Mr. Haynes was convicted of third-degree felony murder in the death of Roy Deering, robbery with a firearm and dealing in stolen property. He was sentenced to life in prison on the robbery count and shorter sentences for the other two counts. The Fifth District Court of Appeal upheld the convictions and sentences. Mr. Haynes was then subpoenaed to testify at the trial of two co-defendants in the case. When he refused, the state requested that the trial court find him in direct contempt of court. The court did so and imposed a sentence of 179 days in jail, to be served consecutively to his prison sentences. Mr. Haynes challenged the contempt finding and sentencing to the 5th DCA. The appeal court affirmed the contempt conviction but reversed the sentence, saying Mr. Haynes had not been allowed to present mitigating evidence.