Spicer v. State

Michael Spicer appeals from his aggravated battery conviction and fifteen-year prison sentence entered following a jury’s verdict of guilty on the charge. Finding ineffective assistance of counsel apparent on the face of the record, we reverse for a new trial. See, e.g., Bruno v. State, 807 So.2d 55, 63 n. 14 (Fla.2001) (“A claim of ineffectiveness can properly be raised on direct appeal only if the record on its face demonstrates ineffectiveness.”).

Spicer’s sole defense at trial was self-defense. He took the stand himself to testify that he punched the victim only in self-defense after the…