Case ID: cma_17/html/0295-01.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "Ferguson, Judge:", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

UNITED STATES, Appellee v. BILLY M. GROOVER, Specialist Five, U. S. Army, Appellant
    17 USCMA 295, 38 CMR 93
    No. 20,592
    November 30, 1967
    
      Colonel Daniel T. Ghent, Captain Kenneth J. Stuart, and Captain Dennis R. Hunt were on the pleadings for Appellant, Accused.
    
      Lieutenant Colonel David Rarick, Major John F. Webb, Jr., and Captain Gregory U. Evans were on the pleadings for Appellee, United States.
   Opinion of the Court

Ferguson, Judge:

Upon his trial by general court-martial for larceny, in violation of Uniform Code of Military Justice, Article 121, 10 USC § 921, accused’s pretrial statement was received in evidence against him. No showing was made, however, of advice as to his right to counsel beyond the fact that he was informed “of his right to consult with legal counsel and to have legal counsel present” during his interrogation. The Government concedes that the warning shown on the record is inadequate and requests remand of the case with provision for a rehearing. That concession is proper. United States v Hardy, 17 USCMA 100, 37 CMR 364. In addition, we note the law officer’s instructions on the sentence were erroneously limited to a statement of the maximum imposable and the mechanics of voting. See United States v Wheeler, 17 USCMA 274, 38 CMR 72. In the event of a rehearing, this error likewise should be avoided.

The petition for review is granted, and the decision of the board of review is reversed. The record of trial is returned to the Judge Advocate General of the Army. A rehearing may be ordered.

Chief Judge Quinn and Judge KiL-day concur.