Court Opinion

ID: 9686889
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-24 16:10:47.734123+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:18:22.795421
License: Public Domain

Cynar, J.
(dissenting). I do not believe that MCL 750.227b; MSA 28.424(2) requires proof of personal possession of the firearm. See my opinion in People v Tavolacci, 88 Mich App 470; 276 NW2d 919 (1979). I believe that one can be convicted as an aider and abettor to the offense of felony firearm. See MCL 767.39; MSA 28.979 and People v Doemer, 35 Mich App 149, 151-152; 192 NW2d 330 (1971). See also Judge Kaufman’s opinion in People v Walter Johnson, 85 Mich App 654; 272 NW2d 605 (1978).
To be convicted as an aider and abettor one must assist another in the commission of a crime with knowledge that a criminal act is contemplated. People v Spry, 74 Mich App 584, 594; 254 *276NW2d 782 (1977), People v Penn, 70 Mich App 638, 649; 247 NW2d 575 (1976). When one pleads guilty to aiding and abetting an offense, there must be a substantial factual basis for the plea and the plea must represent a well-considered and well-advised choice by the defendant. People v Haack, 396 Mich 367, 376-377; 240 NW2d 704 (1976).
Appellant stated he and his codefendant intended to commit a robbery to "get some money”. They entered the car and said: "This is a stick up.” Powell had a knife in his hand and the victim gave them a dollar. Powell, while in the car, observed Reynolds with a gun. He described in detail Reynolds’ use of the gun during the robbery, but he said he had not seen the gun until they were in the victim’s automobile. Powell stated he kept the money taken in the robbery and indicated that he had a vivid memory of the robbery and that he combined with the codefendant in the use of the gun in perpetration of the robbery.
On the basis of these facts, the defendant’s guilty plea to the charge of armed robbery and felony-firearm is supported by his testimony and should be affirmed.