Court Opinion

ID: 9782979
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-30 19:33:39.444112+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T07:35:17.976741
License: Public Domain

ALTENBERND, Judge,
Concurring.
Chadwick Kegler had twenty-four prior convictions, including several for sale of cocaine, when he was charged with these seventeen new felonies. He undoubtedly qualified for enhanced sentencing under two or more theories. His attorney negotiated a plea under which Mr. Kegler obtained concurrent sentences, the longest of which is twelve years. In light of the drug trafficking multiplier on his scoresheet, these sentences are downward departures. Given these circumstances, the trial court can be forgiven for concluding that Mr. Kegler’s theory of entrapment to the multiple offenses of sale of cocaine was frivolous.
*1064Rather than appealing the trial court’s order denying his motion to withdraw his plea, Mr. Kegler should recognize that the experienced trial judge accepted this favorable negotiated plea and denied a motion that could only make matters far worse for Mr. Kegler. Legally, however, Mr. Kegler is entitled to conflict-free counsel, who will undoubtedly encourage him to abandon his effort to withdraw his plea.