Opinion ID: 2626320
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Waiver Via Entry of Plea.

Text: [¶ 13] The State initially argues that Lindsay waived appellate review of all non-jurisdictional claims when he pled nolo contendere to the charge. We do not find the State's argument to be persuasive. It is true that we have consistently held that a plea of guilty or nolo contendere generally waives appellate review of all non-jurisdictional claims, which may include constitutional challenges to pre-trial proceedings. Morgan v. State, 2004 WY 95, ¶ 23, 95 P.3d 802, ¶ 23 (Wyo.2004); Bailey v. State, 12 P.3d 173, 177 (Wyo.2000); Smith v. State, 871 P.2d 186, 188 (Wyo.1994). However, an exception to this rule is found in W.R.Cr.P. 11(a)(2) which allows a defendant to plead guilty or nolo contendere while reserving the right to seek review on appeal of any specified pretrial motion. Morgan, ¶ 23 (citing Bailey, 12 P.3d at 177); W.R.Cr.P. 11(a)(2). [5] See also generally, Gordon v. State, 2004 WY 105, 97 P.3d 64 (Wyo.2004); Goulart v. State, 2003 WY 108, 76 P.3d 1230 (Wyo.2003); Hart v. State, 2002 WY 163, 57 P.3d 348 (Wyo.2002). [¶ 14] Lindsay expressly conditioned his plea of nolo contendere to the methamphetamine charge upon his ability to bring this appeal. This conditional plea was accepted by the district court with approval by the prosecutor. Thus, Lindsay cannot be said to have waived his right to bring those instant issues before this court through entry of his nolo contendere plea.