Hillsborough County

Mr. Godwin was charged with multiple felonies stemming from the robbery of a store. He rejected a plea offer from the state that would have resulted in a 10-year prison sentence. A jury convicted him of robbery with a firearm and false imprisonment with a firearm and he was sentenced to life in prison. He appealed, arguing the judge had improperly considered his refusal to take a plea deal and to admit guilt or show remorse. The Second District Court of Appeal upheld the life sentence. Mr. Godwin asked this Court to review the case.