Florida District Courts of Appeal, 1989

Willmeth v. State

Willmeth v. State
Florida District Courts of Appeal · Decided January 12, 1989 · Cobb, Dauksch, Goshorn
536 So. 2d 397; 14 Fla. L. Weekly 175; 1989 Fla. App. LEXIS 92; 1989 WL 1038 (Southern Reporter, Second Series)

Willmeth v. State

Opinion of the Court

COBB, Judge.

The appellant, William Willmeth, was convicted of five counts of dealing in stolen property. His guideline sentence was a maximum three and one-half years; he was given a split sentence of 15 years (seven and one-half years imprisonment, seven and one-half years on probation) on each count concurrently, without written reasons for departure.

Willmeth contends there was insufficient evidence to support his convictions for dealing in stolen property and that he was entitled to a mistrial because the trial evidence revealed he had purchased the stolen items with quantities of cocaine. We find no merit in either contention.

We agree, however, that departure sentences must be supported by written reasons. State v. Jackson, 478 So.2d 1054 (Fla. 1985). Since the oral reason for departure (i.e., the use of cocaine to induce thefts of property) was an improper one under Vanover v. State, 514 So.2d 1140 (Fla. 5th DCA 1987), we reverse the sentence and remand for resentencing within the guidelines. See Shull v. Dugger, 515 So.2d 748 (Fla. 1987).

*398The convictions are affirmed; the sentences are reversed.

REMANDED FOR RESENTENCING.

DAUKSCH and GOSHORN, JJ., concur.

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