Court Opinion

ID: 9707371
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-26 02:09:59.262171+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:22:31.908266
License: Public Domain

V. J. Brennan, J.
{dissenting). In reviewing the plea we examine the record to determine whether the plea was voluntary and truthful.
Here not only did the defendant qualify her plea, but there is some evidence in the plea transcript of fear.
Regarding qualifications — on p 4 of the transcript she said her accomplice made out the check and that she did not know it was bad until the police told her.
Regarding fear — on p 2 of the plea transcript the court asked her not to be afraid; on p 5 her attorney indicated to the court that she was very scared and fearful of harm.
Granted most people appearing before a court, especially on a criminal offense, are in fact afraid; here, however, the alleged fear was of harm to life and limb and was induced by threats, which possibly influenced her plea.
The plea here fails to satisfy the minimum safeguards. I would reverse and remand.