Court Opinion

ID: 9657789
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-23 20:38:09.997291+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:13:48.453691
License: Public Domain

STEINMETZ, J.
(concurring). This case is a perfect example of why trial judges should be very selective in accepting plea bargains. Before accepting a plea bargain, a judge must take into account several important factors.
First, a judge has the right to know the nature and severity of the charges being dismissed or reduced. Exclusive authority of the judge is being exercised, and, *955therefore, the judge has the right to know what the original charges are and the significance of any dismissals.
A judge must also be informed as to the attitude of the victim or victims of the defendant’s crimes, particularly when crimes of violence or sexual abuse are involved. It would be best to have the victim in court when this information is made known to the judge because if the victim is not present, any incorrect statement that the victim acquiesces to in the plea arrangement may create a fraud on the court resulting in the judge later voiding the entire proceedings.
Furthermore, the judge should be aware of the defendant's previous convictions and any other illegal contact between the defendant and the victim which are not being charged. This information is necessary for the judge to make an informed decision to accept or reject the plea bargain.
A judge does not have a duty to accept a plea arrangement, nor may a judge participate in its formulation. But rather, and, as we have said before, the judge is obligated only to accept or refuse such an arrangement. For that role, the judge must have as much information as possible and careftilly consider the factors outlined above. If the parties disagree with the judge's decision, the district attorney can move to dismiss the charges. If the motion is granted, the district attorney can issue new charges at his/her discretion.
I am authorized to state that JUSTICE WILLIAM G. CALLOW joins this concurring opinion.