People v. Mathis

Michigan Court of Appeals
People v. Mathis, 55 Mich. App. 699 (1974)
223 N.W.2d 312; 1974 Mich. App. LEXIS 871
Brennan, Burns, McGregor

People v. Mathis

Opinion of the Court

McGregor, J.

Defendant was arraigned and charged, on March 16, 1972, with rape and armed robbery, MCLA 750.520; MSA 28.788, MCLA 750.529; MSA 28.797, he pleaded guilty to a charge of assault with intent to rape, MCLA 750.85; MSA 28.280, on April 6, 1972, and was sentenced on April 20, 1972, to a term of 5 to 10 years.

On appeal, defendant raises five issues, four of which deal with the acceptance of defendant’s plea; the final issue concerns the sentence. Defendant maintains that his guilty plea should not have been accepted because the trial court did not adequately advise him of his right to confront his accusers and of his right to a trial without jury.

The statement which most closely approximates an attempt to advise the defendant of his right to confront his accusers was as follows:

"The Court: Do you also understand that if you had a trial you would have certain rights at that trial. For instance you have a right to have your lawyer with you. He could assist you throughout the trial and he could question witnesses for you. He could subpoena witnesses in your behalf.

"He could make legal arguments for you and argue your case to the jury and give you advice and help in a lot of other ways. Do you understand that?

"Defendant: Yes, sir.”

*701This language is comparable to advice given by the same judge which was held to be insufficient in People v Purdy, 46 Mich App 630, 632; 208 NW2d 581 (1973).

This Court has held the above language insufficient to inform a defendant of his right to confront his accusers. People v D’Argis, 44 Mich App 186; 205 NW2d 19 (1972).

Because of our decision, a new trial will be required in this case. We feel assured that, if any of the other alleged errors were committed in the previous trial, they will not be repeated upon retrial of the case.

Reversed and remanded for new trial.

T. M. Burns, J., concurred.

Dissenting Opinion

V. J. Brennan, P. J.

(dissenting). I respectfully disagree with my colleagues. I do not concur in the mandates of People v Purdy, 46 Mich App 630; 208 NW2d 581 (1973), or People v D’Argis, 44 Mich App 186; 205 NW2d 19 (1972).

The use of the magic words is not the only way to impart to a defendant the realization of his right to call witnesses and examine them and to cross-examine the witnesses that have been called against him. The trial court said:

"The Court: Do you understand if you had a trial you would have certain rights at that trial. For instance, you have a right to have your lawyer with you; he could assist you throughout the trial and he could question witnesses for you; he could subpoena witnesses in your behalf.

"He could make legal arguments for you and argue your case to the jury and give you advice and help in a lot of other ways. Do you understand that?

'!Defendant: Yes, sir.”

*702That language seems awfully clear to me; the court has clearly pointed out to the defendant that he could bring witnesses in, that the witnesses presented could be examined. I feel that more than covers the requirement of confrontation advice.

The entire plea in this case was very clear and thorough. It was obvious the defendant wanted to plead guilty and during the plea all his rights were clearly explained. Now we are nit-picking and trying to bend over backwards to find a way to set aside a perfectly good plea.

I would affirm.

Reference

Full Case Name
PEOPLE v. THOMAS MATHIS
Cited By
1 case
Status
Published