James Douglas Hill v. State Florida

James Douglas Hill, who is under a sentence of death, appeals from the trial courts denial of post-conviction relief under Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.850 and separately petitions this Court for a writ of habeas corpus. We have jurisdiction, article V, section 3(b)(1) and (9), Florida Constitution. We previously granted Hills motion for a stay of execution to afford this Court an opportunity to address fully the issues raised in this proceeding. For the reasons expressed, we find that principles of law enunciated by the United States Supreme Court require us to vacate Hills conviction and sentence and remand with directions for the trial court to conduct a hearing on the issue of Hills competency to stand trial and, if Hill is found competent, to proceed with a new trial.