DuBoise v. State
DuBoise v. State
Opinion
The appellant, Kevin Lyle DuBoise, appeals the revocation of his probation. On October 6, 1992, the appellant was convicted of theft of property in the second degree, a violation of §
The appellant contends the trial court's order revoking his probation did not contain a statement as to the evidence it relied on in revoking his probation as required by Gagnon v.Scarpelli,
In Grimes v. State,
"In addressing probation revocation hearings, the Court, in Gagnon, quoting from Morrissey, listed the following minimal requirements of due process when revoking probation:" ' "(a) written notice of the claimed violations of [probation or] parole; (b) disclosure to the [probationer or] parolee of evidence against him; (c) opportunity to be heard in person and to present witnesses and documentary evidence; (d) the right to confront and cross-examine adverse witnesses (unless the hearing officer specifically finds good cause for not allowing confrontation); (e) a 'neutral and detached' hearing body such as a traditional parole board, members of which need not be judicial officers or lawyers; and (f) a written statement by the factfinders as to the evidence relied on and reasons for revoking [probation or] parole." Morrissey v. Brewer, supra, at 489, 92 S.Ct. at 2604.'
"Gagnon,
Grimes, 579 So.2d at 694. (Emphasis in original.)
The state argues that this case should not be remanded because the appellant admitted that he violated the terms of his probation. In Wyatt, supra, the Alabama Supreme Court, when dismissing the petition, reaffirmed its holding in Armstrong
and stated that the court must make written findings. "The written statement of the reasons relied upon ' "relates to a matter of substance and not mere form" Carter v. State,
The state also argues that the court's order revoking probation is sufficient to comply with these constitutional requirements. However, the trial court failed to indicate what evidence it relied upon in revoking the appellant's probation. The written order merely states that the court was reasonably satisfied "from the evidence and matters presented," that probation should be revoked. Such a statement is insufficient to comply with the requirements ofMorrissey and Gagnon.
On the authority of Morrissey, Gagnon, and Wyatt, we remand this cause to the Circuit Court for Russell County so that that court can furnish the appellant with written findings as to the evidence it relied on and the reasons for revoking the appellant's probation. Due return should be filed with this court no later than 42 days from the date of this opinion.
REMANDED WITH DIRECTIONS.
All the Judges concur.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- Kevin Lyle Duboise v. State.
- Cited By
- 7 cases
- Status
- Published