Florida man gets life sentence for stealing $20

[Philip]

I suspect that the jury had no idea the offender was facing a life term. In Florda, juries don't determine punishment, only guilt (I live in Florida). The jury *might* have acquitted him if they knew the penalty guidelines, but the issue here that bothers me is mandatory sentencing guidelines.

Under Florida law, the jury is not allowed to consider the possible penalty. If they were aware of the possibility of the life term, it is likely that the judge explicitly directed them not to consider it.

BTW, I think the judge in this case thought that 15 years would be an appropriate sentence.

 

[Philip]

The charged him wrongfully with burglary because it is a felony, but under Florida law, a $20 theft, even if it is stolen off of a person is still pety theft, a misdemeanor.

Burglary of a conveyance with assault is a felony under Florida law. It matters not how much money was taken.