Case ID: so2d_302/html/0018-01.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "BARHAM, J., DIXON, J.,", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

STATE of Louisiana v. Roscoe WILLIAMS, Jr.
    No. 55266.
    Supreme Court of Louisiana.
    Oct. 18, 1974.
   In re: Roscoe Williams, Jr. applying for Writ of Certiorari.

Writ denied. There is no showing that there was an abuse of discretion in the denial by the trial judge of the preliminary hearing; as to the other contention of denial of constitutional rights, there is an adequate remedy by appeal in the event of conviction.

BARHAM, J.,

is of opinion that relator is entitled to a preliminary examination. He was denied counsel, although indigent, for 30 days. A Bill of Information had to be filed 9 days after arrest. Under Louisiana law — C.Cr.P., Art. 292 — relator was entitled to a preliminary examination of right. See . Timely appointment of counsel would have assured relator of this statutory right. Moreover, under due process clause of Constitution, relator is entitled to a preliminary hearing after arrest. See Pugh v. Rainwater, 483 F.2d 778 (5th Cir., 1973).

DIXON, J.,

is of the opinion a preliminary hearing should be ordered. The state cannot deprive the accused of his right to a preliminary hearing by failing to appoint an attorney to represent the indigent until after the Bill of Information is filed. 
      
       See writ granted Sept. 30, 1974 in State v. Stewart, 300 So.2d 497 (La.1974). See also my concurrence in the granting of writs in State v. Jackson, 282 So.2d 526 (La.1973).