Ringel v. State

Nov 9, 1978

52311

Versions:366 So. 2d 758

ADKINS, Justice.

This cause is here on Petition for Writ of Certiorari reported by certificate of the District Court of Appeal, 4th District, that its decision reported in 352 So.2d 88 is one which involves a question of great public interest. See Article V, Section 3(b)(3), Florida Constitution.

The question certified as being of great public interest is as follows:

“Do the provisions of Section 39.02(5)(c) of the Florida Statutes relating to the treatment of juvenile offenders as adults apply to violations of the law the penalty for which includes but may also be less than life imprisonment?”

We answer this question in the affirmative and also hold that a juvenile indicted and convicted as an adult, Section 39.02(5)(c), Florida Statutes (1975), is subject to the statutory minimum sentencing provision of Section 775.087, Florida Statutes (1975).

We approve and adopt the opinion of the District Court of Appeal.

It is so ordered.

ENGLAND, C.J., and BOYD, OVERTON and SUNDBERG, JJ., concur.