All Case Results

State v. R.H.

Charge: Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle (3rd Degree Felony)
Osceola County
April 2025
state
Worst Case Scenario:
Up to 5 years prison — the State was actively seeking a prison sentence, and the client's prior record included felony violence charges that significantly elevated his sentencing exposure
Actual Results:
Adjudication withheld — no prison, no conviction, sentenced to community control

Arrested For:

Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle (3rd Degree Felony) and Resisting an Officer Without Violence, following a multi-agency pursuit of a stolen Lamborghini through Osceola County

What Was Done:

The client was identified as the driver of a stolen vehicle following a BOLO issued by Orlando PD. The vehicle was tracked onto the Florida Turnpike and into Osceola County, where stop sticks were deployed and the client was taken into custody. With a prior record that included felony violence charges, aggravated assault, attempted aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, and fleeing to elude, the State viewed this as a prison case and recommended exactly that.

Unique Approach:

Counsel kept the client's sentencing points below the 44-point threshold that triggers a mandatory prison recommendation under Florida's Criminal Punishment Code. The State's prison recommendation was rejected in negotiations. The case resolved with adjudication withheld, no felony conviction, and a sentence of community control rather than incarceration. For a client with this prior record facing a new felony charge, keeping him out of prison and off the conviction record was the result.

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