Document: 448 U.S. 444 100 S.Ct. 2755 65 L.Ed.2d 897 James MABRY, Commissioner, Arkansas Department of Correctionv.Francis Edward KLIMAS. No. 79-622. June 30, 1980. PER CURIAM. 1 The respondent was convicted by a jury in an court burglary and grand larceny. In accordance with the recidivist statute then effect Arkansas, members were instructed that if they found had been three prior felony offenses, could fix his sentence at not less than 21 more 311/2 years for both Evidence admitted seven convictions from Missouri six Arkansas. petitioner felonies, set punishment each two offenses which him guilty. trial judge ordered terms to be served consecutively. 2 On appeal, Supreme Court reversed, concluding evidence inadmissible purpose enhancing respondent's because it did appear he assistance counsel those cases. Klimas v. State, 259 Ark. 301, 303-304, 534 S.W.2d 202, 203-204 citing Burgett Texas, 389 109, 88 258, 19 319 (1967). directed retried unless State agreed reduction years, minimum have received larceny offenses. Ark., 309, S.W.2d, 207. rehearing, revised 42 comprised authorized case defendant having past convictions. reasoned since required consider whose validity disputed trial, fixed offense.1 3 sought writ habeas corpus Federal District Court, alleging sentencing after unconstitutional remedied Court's revision years. dismissed suit want jurisdiction, but Appeals reversed denied due process law State's failure permit resentenced jury, accord what understood state statutory law. 599 F.2d 842 (CA8 1979). acknowledged omission discretionary resentencing would prejudiced if, as concluded, most lenient convicted. Cf. Hicks Oklahoma, 447 343, 2227, 175 (1980).2 But believed this habitual offender amended and, applied him, provide lower sentence.3 Accordingly, while expressed uncertainty whether amendment respondent, nonetheless issue jury. 4 claim is entitled reason apparently has presented courts. these circumstances, absence any believe judicial remedies now unavailable, federal stay its hand "to give initial 'opportunity pass upon correct' alleged violations . rights." Wilwording Swenson, 404 249, 250, 92 407, 409, 30 418 (1971), quoting Fay Noia, 372 391, 438, 83 822, 848, 9 837 (1963). See Picard Connor, 270, 277-278, 509, 513-514, 438 (1971). requirement first pursued, codified statute, 28 U.S.C. §§ 2254(b) (c), particularly appropriate where, here, constitutional arises deprivation courts rights created under construction plainly matter decide best uncertain. Obviously, therefore, can no sense said arbitrarily right asked accord. petition certiorari motion leave proceed forma pauperis are granted, judgment remanded proceedings consistent opinion. 5 It so ordered. 6 Mr. Justice MARSHALL concurs judgment. contends 21, allegedly direct sentences run concurrently. This also view Judge Henley, dissenting Appeals' denial en banc consideration case. 603 158, 159 Because question decided either or case, we do it. held criminal discretion gave "a substantial legitimate expectation will deprived liberty only extent determined exercise discretion, cf. Greenholtz Nebraska Penal Inmates, 442 [99 2100, 60 668], interest one Fourteenth Amendment preserves against arbitrary State. Vitek Jones, 445 480, 488-489 [100 1254, 63 552], Wolff McDonnell, 539 [94 2963, 41 935]; Inmates ; Morrissey Brewer, 408 471 2593, 33 484]." U.S., 346, S.Ct., 2229. petitioner's 40 mandatory effect. provision invalid, appellate affirmed 40-year within range punishments correctly imposed event. concluded well Ibid. applies committed January 1, 1976. Ark.Stat.Ann. 41-102(1) (3) (1977). sentenced 1975, reheard March 1976, when modified sentence, presumably governing

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