Williams v. State

Johnnie Williams appeals his conviction for grand theft. He argues that the state’s challenge to one black jury venireman was racially motivated, and that the trial court failed to conduct the inquiry required by State v. Neil, 457 So.2d 481 (Fla.1984). However, the burden initially lies with the defendant to demonstrate a likelihood of discriminatory motivation. See Verdelotti v. State, 560 So.2d 1328 (Fla. 2d DCA 1990); Smith v. State, 562 So.2d 787 (Fla. 1st DCA 1990); Adams v. State, 559 So.2d 1293 (Fla. 3d DCA), rev. dismissed, 564 So.2d 488 (Fla.1990). Trial counsel’s perfunctory…