State v. Brown

Appellee pled guilty to one count of possession of cocaine in violation of sections 893.03(2)(a)4. and 893.13(6)(a), Florida Statutes (1997). The trial court sentenced appel-lee to two years of community control, ordered successful completion of a substance abuse treatment program and participation in a drug abuse self-help group, imposed a $1500 fine, and required 200 hours of community service. We reject the State’s argument on appeal that this is an improper departure sentence without valid reasons. In fact, the legislature specifically gave trial judges the discretion to impose such…