Opinion ID: 784041
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Imposition of Multiple Death Sentences

Text: 143 Smith contends that he has two aggravated murder convictions and two death sentences for a single homicide, in violation of double jeopardy. The trial court's entry of sentence imposes the death penalty as to Count 1 and as to Count 2, and further provides that [t]he sentences for Counts 1 and 2 will run concurrent. Among other guarantees, the Double Jeopardy Clause seeks to protect against multiple punishments for the same offense imposed in a single proceeding, see North Carolina v. Pearce, 395 U.S. 711, 717, 89 S.Ct. 2072 (1969); Jones v. Thomas, 491 U.S. 376, 386-87, 109 S.Ct. 2522, 105 L.Ed.2d 322 (1989) (same; citing Pearce ). Even if there were error here, it cannot be said that the error a substantial and injurious effect resulting in actual prejudice. Brecht v. Abrahamson, 507 U.S. 619, 637, 113 S.Ct. 1710, 123 L.Ed.2d 353 (1993); Lorraine, 291 F.3d at 444 (and cases cited therein). [T]he fact is that Smith will not be executed twice for a single murder. Warden's Br. at 68 69.