Learn About the Law
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
STATE of Louisiana v. Murphy THOMAS, Defendant-Appellant.
In State v. Thomas, 98-231 (La.App. 3 Cir. 10/7/98), 720 So.2d 91, we remanded this case to the trial court for an evidentiary hearing to determine whether the defendant knowingly and intelligently waived his right to a trial by jury. On November 6, 1998, the trial court held the required evidentiary hearing. The defendant testified that he had not waived his right to a jury trial and would have exercised this right had he been given the opportunity.
When misdemeanor offenses are charged by separate bills of information and the aggregate penalty of the offenses exceeds six months imprisonment or a fine of $1,000.00, a defendant is entitled to a jury trial. State v. Hornung, 620 So.2d 816 (La.1993). At the time of his trial, the defendant had been charged by four separate charging instruments. His penalty exposure exceeded six months confinement.
As the defendant had not waived his right to trial by jury at his trial, his conviction is vacated. The sentence is set aside. This case is remanded to the trial court for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.
CONVICTION VACATED. CASE REMANDED FOR A NEW TRIAL.
WOODARD, Judge.
A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes visit FindLaw's Learn About the Law.
Docket No: No. CR98-231.
Decided: January 06, 1999
Court: Court of Appeal of Louisiana,Third Circuit.
Search our directory by legal issue
Enter information in one or both fields (Required)
Harness the power of our directory with your own profile. Select the button below to sign up.
Learn more about FindLaw’s newsletters, including our terms of use and privacy policy.
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
Search our directory by legal issue
Enter information in one or both fields (Required)