Opinion ID: 2027614
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: minimum sentence and prior convictions

Text: Appellant claims that the trial court failed to advise him of the minimum sentence which could be imposed or that prior convictions could be used to enhance his sentence. The trial court asked Cole whether he understood what the maximum sentence could be for the charged offense. Appellant told the court that the sentence range was six to twenty years. Appellant was also informed that the presumptive sentence was ten years. Appellant was properly informed of the range of sentences for the offense and thus was informed of the minimal penal consequences which would flow from his guilty plea. Brown v. State (1983), Ind., 443 N.E.2d 316. Appellant argues that the trial court failed to advise him that his prior convictions could result in an increased sentence. We disagree. At appellant's first guilty plea hearing the following colloquy occurred: Q. All right. Now, it  it may be that due to your past criminal record, if you have one, that any sentence you would receive could not be suspended. Also, it may have to be served after completion of serving another sentence, if you're under any other sentence. I don't know. You understand that? A. Yes. I do. Q. And that in this case, the Court could impose a maximum possible sentence. You understand that? A. Yes, sir. Q. All right. At this time, are you on parole or on probation? A. Yes, sir. I'm on parole. Q. All right. And what are you on parole for? A. Two prior armed robberies back in 1977. Q. And that  you understand that your plea of guilty, your conviction affect that parole? A. Yes, I do. Q. And result in your serving additional in prison? A. Yes, sir. And also at the July 25th hearing: Q. I believe you said yesterday you are  were on parole  A. Yes. Q.  at the time this charge was  this crime was committed. A. Yes. I am. Q. Do you understand that by pleading guilty today, this bears on the fact of your parole? A. Yes. I do. Q. And would cause you to serve additional time in prison? A. Yes. Q. You understand that? A. Yes. I do. The record must provide a sufficient basis to support the conclusion that Cole was advised of the possibility of an enhanced sentence which would be based upon his prior convictions. The trial court advised Cole that: (1) a prior criminal record may preclude suspension of the sentence he receives and could result in the imposition of a maximum sentence and (2) he may also have to serve additional time in prison since he was on parole for two prior armed robberies at the time this crime was committed. The trial court referred to appellant's prior criminal record and his status as a parolee at the time he committed the present offense, and indicated how these factors could affect the length of his sentence. Crawford v. State (1984), Ind., 463 N.E.2d 1101. The trial court adequately conveyed to Cole that his prior convictions could lead to a higher sentence. The judgment of the trial court is affirmed. GIVAN, C.J., and DeBRULER, PRENTICE and PIVARNIK, JJ., concur.