Mendez v. State

Francisco Mendez appeals his convictions for sexual battery on a person less than twelve years of age and lewd or lascivious molestation. We reverse because the trial court abused its discretion in severely limiting defense counsel’s right to conduct meaningful voir dire examination, as authorized by Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.300(b).

Once the jury venire was seated for Mendez’s trial, the trial court conducted a brief, general voir dire directed to the entire panel.. In very broad terms, the trial court discussed the concepts of the presumption of innocence, Mendez’s right not to…