Circumstantial Evidence Must Rebut Any Reasonable Hypothesis of Innocence to Withstand a Motion For Judgment of Dismissal

D.F.J. v. State of Florida, 4D10-1763 May 25, 2011 The Fourth District addressed a juvenile defendant’s appeal of conviction for aggravated battery and robbery with a weapon. The evidence showed that the defendant and codefendant were present in the victim’s backyard, drinking beer with the victim and another man. At some point, the victim was grabbed...
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Fourth DCA Holds Order Dismissing Action for Failure to Attend Case Management Conference Insufficient Without Finding of “Willful and Contumacious Conduct”

Dedmon and Kelly v. Kelly, 4D09-3572 May 18, 2011 The Fourth District wrote to address an appeal from an order of dismissal of appellants’ complaint for failure to appear at a case management conference. A clerk’s default was entered in favor of appellants, and the appellee’s motion to set aside default was denied by the magistrate...
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