Messam v. State

W. SHARP, Judge.

We affirm Messam’s convictions, but vacate the sentences he received as an adult. The trial judge entered a written order which explained in a conclusory way, why the judge thought Messam should be sentenced as an adult, rather than as a juvenile. The order is a printed form, on which the judge has penned his initials and made checkmarks in some blanks. The judge made no individualized findings relating to Messam, these crimes, or Messam’s prior record, although during the sentencing hearing the judge orally stated adequate findings to support his decision.

The form findings…