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Williams v. State

Citations: 779 So. 2d 460; 2000 Fla. App. LEXIS 13507; 2000 WL 1532883Docket: No. 2D97-4346

Court: District Court of Appeal of Florida; October 18, 2000; Florida; State Appellate Court

Narrative Opinion Summary

Darryl Williams appeals his judgment and sentence for possession of cocaine with intent to sell. The court affirms the judgment and sentence but identifies an issue with the attorney’s fee lien of $3,180, which was imposed without notice or an opportunity for Williams to be heard. Citing Davis v. State, the court confirms that this error was preserved in the trial court as per Bain v. State. Consequently, the court strikes the fee lien but allows the trial court to potentially reimpose it after proper notice and a hearing. The decision results in a partial affirmation, striking of the lien, and a remand for further proceedings.

Legal Issues Addressed

Affirmation of Judgment and Sentence

Application: The court affirms the judgment and sentence for possession of cocaine with intent to sell, indicating that the conviction and sentence were upheld.

Reasoning: The court affirms the judgment and sentence but identifies an issue with the attorney’s fee lien of $3,180, which was imposed without notice or an opportunity for Williams to be heard.

Due Process in Imposing Attorney's Fee Lien

Application: The court strikes the attorney's fee lien due to the lack of notice and opportunity to be heard, highlighting the requirement of procedural due process before imposing such a lien.

Reasoning: The court affirms the judgment and sentence but identifies an issue with the attorney’s fee lien of $3,180, which was imposed without notice or an opportunity for Williams to be heard.

Preservation of Error

Application: The error regarding the fee lien was preserved in the trial court, following the precedent set by Davis v. State and Bain v. State, allowing the appellate court to address it.

Reasoning: Citing Davis v. State, the court confirms that this error was preserved in the trial court as per Bain v. State.

Remand for Reimposition of Fee Lien

Application: The court permits the trial court to potentially reimpose the attorney's fee lien, provided proper notice and a hearing are conducted, ensuring compliance with due process.

Reasoning: Consequently, the court strikes the fee lien but allows the trial court to potentially reimpose it after proper notice and a hearing.