Translate
Text Highlighter

Bookmark

PDF

Share

Report a problem
AMICUS AI
Citation Codes
Equivalent Citations
citation codes
Docket Number
Attorney(S)
Judges
Are you a practicing lawyer?
Enhance your digital presence and reach by creating a Casemine profile.
Upload pleading to use the new AI search
Cites
Cited by
Citation Codes
Equivalent Citations
citation codes
Docket Number
Attorney(S)
Judges

BILLIE EDWARD SNELL, APPELLANT, v. STATE OF FLORIDA, APPELLEE.

SHARP, Judge.

The information charged appellant with carrying a firearm while committing a robbery. Appellant pled nolo contendere to the lesser included offense of robbery with a weapon, and reserved his right to appeal the lower court's denial of his motion to suppress a confession. He was adjudicated guilty and sentenced to four years of imprisonment.

§ 812.13(2)(a), Fla. Stat. (1979); § 790.001(6), Fla. Stat. (1979).

Under State v. Ashby, 245 So.2d 225 (Fla. 1971), a defendant may enter a plea of nolo contendere reserving the right to appeal a legal issue. An Ashby nolo plea is only permissible where the legal issue to be determined on appeal is dispositive of the case. Brown v. State, 376 So.2d 382 (Fla. 1979). The Brown court held that as a matter of law a confession may not be considered dispositive of the case for purposes of an Ashby nolo plea. Because of the varying decisions in this area, the Brown court allowed the petitioner to withdraw his plea and plead anew.

Subsequent to Brown, confessions have been held dispositive for the purposes of an Ashby nolo plea if the state so stipulates. Jackson v. State, 382 So.2d 749 (Fla.1st DCA 1980); Oesterle v. State, 382 So.2d 1293 (Fla.2d DCA 1980). In this case the state did not stipulate that appellant's confession was dispositive.

In the instant case the appellant entered his Ashby nolo plea prior to the decision in Brown. Therefore this cause is remanded to allow appellant to withdraw his plea of nolo contendere and plead anew if he so desires. Heath v. State, 379 So.2d 194 (Fla.5th DCA 1980). If appellant withdraws his plea the state shall have the option of prosecuting appellant on the original charge. Bell v. State, 262 So.2d 244 (Fla.4th DCA 1972).

REMANDED for further proceedings.

DAUKSCH, C.J., and FRANK D. UPCHURCH, Jr., J., concur.

Use AI to get other relevant cases.

Comments

SNELL v. STATE
(Oct 15, 1980)