Rivera v. State
Florida District Courts of Appeal
Rivera v. State, 543 So. 2d 441 (1989)
14 Fla. L. Weekly 1268; 1989 Fla. App. LEXIS 2913; 1989 WL 53461
Jorgenson, Levy, Nesbitt
Rivera v. State
Opinion of the Court
We affirm Rivera’s convictions for trafficking in cocaine and marijuana. However, we reverse Rivera’s sentences because the two reasons given by the trial court for departure from the sentencing guidelines were invalid.
The first reason for departure — that Rivera was a professional drug dealer— was invalid; being a drug dealer is an inherent component of the crime of drug trafficking. Young v. State, 502 So.2d 1347 (Fla. 2d DCA 1987).
The second reason for departure— the “professional manner” in which Rivera committed the crime — was also invalid. Collins v. State, 535 So.2d 661 (Fla. 3d DCA 1988). We, therefore, remand for sentencing within the guidelines.
Affirmed in part; reversed in part; remanded with directions.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- Ramon RIVERA v. The STATE of Florida
- Cited By
- 2 cases
- Status
- Published