Legal Document

329 U.S. 663 67 Supreme Court Reporter 596 91 L.Ed. 584 DE MEERLEERv.PEOPLE OF STATE MICHIGAN. Number 140. Argued Jan. 6, 1947. Decided Feb. 3, Mr.David W. Louisell, of Washington, D.C., for petitioner. Mr. Edmund E. Shepherd, Detroit, Mich., respondent. PER CURIAM. 1 In conformity with Michigan procedure, petitioner moved leave to file a delayed motion new trial in the court which he had been convicted first degree murder. Serious impairment his constitutional rights at arraignment and were asserted as grounds motion. The denied motion, on appeal affirmed that ruling. 313 Mich. 548, 21 North Eastern Reporter, 2nd Series 849. We granted certiorari because importance issues presented. 702, 110. 2 facts are not dispute. On May 16, 1932, an information was filed Circuit Lenawee County, Michigan, charging petitioner, then seventeen years age, one Virgil Scott crime same day, arraigned, tried, murder sentenced life imprisonment. record indicates without legal assistance throughout all these proceedings never advised right counsel. did explain consequences plea guilty, considerable confusion petitioner's mind time effect such plea. evidence behalf introduced none State's witnesses subjected cross examination. 3 After reviewing foregoing facts, determined revealed no deprivation rights. indicated it given consideration case Hawk versus Olson, 1945, 326 271, 66 116, authorities cited therein, but concluded rule cases determinative. See People Williams, 1923, 225 133, 195 Northwestern KF135 N69 818. this there error. 4 Here year old defendant confronted by serious complicated criminal charge, hurried through unfamiliar word being said defense. At counsel offered or mentioned him, nor apprised Under holdings Court, deprived essential fair hearing under Federal Constitution. Amend. 14. Powell State Alabama, 287 45, 53 55, 77 158, 84 American Law Reports 527; Williams Kaiser, 323 471, 65 363, 89 398; Tompkins Missouri, 485, 370, 407; White Ragen, 324 760, 978, 1348; supra. Betts Brady, 1942, 316 455, 62 1252, 86 1595. 5 Reversed.

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