Court Opinion

ID: 9776047
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-29 19:17:14.860579+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T07:32:33.288299
License: Public Domain

ON MOTION FOR REHEARING
In a well-reasoned brief in support of its motion for rehearing, the State suggests we erred in applying the principles of North Carolina v. Pearce, 395 U.S. 711, 89 S.Ct. 2072, 23 L.Ed.2d 656 (1969), to the facts of this case. While we are satisfied that our conclusions were correct, and observe that most of' the State’s arguments were answered either directly or inferen*497tially in our original opinion, two matters require additional discussion.
The State argues that this case materially differs from Pearce because this appellant was granted a new trial by the trial judge, not by an appellate court. Although that is a difference, it is not a distinction. The purpose of Pearce is to forbid vindictiveness against a defendant who successfully pursues post-conviction remedies. As quoted from Pearce in our original opinion, due process “requires that vindictiveness against a defendant for having successfully attacked his first conviction must play no part in the sentence he received after a new trial.” 395 U.S. at 725, 89 S.Ct. at 2080 (Emphasis added.) It is immaterial whether the new trial is obtained by an order from the trial court or by a judgment of an appellate court; the principles stated in Pearce still must be observed on retrial.
The State also contends, alternatively, that the trial judge complied with Pearce because her findings pinpoint identifiable conduct of the defendant occurring after the first sentencing proceeding. Specifically, says the State, she found an absence of remorse and indications of a life style by appellant that justified a greater sentence. Assuming arguendo that those findings articulate the kind of identifiable conduct contemplated by Pearce, we are unable to discern any evidence, i.e., “objective information,” in the record affirmatively establishing the occurrence of those matters within the requisite time frame. As previously discussed, Pearce requires (1) objective information (2) of identifiable conduct (3) by the defendant (4) occurring after the time of the original sentencing proceeding. 395 U.S. at 725, 89 S.Ct. at 2080. Element (4), at least, was not proven.
We have carefully considered all matters raised by the State in its motion for rehearing, but are satisfied we have correctly applied precedents we are required to follow. The motion for rehearing is overruled.