3/7/19 Florida Supreme Court Oral Arguments: State of Florida v. Vernson Edward Dortch SC18-681

Mr. Dortch pled no contest to multiple criminal charges and was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Prior to entering his plea, the trial court granted Dortch’s motion for a competency examination, but a competency hearing never occurred. Mr. Dortch appealed his convictions arguing the trial court failed to comply with Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure by failing to conduct a competency hearing. The Fourth District Court of Appeal agreed and sent the case back to the trial court for further proceedings. The State of Florida appeals the Fourth DCA ruling arguing it conflicts with decisions of other appellate courts.