State of Florida v. Thomas D. Woodel

This case is before us on the State’s appeal from an order granting a new penalty phase based on the defendant’s motion to vacate a sentence of death under Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.851 and the defendant’s cross-appeal from the trial court’s order denying a new trial as to both the guilt and penalty phases. We have jurisdiction. See art. V, § 3(b)(1), Fla. Const. For the reasons addressed in this opinion, we reverse the trial court’s order granting a new penalty phase, affirm the trial court’s order denying an entirely new trial, and reinstate the defendant’s sentence of death.

I.…