Opinion ID: 1770181
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: garner incident

Text: Robert M. Garner appeared before respondent on two traffic offenses arising from a single incident. He was not represented by counsel. At the conclusion of the case, Garner was permitted to select the offense of which he desired to be found guilty. After making the choice, he was found not guilty of the other offense. Respondent admitted such action but explained that it was based on his opinion that the accused could not legally be found guilty of both offenses because of double jeopardy. By allowing Garner to choose which of the two offenses he would be found guilty of, respondent abdicated his responsibility of deciding the guilt or innocence of Garner based solely on the law and evidence adduced at trial. At the very least, respondent gave the appearance of allowing other factors, namely, Garner's will, to dictate the outcome of the proceedings.