People v. Brownlee
People v. Brownlee
Opinion of the Court
The defendant-appellant entered a plea of guilty on February 7, 1973, to assault with intent to rob being unarmed. MCLA 750.88; MSA 28.283. On February 12, 1973, appellant was sentenced to a prison term of 7 to 15 years. Three issues are raised. We will answer them in the order raised.
At the plea proceeding
"The Court: But by pleading guilty there are certain constitutional rights that you waive, including your right to a trial. We don’t try people if they plead guilty. Is that clear?
"The Defendant: I understand.
"The Court: At a trial you would be presumed innocent. The prosecution would have to prove you guilty*171 beyond a reasonable doubt. And you would also be entitled to call witnesses and to see the witnesses that the prosecution might call. But since we don’t have a trial, it means you are waiving your right to be presumed innocent and to require the prosecution to prove you guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. You are also waiving your right to see and hear the witnesses and to produce witnesses. Do you understand that?
"The Defendant: Yes, sir. I understand.”
Defendant was also informed of his right to remain silent in the following manner:
"The Court: Finally, whenever you are charged with a crime you have a right to remain silent. But obviously if you’re going to plead guilty, you can’t remain silent; you’ve got to talk. Because a plea of guilty is a complete confession.
"The Defendant: Right.
"The Court: Therefore by pleading guilty you waive your what we call privilege against self-incrimination. Your right to remain silent. Do you understand that?
"The Defendant: Yes, sir.
"The Court: Now tell me: Have you understood everything that I’ve sáid?
"The Defendant: Right.
"The Court: Do you have any questions about any of your rights in this matter?
"The Defendant: No, sir.”
Defendant contends that this advice on these two rights was inadequate to satisfy the requirements of Boykin v Alabama
Defendant also asks us to review the sentence proceeding alleging that the court impermissibly considered pending charges. The sentencing court had accurate information. In fact the sentencing court was the court which dismissed the charges in question. The defendant was aware of these facts and did not deny them. See: People v Hildabridle, 45 Mich App 93, 95; 206 NW2d 216, 217 (1973), and People v Pettis, 49 Mich App 503; 212 NW2d 266 (1973). We find no error.
Finally defendant argues that he has not only a right to have a presentence report prepared , prior to sentencing but the additional right that it be current. The defendant did not object to the court’s intent (expressed at the time of the plea) to use the prior report. Indeed at sentencing the defendant’s attorney, who had seen the report, updated it with items believed beneficial to the defendant. We think the report was current. See People v Alexander, 17 Mich App 497; 169 NW2d 652 (1969). We find no error.
Conviction and sentence affirmed.
The plea was given prior to July 1, 1973, the effective date of GCR 1963, 785.
395 US 238; 89 S Ct 1709; 23 L Ed 2d 274 (1969).
387 Mich 21; 194 NW2d 868 (1972).
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.