Court Opinion

ID: 9717790
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-26 07:10:20.10158+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:23:54.035432
License: Public Domain

Allen, C J.,
concurring in part, dissenting in part. I agree that the motion filed by the State of Vermont should be denied, but do not believe a remand is necessary. This Court is required by VR.A.E 3(b) to review the record in the interests of justice whenever a life sentence is imposed. This obligation can only be avoided when the defendant with his counsel’s advice waives the appeal. The waiver here was contrary to counsel’s advice and our review is required.
I would recommend that the Advisory Committee on the Rules of Criminal Procedure be requested to review VRAE 3(b) with respect to the issues presented in this appeal and to make recommendations for an amendment to assure that *628automatic appeals reach this Court in a timely fashion.