What did the court decide?

The appellate court affirmed the denial of the Rule 3.800(a) claim but said the appellant can pursue relief under Rule 3.850 in the circuit court.

Who is affected by this decision?

Appellant Deanijah Denson is affected because her Rule 3.800(a) appeal was rejected; the State's conviction and sentencing posture remain intact for now.

What can the appellant do next?

The appellant may file a Rule 3.850 motion in circuit court case number 2020-CF-002358-A to seek the relief described by the court.

Does this opinion decide the merits of the underlying claim?

No; the court resolved the procedural issue and directed the appellant to the proper postconviction procedure rather than ruling on the substantive merits.

Deanijah Denson v. State of Florida

Docket 5D2025-3599

Court of record · Indexed in NoticeRegistry archive · AI-enriched for research

Criminal AppealAffirmed

Filed: Apr 17, 2026 · 2 weeks ago
Jurisdiction: Florida
Court: District Court of Appeal of Florida
Type: Opinion
Case type: Criminal Appeal
Disposition: Affirmed
Docket: 5D2025-3599

Rule 3.800(a) appeal from the Circuit Court for Duval County (appeal from denial of postconviction relief).

Summary

The Fifth District Court of Appeal affirmed the denial of a Rule 3.800(a) postconviction claim brought by Deanijah Denson. The court concluded the appeal did not provide a basis for relief under Rule 3.800(a) but left open Denson's ability to seek relief in the underlying circuit court case (2020-CF-002358-A) under Rule 3.850. The opinion cites precedent explaining the proper procedural vehicle for the relief sought and therefore affirms the appellate disposition while directing the appellant to the appropriate remedy in circuit court.

Issues Decided

Whether the appellant's claim was properly brought and decided under Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.800(a).
Whether the appellant may instead seek the relief she requests under Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.850 in the circuit court.

Court's Reasoning

The court determined the appellant's claim was not properly remedied through Rule 3.800(a) and relied on precedent distinguishing the appropriate postconviction procedures. Applying controlling Fifth District authority, the court held that the correct procedural vehicle for the appellant's asserted claims is a Rule 3.850 motion in the underlying circuit court case. That procedural mismatch justified affirming the denial while preserving the appellant's ability to pursue Rule 3.850 relief.

Authorities Cited

Haynes v. State106 So. 3d 481 (Fla. 5th DCA 2013)
Jolly v. State392 So. 2d 54 (Fla. 5th DCA 1981)
Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.850

Parties

Appellant: Deanijah Denson
Appellee: State of Florida
Judge: Tatiana R. Salvador
Attorney: James Uthmeier, Attorney General
Attorney: Amanda Uwaibi, Assistant Attorney General

Key Dates

Decision date: 2026-04-17

What You Should Do Next

1
Consider filing Rule 3.850 motion in circuit court
Prepare and file a Rule 3.850 postconviction motion in case 2020-CF-002358-A in Duval County, asserting the substantive grounds for relief with supporting facts and exhibits.
2
Consult with counsel
Seek advice from an experienced criminal postconviction attorney to evaluate the timeliness, grounds, and supporting evidence for a Rule 3.850 filing.
3
Monitor deadlines for rehearing or appeal
If considering further appellate action, evaluate and, if appropriate, file any timely and authorized motion under Florida Rule of Appellate Procedure 9.330 or 9.331 or prepare any appeal from future circuit-court rulings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did the court decide?: The appellate court affirmed the denial of the Rule 3.800(a) claim but said the appellant can pursue relief under Rule 3.850 in the circuit court.
Who is affected by this decision?: Appellant Deanijah Denson is affected because her Rule 3.800(a) appeal was rejected; the State's conviction and sentencing posture remain intact for now.
What can the appellant do next?: The appellant may file a Rule 3.850 motion in circuit court case number 2020-CF-002358-A to seek the relief described by the court.
Does this opinion decide the merits of the underlying claim?: No; the court resolved the procedural issue and directed the appellant to the proper postconviction procedure rather than ruling on the substantive merits.

The above suggestions and answers are AI-generated for informational purposes only. They may contain errors. NoticeRegistry assumes no responsibility for their accuracy. Consult a qualified attorney before relying on them.

Full Filing Text

FIFTH DISTRICT COURT OF APPEAL
                STATE OF FLORIDA
                 _____________________________

                     Case No. 5D2025-3599
                 LT Case Nos. 2020-CF-002358-A
                              2021-CF-001225-A

                 _____________________________

DEANIJAH DENSON,

    Appellant,

    v.

STATE OF FLORIDA,

    Appellee.
                 _____________________________


Rule 3.800(a) appeal from the Circuit Court for Duval County.
Tatiana R. Salvador, Judge.

Deanijah Denson, Live Oak, pro se.

James Uthmeier, Attorney General, and Amanda Uwaibi,
Assistant Attorney General, Tallahassee, for Appellee.

                          April 17, 2026


PER CURIAM.

     AFFIRMED, without prejudice to Appellant seeking relief in
circuit court case number 2020-CF-002358-A under Florida Rule
of Criminal Procedure 3.850. See Haynes v. State, 106 So. 3d 481,
482–83 (Fla. 5th DCA 2013) (citing Jolly v. State, 392 So. 2d 54, 56
(Fla. 5th DCA 1981) (additional citations omitted)).
LAMBERT, HARRIS, and MACIVER, JJ., concur.

                _____________________________

    Not final until disposition of any timely and
    authorized motion under Fla. R. App. P. 9.330 or
    9.331.
               _____________________________




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