Opinion ID: 1792134
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 20

Heading: Did the trial court err in allowing Judge Backstrom to participate in Hersick's plea bargain?

Text: ¶ 82. Hersick next contends that on March 30, 2002, without his counsel present, the trial judge asked him how he pled. Hersick contends that, because he did not have counsel present, this amounted to the judge taking part in the plea bargain. Hersick cites Fermo v. State 370 So.2d 930, 932-33 (Miss.1979), in support of his argument that a judge is never to participate or get involved in a plea bargain. ¶ 83. In Fermo we stated, While a trial judge must control the sentencing phase of a criminal trial and has the responsibility and duty of approving or disapproving a recommendation by the prosecutor, he should never become involved, or participate, in the plea bargaining process. He must remain aloof from such negotiations. The trial judge always must be circumspect and unbiased, at all times displaying neutrality and fairness in the trial, and consideration for the constitutional rights of the accused. Id. at 933. ¶ 84. There is nothing in the record reflecting the alleged March 30, 2002, appearance in court. Even if there was an appearance, the mere question by the Judge of how Hersick was going to plead does not constitute involvement or participation in the plea bargain process. Accordingly, this issue has no merit.