Willis v. State

OVERTON, Justice.

Stevie Willis petitions this Court for a writ of habeas corpus, arguing that his right to meaningful appellate review has been denied. We have jurisdiction. Art. V, § 3(b)(9), Fla. Const. For the reasons expressed, we grant the petition.

Willis was arrested in January 1996. He was found to be insolvent and a public defender was appointed to represent him at his trial. Willis was found guilty of possession of cocaine with intent to sell and, on August 20, 1996, he was sentenced to thirty-five months in prison. He filed a timely notice of appeal and moved the trial court for a…