Fl. R. Crim. P. 3.781

As amended through November 4, 2024
Rule 3.781 - SENTENCING HEARING TO CONSIDER THE IMPOSITION OF A LIFE SENTENCE FOR JUVENILE OFFENDERS
(a) Application. The courts shall use the following procedures in sentencing a juvenile offender for an offense which was committed after July 1, 2014, if the conviction may result in a sentence of life imprisonment or a term of years equal to life imprisonment, or for resentencing any juvenile offender whose sentence is determined to be unconstitutional pursuant to the United States Supreme Court's decision in Miller v. Alabama, 132 S. Ct. 2455, 2469 (2012) or Graham v. Florida, 560 U.S. 48 (2010).
(b)Procedure; Evidentiary Hearing. After a determination of guilt for an offense punishable under sections 775.082(1)(b), 775.082(3)(a) 5., 775.082(3)(b)2., or 775.082(3)(c), Florida Statutes, and after the examination of any presentence reports, the sentencing court shall order a sentencing hearing to be held pursuant to rules 3.720 and 3.721. The sentencing court shall allow the state and defendant to present evidence relevant to the offense, the defendant's youth, and attendant circumstances, including, but not limited to those enumerated in section 921.1401(2), Florida Statutes. Additionally, the court shall allow the state and the defendant to present evidence relevant to whether or not the defendant killed, intended to kill, or attempted to kill the victim.
(c)Findings.
(1) The court shall make specific findings on the record that all relevant factors have been reviewed and considered by the court prior to imposing a sentence of life imprisonment or a term of years equal to life imprisonment. The court shall make written findings as to whether the defendant is eligible for a sentence review hearing under sections 921.1402(2)(a), (2)(b), or (2)(c), Florida Statutes, based on whether the defendant killed, attempted to kill, or intended to kill the victim.
(2) A defendant who is convicted of an offense punishable under section 775.082(1)(b) 1., Florida Statutes, shall not be eligible for a sentence review hearing if the trial court finds that the defendant has previously been convicted of one of the enumerated offenses, or conspiracy to commit one of the enumerated offenses, found in section 921.1402(2)(a), Florida Statutes.
(3) A copy of the written findings shall be made a part of the commitment packet for the Department of Corrections.

Fl. R. Crim. P. 3.781

Amended by 46 Fla. L. Weekly S383, effective 4/1/2022; amended by 200 So.3d 1221, effective 9/29/2016; amended effective 9/29/2016; amended by 176 So.3d 980, effective 10/8/2015.