Sterling Allen Johnson v. State of Florida

Sterling Allen Johnson challenges the five-year prison sentence he received upon his conviction for fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer. Because the written findings made in support of the prison sanction are insufficient, we vacate the sentence and remand for entry of a non-state prison sanction.

By amended information, Johnson was charged with (i) aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer and (ii) fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer. These charges followed a traffic stop for an equipment violation. During the stop, as the officer was waiting on…