Court Opinion

ID: 9747127
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-27 14:57:56.956374+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T07:25:20.313986
License: Public Domain

Barney, C.J.
(Concurring) I agree with the opinion filed in this case that there must be a remand for further findings. I further agree that the sole issue is the voluntariness of the appellant’s plea of guilty.
It seems to me the gist of the appellant’s complaint to the Court is that he changed his plea to guilty on the basis of misrepresentation by his attorney, whether intended or unintended. Unlike In re Newton, 125 Vt. 453, 218 A.2d 394 (1966), the misrepresentation could not come to light prior to, or during the sentencing process, as far as the appellant was concerned. Nor was it a plea bargain, or a transaction of which the sentencing court was aware, or in which it was involved.
Furthermore, the opinion filed seems to suggest in fact that the finding of no misrepresentation made below may be based, improperly, on an inadequate consideration of the record, and therefore, in reality, subject to challenge as contrary to the evidence. It is my agreement with this evaluation that leads me to concur.
I am not at all certain that I can accept generally the proposition that a subjective, but reasonable misunderstanding, if established, guarantees retrial. This is a proposition of broad sweep, and I would prefer to examine its implications in the light of a more complete exposition of the facts.
The misunderstanding asserted here springs from actions of defense counsel. From the facts I cannot determine whether the issue arises out of claims of incompetence, misconduct or misunderstanding. If the result is a due process deprivation for the appellant, the distinction, as to him, would seem to be of little moment. Thus, I am not sure whether this is the sort of case that will, when the time comes, perform a definitive function in establishing tests for competency of counsel.