Sept. 1, 2006) (on file with Court Adm’r, Fla. Sup. Ct.)
(emphasis supplied).
The observations made by the Postconviction Rules Workgroup in 2006 are
as true today as they were almost seven years ago when the report was issued.
Without improving efficiency in the process, including requiring prisoners to file
postconviction motions electronically through the use of specified forms, as well as
an examination of best practices throughout the circuits, including the entry of a
- 22 -
written sentence on the day it is pronounced, the judicial system will continue to
struggle with the enormous workload and concomitant responsibility placed on all
of those who are committed to the fair and efficient administration of justice. 9 I
urge the Department of Corrections, together with the court system, to explore
ways in which electronic filing could lessen the workload and increase efficiency
for all those involved in this process.
III. Conclusion
Accordingly, for the reasons stated, I concur in part and dissent in part with
respect to the Court’s adoption of these amendments to the Rules of Criminal
Procedure. In addition, I thank the committee members for their diligent work to
improve the postconviction process and stress that the broader considerations I
have outlined here should remain a focus of all those who seek fairness and
efficiency in our criminal justice system.
9. A further examination might be helpful in analyzing whether any of the
reasons that have given rise to the massive increase in postconviction filings could
be influenced by local best practices. For example, an analysis of the 18,681
filings of motions for postconviction relief in the circuit courts in the fiscal year
2011-12 revealed a huge disparity in the filings among the various circuits. The
Eleventh Circuit had a high among the twenty circuits of 5,313 filings, with the
Seventeenth Circuit coming in a close second at 4,840 filings. Other large circuits
like the Ninth, Thirteenth, and Fifteenth had only, respectively, 475, 412, and 606
filings in that same time period. There may be easily explainable reasons for the
glaring disparities between these circuits, but the large variance is certainly reason
for further study.
- 23 -
CANADY, J., concurring in part and dissenting in part.
I disagree with the majority’s decision to reject the proposed deletion of rule
3.170(l). On balance, I believe it would be more consistent with the effective and
efficient administration of justice to address the issues brought under this rule in
the context of rule 3.850 proceedings. Otherwise, I concur with the majority
opinion.
POLSTON, C.J., concurs.
Original Proceeding – Criminal Courts Steering Committee, Florida Criminal
Procedure Rules Committee and Florida Appellate Rules Committee
Honorable Kevin M. Emas, Chair, Criminal Courts Steering Committee, Miami,
Florida, and Bart Schneider, Senior Attorney, Office of State Courts Administrator,
Tallahassee, Florida; John F. Harkness, Jr., Executive Director and Heather Savage
Telfer, Bar Liaison, The Florida Bar, Tallahassee, Florida and the Honorable James
C. Hankinson, Chair, Post-Conviction Relief Subcommittee, Tallahassee, Florida,
for Petitioner
Mark Caliel, Chair, Criminal Procedure Rules Committee, Jacksonville, Florida,
the Honorable Donald Eugene Scaglione, Past Chair, Criminal Procedure Rules
Committee, Brooksville, Florida, Michael Robert Ufferman, Chair, Appellate
Court Rules Committee, Tallahassee, Florida, Jamie Billotte Moses, Past Chair,
Appellate Court Rules Committee, Orlando, Florida, Seth Elliot Miller and
Michael J. Minerva of the Innocence Project of Florida, Tallahassee, Florida, Scott
N. Errico, Jonathan N. Diament and David W. Talley, Sumter Correctional
Institution, Bushnell, Florida, Glen Phillip Gifford and Andrew McBride Stanton
of the Florida Public Defender Association, Tallahassee, Florida, Sonya
Rudenstine of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Gainesville,
Florida, Joe F. Daiak, Jr. of Lake Correctional Institution, Clermont, Florida and
Reginal L. Holston of South Bay Correctional Institution, South Bay, Florida,
Responding with comments
- 24 -
APPENDIX
RULE 3.800. CORRECTION, REDUCTION, AND MODIFICATION
OF SENTENCES
(a) Correction. A court may at any time correct an illegal sentence
imposed by it, or an incorrect calculation made by it in a sentencing scoresheet, or
a sentence that does not grant proper credit for time served when it is affirmatively
alleged that the court records demonstrate on their face an entitlement to that relief,
provided that a party may not file a motion to correct an illegal sentence under this
subdivision during the time allowed for the filing of a motion under subdivision
(b)(1) or during the pendency of a direct appeal. A defendant may seek correction
of an allegedly erroneous sexual predator designation under this subdivision, but
only when it is apparent from the face of the record that the defendant did not meet
the criteria for designation as a sexual predator. All orders denying motions under
this subdivision shall include a statement that the movant has the right to appeal
within 30 days of rendition of the order.
(b) Motion to Correct Sentencing Error. A motion to correct any
sentencing error, including an illegal sentence, may be filed as allowed by this sub-
division. This subdivision shall not be applicable to those cases in which the death
sentence has been imposed and direct appeal jurisdiction is in the Supreme Court
under article V, section 3(b)(1) of the Florida Constitution. The motion must
identify the error with specificity and provide a proposed correction. A response to
the motion may be filed within 15 days, either admitting or contesting the alleged
error. Motions may be filed by the state under this subdivision only if the
correction of the sentencing error would benefit the defendant or to correct a
scrivener’s error.
(1) Motion Before Appeal. During the time allowed for the filing
of a notice of appeal of a sentence, a defendant or the state may file a motion
to correct a sentencing error.
(A) This motion shall stay rendition under Florida Rule of
Appellate Procedure 9.020(hi).
(B) Unless the trial court determines that the motion can be
resolved as a matter of law without a hearing, it shall hold a calendar call no later
- 25 -
than 20 days from the filing of the motion, with notice to all parties, for the express
purpose of either ruling on the motion or determining the need for an evidentiary
hearing. If an evidentiary hearing is needed, it shall be set no more than 20 days
from the date of the calendar call. Within 60 days from the filing of the motion,
the trial court shall file an order ruling on the motion. If no order is filed within 60
days, the motion shall be considered denied. A party may file a motion for
rehearing of any order entered under subdivisions (a) and (b) of this rule within 15
days of the date of service of the order or within 15 days of the expiration of the
time period for filing an order if no order is filed. A response may be filed within
10 days of service of the motion. The trial court’s order disposing of the motion
for rehearing shall be filed within 15 days of the response but not later than 40
days from the date of the order of which rehearing is sought. If no order is filed
within 40 days, the motion is deemed denied. A timely filed motion for rehearing
shall toll rendition of the order subject to appellate review and the order shall be
deemed rendered 40 days from the order of which rehearing is sought, or upon the
filing of a written order denying the motion for rehearing, whichever is earlier.
(2) [No Change]
(c) [No Change]
Committee Notes
[No Change]
Court Commentary
[No Change]
RULE 3.801. CORRECTION OF JAIL CREDIT
(a) Correction of Jail Credit. A court may correct a sentence that fails
to allow a defendant credit for all of the time he or she spent in the county jail
before sentencing as provided in section 921.161, Florida Statutes.
(b) Time Limitations. No motion shall be filed or considered pursuant to
this rule if filed more than 1 year after the sentence becomes final. For sentences
imposed prior to July 1, 2013, a motion under this rule may be filed on or before
July 1, 2014.
(c) Contents of Motion. The motion shall be under oath and include:
- 26 -
(1) a brief statement of the facts relied on in support of the motion;
(2) the dates, location of incarceration and total time for credit
already provided;
(3) the dates, location of incarceration and total time for credit the
defendant contends was not properly awarded;
(4) whether any other criminal charges were pending at the time of
the incarceration noted in subdivision (c)(3), and if so, the location, case number
and resolution of the charges; and
(5) whether the defendant waived any county jail credit at the time
of sentencing, and if so, the number of days waived.
(d) Successive Motions. No successive motions for jail credit will be
considered.
(e) Incorporation of Portions of Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure
3.850. The following subdivisions of Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.850
apply to proceedings under this rule: 3.850(e), (f), (j), (k), and (n).
Court Commentary
2013 Adoption. All jail credit issues must be handled pursuant to this rule.
The rule is intended to require that jail credit issues be dealt with promptly, within
1 year of the sentence becoming final. No successive motions for jail credit will be
allowed.
RULE 3.850. MOTION TO VACATE, SET ASIDE, OR CORRECT
SENTENCE
(a) – (b) [No Change]
(c) Contents of Motion. The motion shallmust be under oath andstating
that the defendant has read the motion or that it has been read to him or her, that
the defendant understands its content, and that all of the facts stated therein are true
and correct. The motion must also include an explanation of:
- 27 -
(1) the judgment or sentence under attack and the court whichthat
rendered the same;
(2) whether the judgment resulted from a plea or a trial;
(23) whether there was an appeal from the judgment or sentence and
the disposition thereof;
(34) whether a previous postconviction motion has been filed, and if
so, how many;
(45) if a previous motion or motions have been filed, the reason or
reasons the claim or claims in the present motion were not raised in the former
motion or motions;
(56) the nature of the relief sought; and
(67) a brief statement of the facts (and other conditions) relied on in
support of the motion.
This rule does not authorize relief based on grounds that could have or should have
been raised at trial and, if properly preserved, on direct appeal of the judgment and
sentence. Motions shall be typewritten or hand-written in legible printed lettering,
in blue or black ink, double-spaced, with margins no less than 1 inch on white 8
1/2-by-11 inch paper. No motion, including any memorandum of law, shall exceed
50 pages without leave of the court upon a showing of good cause. If the
defendant is filing a newly discovered evidence claim based on recanted trial
testimony or on a newly discovered witness, the defendant shall include an
affidavit from that person as an attachment to his or her motion. For all other
newly discovered evidence claims, the defendant shall attach an affidavit from any
person whose testimony is necessary to factually support the defendant’s claim for
relief. If the affidavit is not attached to the motion, the defendant shall provide an
explanation why the required affidavit could not be obtained.
(d) Form of Motion. Motions shall be typewritten or hand-written in
legible printed lettering, in blue or black ink, double-spaced, with margins no less
than 1 inch on white 8 1/2-by-11 inch paper. No motion, including any
memorandum of law, shall exceed 50 pages without leave of the court upon a
showing of good cause.
- 28 -
(e) Amendments to Motion. When the court has entered an order under
subdivision (f)(2) or (f)(3), granting the defendant an opportunity to amend the
motion, any amendment to the motion must be served within 60 days. A motion
may otherwise be amended at any time prior to either the entry of an order
disposing of the motion or the entry of an order pursuant to subdivision (f)(5) or
directing that an answer to the motion be filed pursuant to (f)(6), whichever occurs
first. Leave of court is required for the filing of an amendment after the entry of an
order pursuant to subdivision (f)(5) or (f)(6). Notwithstanding the timeliness of an
amendment, the court need not consider new factual assertions contained in an
amendment unless the amendment is under oath. New claims for relief contained
in an amendment need not be considered by the court unless the amendment is
filed within the time frame specified in subdivision (b).
(df) Procedure; Evidentiary Hearing; Disposition. On filing of a rule
3.850 motion under this rule, the clerk shall forward the motion and file to the
court. Disposition of the motion shall be in accordance with the following
procedures, which are intended to result in a single, final, appealable order that
disposes of all claims raised in the motion.
(1) Untimely and Insufficient Motions. If the motion is
insufficient on its face, and the time to file a motion under this rule has expired
prior to the filing of the motion, the court shall enter a final appealable order
summarily denying the motion with prejudice.
(2) Timely but Insufficient Motions. If the motion is insufficient
on its face, and the motion is timely filed under this rule, the court shall enter a
nonfinal, nonappealable order allowing the defendant 60 days to amend the motion.
If the amended motion is still insufficient or if the defendant fails to file an
amended motion within the time allowed for such amendment, the court, in its
discretion, may permit the defendant an additional opportunity to amend the motion
or may enter a final, appealable order summarily denying the motion with
prejudice.
(3) Timely Motions Containing Some Insufficient Claims. If the
motion sufficiently states one or more claims for relief and it also attempts but fails
to state additional claims, and the motion is timely filed under this rule, the court
shall enter a nonappealable order granting the defendant 60 days to amend the
motion to sufficiently state additional claims for relief. Any claim for which the
insufficiency has not been cured within the time allowed for such amendment shall
- 29 -
be summarily denied in an order that is a nonfinal, nonappealable order, which may
be reviewed when a final, appealable order is entered.
(4) Motions Partially Disposed of by the Court Record. If the
motion sufficiently states one or more claims for relief but the files and records in
the case conclusively show that the defendant is not entitled to relief as to one or
more claims, the claims that are conclusively refuted shall be summarily denied on
the merits without a hearing. A copy of that portion of the files and records in the
case that conclusively shows that the defendant is not entitled to relief as to one or
more claims shall be attached to the order summarily denying these claims. The
files and records in the case are the documents and exhibits previously filed in the
case and those portions of the other proceedings in the case that can be transcribed.
An order that does not resolve all the claims is a nonfinal, nonappealable order,
which may be reviewed when a final, appealable order is entered.
(5) Motions Conclusively Resolved by the Court Record. If the
motion is legally sufficient but all grounds in the motion can be conclusively
resolved either as a matter of law or by reliance upon the records in the case, the
motion shall be denied without a hearing by the entry of a final order. If the denial
is based on the records in the case, a copy of that portion of the files and records
that conclusively shows that the defendant is entitled to no relief shall be attached to
the final order.
(6) Motions Requiring a Response from the State Attorney.
IfUnless the motion, files, and records in the case conclusively show that the
movantdefendant is entitled to no relief, the motion shall be denied without a
hearing. In those instances when the denial is not predicated on the legal
insufficiency of the motion on its face, a copy of that portion of the files and records
that conclusively shows that the movant is entitled to no relief shall be attached to
the order. Unless the motion, files, and records of the case conclusively show that
the movant is entitled to no relief, the court shall order the state attorney to file,
within the time fixed by the court, an answer or other pleading within the period of
time fixed by the court or to take such other action as the judge deems
appropriatethe motion. The answer shall respond to the allegations of the contained
in the defendant’s sufficiently pleaded claims, describe any matters in avoidance of
the sufficiently pleaded claims, state whether the defendant has used any other
available state postconviction remedies including any other motion under this rule,
and state whether the defendant has previously been afforded an evidentiary
hearing. In addition it shall state whether the movant has used any other available
state remedies including any other postconviction motion under this rule. The
- 30 -
answer shall also state whether an evidentiary hearing was accorded the movant. If
the motion has not been denied at a previous stage in the proceedings, the judge,
after the answer is filed, shall determine whether an evidentiary hearing is required.
If an evidentiary hearing is not required, the judge shall make appropriate
disposition of the motion.
(7) Appointment of Counsel. The court may appoint counsel to
represent the defendant under this rule. The factors to be considered by the court in
making this determination include: the adversary nature of the proceeding, the
complexity of the proceeding, the complexity of the claims presented, the
defendant’s apparent level of intelligence and education, the need for an evidentiary
hearing, and the need for substantial legal research.
(8) Disposition by Evidentiary Hearing.
(A) If an evidentiary hearing is required, the court shall grant
a prompt hearing thereon and shall cause notice thereof to be served on the state
attorney and the defendant or defendant’s counsel, and shall determine the issues,
and make findings of fact and conclusions of law with respect thereto. If the court
finds that the judgment was rendered without jurisdiction, that the sentence
imposed was not authorized by law or is otherwise open to collateral attack, or
that there has been such a denial or infringement of the constitutional rights of the
movant as to render the judgment vulnerable to collateral attack, the court shall
vacate and set aside the judgment and shall discharge or resentence the movant,
grant a new trial, or correct the sentence as may appear appropriate.
(B) At an evidentiary hearing, the defendant shall have the
burden of presenting evidence and the burden of proof in support of his or her
motion, unless otherwise provided by law.
(C) The order issued after the evidentiary hearing shall
resolve all the claims raised in the motion and shall be considered the final order for
purposes of appeal.
(eg) Movant’sDefendant’s Presence Not Required. A court may
entertain and determine the motion without requiring the production of the movant
at the hearing.The defendant’s presence shall not be required at any hearing or
conference held under this rule except at the evidentiary hearing on the merits of
any claim.
- 31 -
(fh) Successive Motions.
(1) A second or successive motion must be titled: “Second or
Successive Motion for Postconviction Relief.”
(2) A second or successive motion is an extraordinary pleading.
Accordingly, a court may dismiss a second or successive motion if the court may
be dismissed if the judge finds that it fails to allege new or different grounds for
relief and the prior determination was on the merits or, if new and different
grounds are alleged, the judge finds that the failure of the movant defendant or the
attorney to assert those grounds in a prior motion constituted an abuse of the
procedure governed by these rules or there was no good cause for the failure of the
defendant or defendant’s counsel to have asserted those grounds in a prior motion.
When a motion is dismissed under this subdivision, a copy of that portion of the
files and records necessary to support the court’s ruling shall accompany the order
denying the motion.
(gi) Service on Parties. The clerk of the court shall promptly serve on the
parties a copy of any order addressing a motionentered under this rule, noting
thereon the date of service by an appropriate certificate of service.
(hj) Rehearing. TheAny party may file a motion for rehearing of any
final order addressing a motion under this rule within 15 days of the date of service
of the final order. A motion for rehearing is not required to preserve any issue for
review in the appellate court. A timely filed motion for rehearing shall toll finality
of any final order addressing a motion under this rule. A motion for rehearing
must be based on a good faith belief that the court has overlooked a previously
argued issue of fact or law or an argument based on a legal precedent or statute not
available prior to the court’s ruling. A response may be filed within 10 days of
service of the motion. The trial court’s order disposing of the motion for rehearing
shall be filed within 15 days of the response but not later than 40 days from the
date of the order of which rehearing is sought. If no order is filed within 40 days,
the motion is deemed denied.
(ik) Appeals. An appeal may be taken to the appropriate appellate court
only from athe final order addressing adisposing of the motion under this rule. All
final orders addressing adenying motions under this rulefor postconviction relief
shall include a statement that the partydefendant has the right to appeal within 30
days of the rendition of the final order. All nonfinal, nonappealable orders
addressing motions under this rule shallentered pursuant to subdivision (f) should
- 32 -
include a statement that “this order is a nonfinal, nonappealablethe defendant has
no right to appeal the order until entry of the final order.”
(jl) Belated Appeals and Discretionary Review. Pursuant to the terms
and procedures outlined in Florida Rule of Appellate Procedure 9.141(c), a
petitioner defendant may seek a belated appeal or discretionary review.
(k) Belated Discretionary Review. Pursuant to the terms and procedures
outline in Florida Rule of Appellate Procedure 9.141(c), a petitioner may seek
belated discretionary review.
(lm) Habeas Corpus. [No Change]
(m) Frivolous or Malicious Collateral Criminal Pleadings or Motions.
A prisoner, who is found by a court to have brought a frivolous or malicious
collateral criminal proceeding, or who knowingly or with reckless disregard for the
truth brought false information or evidence before the court, is subject to
disciplinary procedures pursuant to the rules of the Department of Corrections.
The prisoner may also be prohibited from filing future pro se pleadings attacking
his or her conviction and sentence.
Upon its own motion or on motion of a party, the court may conduct an
inquiry into whether any action or appeal brought by a prisoner was brought in
good faith by issuing an order stating the essential facts constituting the frivolous
or malicious nature of the collateral criminal proceeding, requiring the defendant to
show cause why the prisoner should not be prevented from bringing further attacks
on his or her conviction and sentence, and to explain why he or she is not abusing
the legal process. The order shall allow a reasonable time for preparation and
response by the prisoner, after service of the order on the prisoner. The court shall
direct the clerk of the court to forward a certified copy of the order to show cause
to the prisoner.
Upon receipt of the prisoner’s response to the order to show cause, if any, or
upon expiration of the time allowed for the prisoner’s response, the court shall
determine whether the pleading or paper was frivolous or malicious. If supported
by the record, the court shall enter an order with written findings that a motion for
postconviction relief is frivolous or malicious, preventing the prisoner from
bringing further attacks on his or her conviction and sentence, directing the clerk of
the court not to accept any further pro se filings or pleadings concerning the
subject case, further directing the clerk of the court to summarily reject any further
- 33 -
pleadings and papers regarding the case unless that pleading or paper is filed by a
member in good standing of The Florida Bar, and that a certified copy of the order
be forwarded to the appropriate institution or facility for disciplinary procedures
pursuant to the rules of the department as provided in Chapter 944, Florida
Statutes. The prisoner shall also be served with a certified copy of the written
order.
(n) Certification of Defendant; Sanctions. No motion may be filed
pursuant to this rule unless it is filed in good faith and with a reasonable belief that
it is timely, has potential merit, and does not duplicate previous motions that have
been disposed of by the court.
(1) By signing a motion pursuant to this rule, the defendant
certifies that: the defendant has read the motion or that it has been read to the
defendant and that the defendant understands its content; the motion is filed in
good faith and with a reasonable belief that it is timely filed, has potential merit,
and does not duplicate previous motions that have been disposed of by the court;
and, the facts contained in the motion are true and correct.
(2) The defendant shall either certify that the defendant can
understand English or, if the defendant cannot understand English, that the
defendant has had the motion translated completely into a language that the
defendant understands. The motion shall contain the name and address of the
person who translated the motion and that person shall certify that he or she
provided an accurate and complete translation to the defendant. Failure to include
this information and certification in a motion shall be grounds for the entry of an
order dismissing the motion pursuant to subdivision (f)(1), (f)(2), or (f)(3).
(3) Conduct prohibited under this rule includes, but is not limited
to, the following: the filing of frivolous or malicious claims; the filing of any
motion in bad faith or with reckless disregard for the truth; the filing of an
application for habeas corpus subject to dismissal pursuant to subdivision (m); the
willful violation of any provision of this rule; and the abuse of the legal process or
procedures governed by this rule.
The court, upon its own motion or on the motion of a party, may determine
- 34 -
whether a motion has been filed in violation of this rule. The court shall issue an
order setting forth the facts indicating that the defendant has or may have engaged
in prohibited conduct. The order shall direct the defendant to show cause, within a
reasonable time limit set by the court, why the court should not find that the
defendant has engaged in prohibited conduct under this rule and impose an
appropriate sanction. Following the issuance of the order to show cause and the
filing of any response by the defendant, and after such further hearing as the court
may deem appropriate, the court shall make a final determination of whether the
defendant engaged in prohibited conduct under this subsection.
(4) If the court finds by the greater weight of the evidence that the
defendant has engaged in prohibited conduct under this rule, the court may impose
one or more sanctions, including:
(A) contempt as otherwise provided by law;
(B) assessing the costs of the proceeding against the
defendant;
(C) dismissal with prejudice of the defendant’s motion;
(D) prohibiting the filing of further pro se motions under this
rule and directing the clerk of court to summarily reject any further pro se motion
under this rule;
(E) requiring that any further motions under this rule be
signed by a member in good standing of The Florida Bar, who shall certify that
there is a good faith basis for each claim asserted in the motion; and/or
(F) if the defendant is a prisoner, a certified copy of the order
be forwarded to the appropriate institution or facility for consideration of
disciplinary action against the defendant, including forfeiture of gain time pursuant
to Chapter 944, Florida Statutes.
- 35 -
(5) If the court determines there is probable cause to believe that a
sworn motion contains a false statement of fact constituting perjury, the court may
refer the matter to the state attorney.
Committee Notes
[No Change]
Court Commentary
1996 Court Commentary. [No Change]
2013 Amendment.
Rule 3.850 has been revised to address several issues identified by the
Postconviction Rules Workgroup in 2006 and by the Criminal Court Steering
Committee and the Subcommittee on Postconviction Relief in 2011.
Rule 3.850(d). New subdivision (d) is derived from the final two sentences
formerly contained in subdivision (c).
Rule 3.850(e). Subdivision (e) was added to codify existing case law on
amendments to postconviction motions and to comport with subdivision (f).
Rule 3.850(f). Subdivision (f) attempts to set out each of the different
options that a trial judge has when considering a motion under this rule. It reflects
the timeframe requirement of subdivision (b) and codifies existing case law
regarding timely but facially insufficient motions, partial orders of denial, and the
appointment of counsel. See, e.g., Spera v. State, 971 So. 2d 754 (Fla. 2007).
Rule 3.850(g). Subdivision (g) was previously contained in subdivision (e),
but the language is largely derived from rule 3.851(c)(3).
Rule 3.850(h). Subdivision (h), formerly rule 3.850(f), was substantially
rewritten.
Rule 3.850(i). Subdivision (i) is substantially the same as former
subdivision (g).
- 36 -
Rule 3.850(j). Subdivision (j) allows both the state and the defendant the
right to rehearing and is intended to allow the court to correct an obvious error
without the expense and delay of a state appeal. See King v. State, 870 So. 2d 69(Fla. 2d DCA 2003). The statement regarding finality is consistent with Florida
Rule of Appellate Procedure 9.020(i) and is intended to clarify the date of rendition
of the final order disposing of any motion under this rule.
Rule 3.850(k). Subdivision (k), formerly rule 3.850(i), was substantially
rewritten to simplify the review process in both the trial and appellate courts and to
provide for the efficient disposition of all claims in both courts. The requirement
of a statement indicating whether the order is a nonfinal or final order subject to
appeal is intended to ensure that all claims will be disposed of by the trial court and
addressed in a single appeal.
Rule 3.850(l). Subdivision (l), formerly rule 3.850(j), reflects the
consolidation of the subdivision with former rule 3.850(k).
Rule 3.850(n). Subdivision (n) is a substantial rewrite of former subdivision
(m).
RULE 3.851. COLLATERAL RELIEF AFTER DEATH SENTENCE
HAS BEEN IMPOSED AND AFFIRMED ON DIRECT
APPEAL
(a) [No Change]
(b) Appointment of Postconviction Counsel.
(1) Upon the issuance of the mandate affirming a judgment and
sentence of death on direct appeal, the Supreme Court of Florida shall at the same
time issue an order appointing the appropriate office of the Capital Collateral
Regional Counsel or directing the trial court to immediately appoint counsel from
the Registry of Attorneys maintained by the Commission on Capital CasesJustice
Administrative Commission. The name of Registry Counsel shall be filed with the
Supreme Court of Florida.
(2) [No Change]
- 37 -
(3) Within 15 days after Capital Collateral Regional Counsel or
Registry Counsel files a motion to withdraw, the chief judge or assigned judge
shall rule on the motion and appoint new postconviction counsel if necessary. The
appointment of new collateral counsel shall be from the Registry of attorneys
maintained by the Commission on Capital CasesJustice Administrative
Commission unless the case is administratively transferred to another Capital
Collateral Regional Counsel.
(c) Preliminary Procedures.
(1) - (4) [No Change]
(5) Record on Appeal. The Clerk of the Supreme Court of Florida
shall promptly deliver the record on appeal to the records repository after the
appointment of postconviction counsel.
(d) - (e) [No Change]
(f) Procedure; Evidentiary Hearing; Disposition.
(1) - (4) [No Change]
(5) Case Management Conference; Evidentiary Hearing.
(A) Initial Postconviction Motion. No later than 90 days
after the state files its answer to an initial motion, the trial court shall hold a case
management conference. At the case management conference, both parties shall
disclose all documentary exhibits that they intend to offer at the evidentiary
hearing, provide an exhibit list of all such exhibits, and exchange a witness list
with the names and addresses of any potential witnesses. the defendant shall
disclose all documentary exhibits that he or she intends to offer at the evidentiary
hearing and shall file and serve an exhibit list of all such exhibits and a witness list
with the names and addresses of any potential witnesses. All expert witnesses
shall be specifically designated on the witness list and copies of all expert reports
shall be attached. Within 60 days after the case management conference, the state
shall disclose all documentary exhibits that it intends to offer at the evidentiary
hearing and shall file and serve an exhibit list of all such exhibits and a witness list
with the names and addresses of any potential witnesses. All expert witnesses
shall be specifically designated on the witness list and copies of all expert reports
shall be attached. At the case management conference, the trial court shall:
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(i) schedule an evidentiary hearing, to be held within
90150 days, on claims listed by the defendant as requiring a factual determination;
(ii) - (iii) [No Change]
(B) - (D) [No Change]
(6) - (8) [No Change]
(g) - (h) [No Change]
(i) Dismissal of Postconviction Proceedings.
(1) [No Change]
(2) If the prisoner files the motion pro se, the Clerk of the Court
shall serve copies of the motion on counsel of record for both the prisoner and the
state. Counsel of record may file responses within ten10 days.
(3) [No Change]
(4) The judge shall examine the prisoner at the hearing and shall
hear argument of the prisoner, collateral counsel, and the state. No fewer than
two2 or more than three3 qualified experts shall be appointed to examine the
prisoner if the judge concludes that there are reasonable grounds to believe the
prisoner is not mentally competent for purposes of this rule. The experts shall file
reports with the court setting forth their findings. Thereafter, the court shall
conduct an evidentiary hearing and enter an order setting forth findings of
competency or incompetency.
(5) - (9) [No Change]
Court Commentary
1993 Adoption - 2006 Amendment. [No Change]
2013 Amendment. Only minor amendments are made to rule 3.851.
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RULE 9.140. APPEAL PROCEEDINGS IN CRIMINAL CASES
(a) [No Change]
(b) Appeals by Defendant.
(1) Appeals Permitted. A defendant may appeal
(A) - (C) [No Change]
(D) orders entered after final judgment or finding of guilt,
including orders revoking or modifying probation or community control, or both,
or orders denying relief under Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.800(a), 3.801,
3.850, 3.851, or 3.853;
(E) - (G) [No Change]
(2) - (4) [No Change]
(c) Appeals by the State.
(1) Appeals Permitted. The state may appeal an order
(A) - (I) [No Change]
(J) granting relief under Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure
3.801, 3.850, 3.851, or 3.853;
(K) - (P) [No Change]
(2) - (3) [No Change]
(d) - (i) [No Change]
RULE 9.141. REVIEW PROCEEDINGS IN COLLATERAL OR
POST-CONVICTION CRIMINAL CASES
(a) [No Change]
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(b) Appeals from Post-Conviction Proceedings Under Florida Rule of
Criminal Procedure 3.800(a), 3.801, 3.850, or 3.853.
(1) [No Change]
(2) Summary Grant or Denial of Motion Without Evidentiary
Hearing.
(A) When a motion for post-conviction relief under rule
3.800(a), 3.801, 3.850, or 3.853 is granted or denied without an evidentiary
hearing, the clerk of the lower tribunal shall transmit to the court, as the record,
copies of the motion, response, reply, order on the motion, motion for rehearing,
response, reply, order on the motion for rehearing, and attachments to any of the
foregoing, together with the certified copy of the notice of appeal.
(B) – (D) [No Change]
(3) Grant or Denial of Motion after Evidentiary Hearing.
(A) Transcription. In the absence of designations to the
court reporter, the notice of appeal filed by an indigent pro se litigant in a rule
3.801, 3.850, or 3.853 appeal after an evidentiary hearing shall serve as the
designation to the court reporter for the transcript of the evidentiary hearing.
Within 5 days of receipt of the notice of appeal, the clerk of the lower tribunal shall
request the appropriate court reporter to transcribe the evidentiary hearing and shall
send the court reporter a copy of the notice, the date of the hearing to be
transcribed, the name of the judge, and a copy of this rule.
(B) Record.
(i) When a motion for post-conviction relief under rule
3.801, 3.850, or 3.853 is granted or denied after an evidentiary hearing, the clerk of
the lower tribunal shall index, paginate, and transmit to the court as the record,
within 50 days of the filing of the notice of appeal, copies of the notice of appeal,
motion, response, reply, order on the motion, motion for rehearing, response, reply,
order on the motion for rehearing, and attachments to any of the foregoing, as well
as the original transcript of the evidentiary hearing.
(ii) – (iii) [No Change]
- 41 -
(C) [No Change]
(c) - (d) [No Change]
- 42 -