Debonaire Brooks v. State

EVANDER, J. Through a petition for writ of prohibition, Debonaire Brooks seeks review of an order denying his motion to disqualify Judge Marc Lubet from presiding over his resentencing hearing upon remand. Brooks v. State, 40 Fla. L. Weekly D2696, — So.3d-, 2015 WL 7782309 (Fla. 5th DCA Dec. 4, 2015). In his motion to disqualify, Brooks referenced pre-trial statements made by Judge Lubet as well as matters occurring post trial. The trial court denied the motion as both legally insufficient and untimely. We agree with Brooks that his motion was legally sufficient because some of Judge Lubet’s pre-trial comments would establish a “well-grounded' fear” on Brooks’ part that' he would not receive a fair' sentencing hearing. Correll v. State, 698 So.2d 522, 524 (Fla.1997). We agree, however, with the State that'Brooks’ motion was untimely. Asay v. State, 769 So.2d 974, 980 (Fla.2000). PETITION FOR WRIT OF PROHIBITION DENIED. BERGER and EDWARDS, JJ., concur.