Ex Parte Jackson

We granted the writ of certiorari directed to the Court of Criminal Appeals, 415 So.2d 1167 to review a question of first impression: Whether a trial court has the authority to order that separate probation sentences imposed under the Youthful Offender Act run consecutively.1 We hold that the imposition of consecutive probationary sentences would contravene the purpose of the Act.

On October 21, 1976, petitioner was sentenced under a youthful offender conviction and placed on probation for three years. On April 22, 1977, petitioner was again adjudged a youthful offender and sentenced to three…