State v. Preston

The state appeals the downward departure sentence imposed upon the appellee, Clarence L. Preston, after he pled guilty to third degree felony petit theft. We reverse.

The trial court’s stated reason for the downward departure was the minimal value of the property taken. This reason is an invalid basis for downward departure. State v. Lisk, 523 So.2d 1260 (Fla. 2d DCA 1988), rev. denied, 531 So.2d 168 (Fla.1988).

Since the reason for departure is invalid, we reverse the sentence. On remand, however, the appellee should be given an opportunity to withdraw his plea because the record indicates he…