Opinion ID: 1650509
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Was petitioner coerced into pleading guilty?

Text: This alleged error is based on the principle that an involuntary or coerced plea will not support a judgment and sentence. Walker v. Brewer, 189 N.W.2d 605 (Iowa 1971). The elements of a valid guilty plea in Iowa are well settled. The sentencing judge, before accepting such a plea, must first determine it is voluntarily entered with an understanding of the charge and knowledge of the criminal consequences. He must also ascertain the existence of a factual basis to support the plea. Young v. Brewer, 190 N.W.2d 434 (Iowa 1971); State v. Mehuys, 172 N.W. 2d 131 (Iowa 1969); State v. Sisco, 169 N.W.2d 542 (Iowa 1969). The record discloses there was substantial evidence the sentencing judge made the necessary inquiries and obtained responses satisfying our tests and establishing the plea was voluntarily entered. Trial court found the plea entered (to a lesser offense) was upon advice of competent counsel and was the product of a free and rational choice among alternative courses of action open to petitioner. In this type habeas corpus action trial court's findings of fact are binding if supported by substantial evidence. Evans v. Rosenberger, 181 N.W.2d 152 (Iowa 1970); Janvrin v. Haugh, 171 N.W.2d 275 (Iowa 1969). We find no evidence of coercion. This assignment of error is without merit.