posted 2015 | G.D. v. State (appeal)
Client was convicted by a jury of battery on a law enforcement officer, attempted burglary, grand theft and possession of burglary tools. He was sentenced to 30 years in prison as a habitual felony offender. Mr. Forman was hired to handle the appeal. When reviewing the appellate record, Mr. Forman immediately recognized that the trial court improperly relied on the client’s lack of remorse and claim of innocence when he was sentenced to 20 years in prison. This obvious error was overlooked by the client’s trial lawyer. After filing the appellate briefs, the Fourth District Court of Appeal reversed and ordered that the client be re-sentenced by the trial court. Pleased with the result, Mr. Forman was also hired by the family to handle the re-sentencing. After having a full sentencing hearing, Mr. Forman was able to convince the court to sentence the client to only 5 years! The client, who already had a substantial amount of time served, was extremely happy and was released in less than 18 months.
