George Mato Dotel v. State of Florida

The defendant appeals his conviction and sentence for first-degree murder and four other related counts. He argues the trial court erred in: (1) denying his motion to suppress, (2) instructing the jury outside the presence of the defendant and his lawyer, (3) denying his request for a special independent act instruction, and (4) denying his motion for judgment of acquittal. The State cross-appeals and argues the court erred in: (1) reducing the armed robbery conviction to a robbery conviction, and instructing the jury on duress and independent act defenses. We find no merit in the issues…