STATE v. MORAN (2024)

ORDER DIRECTING ISSUANCE OF JUDGMENT OF AFFIRMANCE

The Court considered all of the briefs filed in the above-entitled matter, together with the appeal record, and concluded pursuant to SDCL 15-26A-87.1(A), that it is manifest on the face of the briefs and the record that the appeal is without merit on the following grounds: 1. that the issues on appeal are factual and there clearly is sufficient evidence to support the verdict below, and 2. that the issues on appeal are ones of judicial discretion and there clearly was not an abuse of discretion (SDCL 15-26A-87.1(A)(2) and (3)), now, therefore, it is

ORDERED that a judgment affirming the Judgment of the lower court be entered forthwith.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Court declines to consider the merits of Appellant's ineffective assistance of counsel claim(s) because the record on direct appeal does not afford an adequate basis to review the performance of trial counsel. [(See State v. Vortherms, 2020 S.D 67, ¶30, 952 N.W.2d 113, 120).]

Steven R. Jensen, Chief Justice

PARTICIPATING: Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen and Justices Janine M. Kern, Mark E. Salter, Patricia J. DeVaney and Scott P. Myren.