Court Opinion

ID: 9540535
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-07 16:17:12.466954+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T14:59:57.463706
License: Public Domain

Pless, J.
While the case on appeal contains eight assignments of error, the defendant in his brief brings forth only Exception No. 1, which relates to the voluntariness of his alleged confession, and 3, 4 and 8 which he groups, and which relate to his motions for non-suit and his formal exceptions to the judgment. The remaining exceptions are not set out in the brief and no argument or authority is stated in regard to them. Under Rule 28 of the Rules of Practice in the Supreme Court, 254 N.C. 810, they are deemed abandoned. Nevertheless, we have given them consideration and find them without merit.
In response to the defendant’s claim, represented by Exception No. 1, that his alleged confession was not voluntary, the trial judge excused the jury and made a full investigation as to the circumstances under which it was made. It had been reported to the officers that he had made a confession in Ohio which they discussed with him and which he did not deny. The officer, Captain R. E. Goodwin of the Raleigh Police Department, testified that he had warned the prisoner of all of his rights and stated that he had offered no promises, inducements or threats to obtain the confession. The defendant denied having made a confession in Ohio and stated that the confession was made in North Carolina to Captain Goodwin because “I was threatened and they wouldn’t let me call my sister who lived in *203Wilson, North Carolina, and they refused to let me talk to a lawyer * * and they told me that if I would make a confession they would get me out on probation. Mr. Goodwin did not say that. It was Mr. Bowers, I believe, who promised this to me, but it has been so long I do not remember it.” The trial judge made full findings of fact to the effect that the defendant made no request for counsel; that he was not denied the right to communicate with counsel or friends, was otherwise advised of his rights, and his statement was made freely and voluntarily, without any promise, threat, undue influence, coercion or duress. The record amply supports the findings of the Judge and the exception is not sustained.
The defendant has a long record of violations of the law, starting in 1944, having been convicted in Kentucky, Virginia, New Mexico and Texas, of crimes similar to the one here charged. It is not likely that one with his long experience with the courts would believe that a police officer, rather than the judge, would determine the question of probation.
The evidence in support of the charge is set forth in the statement of facts. No evidence was offered by the defendant. He cannot successfully contend that the evidence is not sufficient to prevail upon the motion to nonsuit, and that being true, his formal exception to the judgment is without merit.
No error.
Moore, J., not sitting.