The state appeals in a case where, after a jury verdict of guilty on two counts, possession of cocaine,
In this case, the evidence disclosed that Houghtailing purchased a $10.00 piece of cocaine from Officer Diaz, an undercover officer working a reverse sting operation. Houghtailing’s vehicle was later stopped by a “take-down unit,” and the cocaine was found under the vehicle. He was charged with purchasing and possessing the rock of cocaine, and the jury found him guilty on both counts.
At sentencing, defense counsel argued his client could not be convicted of purchasing and possessing the same piece of cocaine under double jeopardy principles.
Florida Rule of Criminal procedure 3.670 provides:
*164 If the defendant is found guilty, a judgment of guilty and, if the defendant has been acquitted, a judgment of not guilty shall be rendered in open court and in writing, signed by the judge, filed and recorded.
Under this rule the trial court must adjudicate and sentence a defendant convicted of a crime, or in an appropriate case, adjudicate the defendant not guilty because of lack of sufficient evidence to convict, double jeopardy, or other legally sufficient reason. It cannot simply refuse to act.
In this case, the trial court may have been attempting to avoid a double jeopardy problem. We note that at one time in this state our supreme court ruled that a defendant could not be convicted of selling and possessing the same quantum of contraband.
Further, in State v. Smith,
Except as authorized by this chapter and chapter 499, it is unlawful for any person to purchase, or possess with intent to purchase, a controlled substance....
§ 893.13(2)(a).
* * * * * *
It is unlawful for any person to be in actual or constructive possession of a controlled substance unless such controlled substance was lawfully obtained from a practitioner or pursuant to a valid prescription. ...
§ 893.13(6)(a).
Accordingly, we remand this cause to the trial court for the purpose of rendering an order with regard to the possession count. If it is appropriate to adjudicate Houghtail-ing not guilty, it may do so; if not, it must adjudicate and sentence him for that crime. We do not think it necessary at this point to mandamus entry of an appropriate sentencing order, see Woodland v. Lindsey,
AFFIRMED in part; REMAND for further proceedings.
Notes
. § 893.13(6)(a), Fla. Stat. (1995).
. § 893.13(2)(a), Fla. Stat. (1995).
.U.S. Const. 5th Amend; Art. I, § 9, Fla. Stat.
. See State v. Burton,
