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ROSE SZYMANSKI v. STATE OF FLORIDA

Citation: Not availableDocket: 17-0210

Court: District Court of Appeal of Florida; March 6, 2018; Florida; State Appellate Court

Original Court Document: View Document

Narrative Opinion Summary

Rose Szymanski appeals her convictions and sentences for battery on a law enforcement officer, possession of cannabis, and possession of drug paraphernalia. The court affirms the convictions but identifies an error in the sentencing process, specifically the trial court's reliance on Szymanski's lack of remorse as a factor in imposing her sentences. The State concedes this point, and based on established precedents, the court orders a reversal of Szymanski's sentences. The case is remanded for resentencing before a different judge. The decision is affirmed in part, reversed in part, and remanded with instructions. Judges Casanueva, Crenshaw, and Salario concur.

Legal Issues Addressed

Affirmation of Convictions

Application: The appellate court upheld the defendant's convictions despite errors identified in the sentencing phase.

Reasoning: The court affirms the convictions but identifies an error in the sentencing process.

Appellate Review and Remand for Resentencing

Application: The appellate court reversed the sentences and remanded the case for resentencing before a different judge due to the improper consideration of remorse in the sentencing process.

Reasoning: The State concedes this point, and based on established precedents, the court orders a reversal of Szymanski's sentences. The case is remanded for resentencing before a different judge.

Sentencing Factors and Judicial Discretion

Application: The trial court's use of the defendant's lack of remorse as a factor in sentencing was deemed erroneous and not permissible under established precedents.

Reasoning: The court affirms the convictions but identifies an error in the sentencing process, specifically the trial court's reliance on Szymanski's lack of remorse as a factor in imposing her sentences.