State v. Williams

SHAW, Justice.

We have for review Williams v. State, 702 So.2d 512 (Fla. 4th DCA 1997), wherein the district court certified the following question:

Whether the 1997 amendment to Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.180(b) may be retroactively applied.

Williams, 702 So.2d at 513. We have jurisdiction. Art. V, § 3(b)(4), Fla. Const. We answer in the negative as explained below.

Eddie J. Williams was charged with trafficking in cocaine, possession of cocaine with intent to sell, and driving with a suspended license. Following voir dire, the jury was selected at a bench' conference on April 29,…