April 2011 Monthly Opinion
Bratcher, Allen Eugene v. State, COCA Case No. F-2009-794 (April 22, 2011)
(Prosecutorial Misconduct; Sentence, Excessive) Prosecutor’s statements during his second closing were improper appeals for sympathy for the victim...the remarks provided a foundation for the request6 of a 70 year sentence, which COCA also deemed "excessive." Sentence modified to 30 years.
Edwards, Debbie v. State, COCA Case No. F-2010-431 (April 19, 2011)
(Revocation/Acceleration Decisions; Sentence, Excessive) Concurrent sentences revoked to run consecutively require remand for resentencing.
Johnson, Jeffery Robert v. State, COCA Case No. F-2009-399 (April 15, 2011)
(Jury Instruction, Misleading/Confusing) Defense objected at trial to modified OUJI instruction that had the effect of confusing the issue regarding the defense of property and identification of the aggressor in the case. Modified instruction had the effect of denying the accused his defense. Reversed and remanded for new trial.
Kinter, Silvon Dane v. State, COCA Case No. C-2010-431 (April 22, 2011)
(Guilty Plea Decisions; Right to Counsel*) Refusal to appoint counsel to defendant who had previously retained counsel but could not pay forced defendant to choose trial with counsel that did not want to represent him (due to lack or payment) or no counsel whatsoever. Certiorari granted.
Thompson, Gary Don II v. State, COCA Case No. F-2010-288 (April 7, 2011)
(Search and Seizure) Evidence supporting conviction was the product of an unlawful detention. Officer had no particularized suspicion of criminal activity only the fact that Appellant and companion were walking in a "high crime area" Reversed with instructions to dismiss.
Webb, Jason Lee v. State, COCA Case No. RE-2010-10 (April 5, 2011)
(Revocation/Acceleration Decisions; Sentence, Excessive; Youthful Offender) Based on State’s agreement that sentence must be modified because revocation of five years failed to take into consideration the three years and twenty-one days previously served as a Youthful Offender; thus only four years and forty-four days could be revoked.
