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Guiger v. State

Citations: 884 So. 2d 414; 2004 Fla. App. LEXIS 14208; 2004 WL 2157391Docket: No. 1D04-2506

Court: District Court of Appeal of Florida; September 28, 2004; Florida; State Appellate Court

Narrative Opinion Summary

Justin Guiger has requested a belated appeal regarding an order designating him as a sexual offender from the Circuit Court for Bay County. Initially, Guiger filed a notice of appeal under case number 1D04-1862 with the representation of court-appointed counsel. However, the notice was deemed untimely, prompting the court to issue a show cause order to explain the delay. Counsel attributed the delay to an accident resulting in a broken hand, which caused confusion in the filing process. In light of this explanation, the court instructed Guiger to submit a petition for a belated appeal. The state has concurred with the petition, supporting Guiger's entitlement to a belated appeal. Consequently, the court grants the petition, allowing Guiger to proceed with his appeal in case number 1D04-1862. The decision is supported by Judges Browning, Lewis, and Polston.

Legal Issues Addressed

Grounds for Belated Appeal

Application: The court accepts an explanation involving an accidental injury that led to filing confusion as a valid ground for granting a belated appeal.

Reasoning: Counsel attributed the delay to an accident resulting in a broken hand, which caused confusion in the filing process. In light of this explanation, the court instructed Guiger to submit a petition for a belated appeal.

Judicial Authority in Granting Appeals

Application: The decision to grant a belated appeal is affirmed by a panel of judges, highlighting the judicial authority and consensus in the appellate process.

Reasoning: Consequently, the court grants the petition, allowing Guiger to proceed with his appeal in case number 1D04-1862. The decision is supported by Judges Browning, Lewis, and Polston.

State's Concurrence in Belated Appeal

Application: The state's agreement with the petition for a belated appeal supports the appellant's position and contributes to the court's decision to grant the appeal.

Reasoning: The state has concurred with the petition, supporting Guiger's entitlement to a belated appeal.

Timeliness of Appeal Notices

Application: The court considers the timeliness of the appeal notice and addresses the issue of untimeliness by allowing the appellant to file a petition for a belated appeal.

Reasoning: Initially, Guiger filed a notice of appeal under case number 1D04-1862 with the representation of court-appointed counsel. However, the notice was deemed untimely, prompting the court to issue a show cause order to explain the delay.