State of Florida v. Vernson Edward Dortch

Supreme Court of Florida ____________ No. SC18-681 ____________ STATE OF FLORIDA, Petitioner, vs. VERNSON EDWARD DORTCH, Respondent. May 20, 2021 MUÑIZ, J. A Florida rule of appellate procedure requires a criminal defendant to file a motion to withdraw the plea in the trial court before appealing an involuntary plea. This case presents a certified conflict over whether there is a “fundamental error” exception to that rule. We hold that there is no such exception. A defendant who does not comply with the rule’s preservation requirement must seek any available relief through collateral review.…