Friday, November 3rd , 2006

State of Florida v. Bill Monroe Hearns

SC05-2122

Mr. Hearns was sentenced to life in prison without parole after being convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm by a violent career criminal. He challenged his designation as a violent career criminal to the Third District court of Appeal and the court agreed with him. The state appealed that ruling to this Court, arguing it conflicted with decisions from other District Courts of Appeal. At issue is whether the conviction of battery on a law enforcement officer qualifies as a "forcible felony" which may trigger a designation of violent career criminal.

Miami-Dade County