Mr. Williams was convicted of various charges, including grand theft and dealing in stolen property. The trial court dropped the grand theft conviction, and sentenced him to 20 years in prison. On appeal, he argued he should be given a new trial because the jury was not properly instructed on grand theft and dealing in stolen property. The Second District Court of Appeal upheld the trial court, recognized conflict with a decision from another District Court of Appeal, and certified to this Court related legal questions as being of great public importance.

Hillsborough County