C.D.C. v. State

The juvenile appeals from his disposition after being found guilty of sexual battery on a person twelve years old or older. He argues the trial court violated his right to due process by conducting a disposition hearing in his absence, in violation of Florida Rulé of Juvenile Procedure 8.100(a) (2015), which states: “Unless otherwise provided, the following provisions apply to all hearings ... [t]he child shall be present unless the court finds that the child’s mental or physical condition is such that a court appearance is not in the child’s best interests.” We agree with the juvenile’s…