Marbel Mendoza v. State of Florida

Summary

The Supreme Court of Florida affirmed the denial of Marbel Mendoza’s motion for post-conviction relief under Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.851. The court held that Hurst v. Florida did not apply retroactively to Mendoza’s death sentence, which became final in 1998, consistent with Hitchcock v. State.

Holdings

1. Hurst does not apply retroactively to Mendoza's death sentence because the sentence became final in 1998.
2. Mendoza was not entitled to relief, and the denial of her Rule 3.851 motion was affirmed.

Questions Presented

1. Whether Hurst v. Florida applies retroactively to Mendoza's death sentence, which became final in 1998.
2. Whether Mendoza was entitled to post-conviction relief under Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.851.

Disposition

affirmed