Second DCA denies State's appeal in Billy Adams' case
On March 19, the Second DCA denied the State’s appeal of the trial court's April 2024 ruling that Florida’s 2023 amendment to its capital sentencing scheme cannot apply in Adams’ trial.
Billy Adams was arrested on February 8, 2023, and indicted on February 23. The State filed its Notice of Intent to Seek the Death Penalty on March 24. As TFDP previously covered, the Hillsborough County trial court held in April 2024 that Florida’s 2023 amendment to its capital sentencing scheme cannot apply in Adams’ trial under section 775.022, Florida Statutes.
The State appealed the ruling to the Second District Court of Appeal. On March 19, the Second DCA denied the State’s appeal:
This decision provides precedent favorable to the defense position on this issue.
Adams’ trial will now proceed, presumably under Florida’s prior unanimity statute.