Court Opinion

ID: 9811469
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-31 22:21:37.278148+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T15:14:53.260783
License: Public Domain

Concurring Opinion by
Justice GRANT.
This case is an example of why records should be made of guilty pleas. A complete record of this proceeding would have permitted the appellate court to look at all matters relating to the plea. We have no way of knowing whether the waiver of appeal was discussed with the defendant in open court, whether the stamp was on the judgment at the time the trial court signed it, or any other information about the waiver. Therefore, we are placed in a position of having to presume that everything appearing on the face of the judgment is correct.
The dialogue between the court and the defendant is the most important part of the plea process. It enables the judiciary to be assured that the defendant understands his or her rights and that the plea is freely and voluntarily made.
In the name of expediting the movement of cases, the courts are creeping toward a “sign-here” system of justice.
I would recommend to the Legislature that a record not be allowed to be waived and be required on all guilty pleas.