Court Opinion

ID: 9687582
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-24 16:37:53.797272+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:18:28.973371
License: Public Domain

Michael J. Kelly, P.J.
(concurring). Because this is not a case involving a clear conflict but does involve interpretations and nuances, I write only to say that I do not think that People v Shuler, 188 Mich App 548; 470 NW2d 492 (1991), necessarily controls the outcome, and if it does not, I agree with Judge Sawyer’s dissent in People v Nixten, 183 Mich App 95, 99-100; 454 NW2d 160 (1990). It seems to me that there is room to infer in any prosecutorial recommendation of "within the guidelines” that the defendant should expect a maximum/minimum recommendation. Why trial counsel avoid more precision probably depends upon counsel’s reading of the sentencing judge. Some sentencing judges pay more attention to recommendations than others.
Why plea bargainers leave for appellate determination the parameters of their agreement may be the result of shoddy craftsmanship or a tacit understanding that the maximum/minimum is al*420ways the prosecutor’s option. Because the recommendation is nonbinding, I would lean heavily toward requiring defense objection at the time of sentencing in order to preserve the issue for appellate review. I would presume that trial counsel know what a recommendation to a trial court of "sentencing within the guidelines” or "a minimum sentence within the guidelines” meant at the time there was a meeting of the minds during negotiations. If defense counsel makes no objection at the time of sentencing it seems to me counsel has stamped approval on the prosecutor’s recommendation if it is anywhere within the guidelines.