State v. West, Ct07-0034 (10-18-2007)
State v. West, Ct07-0034 (10-18-2007)
Opinion of the Court
{¶ 2} A timely Notice of Appeal was filed on May 31, 2007. On July 30, 2007, counsel for Appellant filed a brief pursuant to Anders v.California (1967),
{¶ 5} In Anders, the United States Supreme Court held that if, after a conscientious examination of the record, a defendant's counsel concludes the case is wholly frivolous, then he should so advise the court and request permission to withdraw. Id. at 744. Counsel must accompany his request with a brief identifying anything in the record that could arguably support his client's appeal. Id. Counsel also must: (1) furnish *Page 3 his client with a copy of the brief and request to withdraw; and, (2) allow his client sufficient time to raise any matters his client chooses. Id. Once the defendant's counsel satisfies these requirements, the appellate court must fully examine the proceedings below to determine if any arguably meritorious issues exist. If the appellate court also determines the appeal is frivolous, it may grant counsel's request to withdraw and dismiss the appeal without violating constitutional requirements, or may proceed to a decision on the merits if state law so requires. Id.
{¶ 6} Counsel for Appellant filed a Notice and Certification of Compliance with Court Order verifying he served Appellant with a copy of the brief and notice of his right to file his own brief. Appellant was sent this notice on May 17, 2007, but he has not filed a pro se brief raising any Assignments of Error.
{¶ 7} We now turn to potential Assignments of Error.
*Page 4{¶ 9} "In felony cases, the court may refuse to accept a plea of guilty * * * and shall not accept such plea without first addressing the defendant personally, and;
{¶ 10} "(a) Determining that he is making the plea voluntarily, with understanding of the nature of the charge and of the maximum penalty involved, and, if applicable, that he is not eligible for probation.
{¶ 11} "(b) Informing him of and determining that he understands the effect of his plea of guilty * * * and that the court, upon acceptance of the plea, may proceed with judgment and sentence."
{¶ 12} "(c) Informing him and determining that he understands that, by his plea, he is waiving his rights to jury trial, to confront witnesses against him, to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to require the
State to prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at a trial at which he cannot be compelled to testify against himself."
{¶ 13} If the record indicates that the trial court substantially complied with the above requirements of Crim.R. 11, the plea will not be set aside. State v. Ballard (1981),
{¶ 14} Finally, we note Appellant executed a comprehensive written plea of guilty form with the advice of counsel.
{¶ 15} Accordingly, the first potential Assignment of Error is hereby overruled.
{¶ 17} A trial court has great discretion in sentencing defendants,State v. Foster,
{¶ 18} We will not reverse the trial court's sentencing decisions absent an abuse of discretion. State v. Kandel, 5th Dist. No. 04COA011,
{¶ 19} The potential range for a felony of the fifth degree is six to twelve months in prison. R.C.
{¶ 20} Accordingly, the potential second Assignment of Error is hereby overruled.
{¶ 21} For these reasons, after independently reviewing the record, we agree with counsel's conclusion that no arguably meritorious claims exist upon which to base an appeal. Hence, we find the appeal to be wholly frivolous under Anders, grant counsel's request to withdraw, and affirm the judgment of the trial court. *Page 6
{¶ 22} The judgment of the Muskingum County Court of Common Pleas, General Division, is affirmed.
Hoffman, J., Gwin, P.J. and Edwards, J. concur
Attorney Gerald J. Tiberio, Jr.'s motion to withdraw as counsel for Appellant is hereby denied.
*Page 1COSTS TAXED TO APPELLANT.
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