Varney v. Commonwealth
Varney v. Commonwealth
Opinion of the Court
^Opinion op the Court by
Affirming.
Appellant was indicted for driving an automobile upon the public highway at a dangerous and reckless rate cf speed, in violation of section 2739g-51, Kentucky Statutes. He entered a plea of guilty and was given the maximum penalty, a fine of $100.00. He thereupon filed a motion for a new trial, and in support of same filed his affidavit in which he admits the court and Commonwealth’s attorney treated him “kindly and right,” but charges that the jury, by imposing the maximum penalty, manifested passion and prejudice against him, since it was
His counsel admits “that under the technical rules of law” he was not entitled to a new trial, but suggests that “under the circumstances it should be granted as a matter of right. ’ ’ Just how the suggestion can be squared with the admission is not disclosed by counsel, nor does it occur to us. Upon the other hand, it must be obvious to everyone that this court has no power to relieve a defendant, who has voluntarily and without promise of any kind, pleaded guilty of an infraction of a penal statute, from the penalty inflicted by the jury in the exercise of its discretion within the limits prescribed therefor.
Defendant’s only plea, a plea for mercy within the jury’s power to grant it and based solely upon the fact he confessed his guilt, was of necessity addressed to that body, and also of necessity is concluded by its decision, so far as the courts are concerned.
Judgment affirmed.
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.