People v. Quintero
People v. Quintero
Concurring Opinion
(concurring in result). I am constrained to concur in the result reached in this case because I cannot accept the view of the majority that one may be convicted of the felony of prison escape simply by being "where he had no right to be without permission”. True, a prisoner need not cross any prison boundaries before he is subject to prosecution under MCLA 750.193; MSA 28.390.
"(1) Any person, being imprisoned in any prison of this state for any term, who shall break prison and escape, or break prison though no escape be actually made, or shall escape, or shall leave the prison without being discharged from the prison by due process of law, or shall attempt to break prison or escape therefrom, shall be guilty of a felony, punishable by further imprisonment for not more than 5 years, such term of further imprisonment to be served after the termination, pursuant to law, of any sentence or sentences then being served.”
When a prisoner traverses into areas that are off limits without permission this is known as "skating” in prison jargon. The record indicates that those guilty of skating are normally punished administratively by the prison authorities.
Two prison officers testified that defendant admitted his intention was to leave the prison and go to Mexico.
Opinion of the Court
Defendant’s nonjury trial resulted in his conviction of prison escape, MCLA 750.193; MSA 28.390, for which he received an additional sentence of six months added to his minimum and maximum sentence. He appeals, contending the trial judge erred by applying an incorrect legal standard in finding escape on this record; that the proof failed to meet the "beyond a reasonable doubt standard”; and that the sentence subjects him to double punishment.
The key to a solution of this appeal lies in the meaning of "escape” as contained in MCLA 750.193, supra. We have been cited to no case factually identical to this case nor has independent research disclosed such authority. The record here establishes beyond question that defendant was where he had no right to be without permission. It is not clear whether this was within or without the area owned by the prison.
We recognize that People v Richards, 247 Mich 608; 226 NW 651 (1929), is not factually the case at bar. However, we believe the definition of "escape” therein contained is the most appropriate for maintenance of proper authority and discipline by the prison officials. That definition is "he escapes if he removes himself from the imposed
This conclusion disposes of the second issue which is based on a different concept of escape. The third issue does not merit discussion.
Affirmed.
Reference
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