Narrative Opinion Summary
Aaron L. Drummer pled guilty to possession with intent to sell or deliver ten pounds of marijuana, classified as a Class E felony, and accepted a one-year sentence with a $3,000 fine, leaving the method of serving the sentence to the trial court's discretion. Following a sentencing hearing, the trial court denied alternative sentencing, resulting in immediate incarceration for Drummer. On appeal, he argued that the trial court erred in denying alternative sentencing; however, the Court of Criminal Appeals noted that Drummer had since been released from incarceration, rendering the appeal moot. Consequently, the trial court's judgment was affirmed under Rule 20 of the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals, with costs assigned to the State of Tennessee due to Drummer's indigent status. The decision was concurred by Judges Joe G. Riley, David G. Hayes, and William M. Barker.
Legal Issues Addressed
Affirmation of Lower Court's Decision Under Rule 20subscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: The Court of Criminal Appeals can affirm a trial court's judgment under Rule 20 when an appeal is deemed moot.
Reasoning: Consequently, the trial court's judgment was affirmed under Rule 20 of the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals.
Assessment of Costs Due to Indigencysubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: When a party is indigent, the costs of the appeal may be assigned to the State.
Reasoning: The trial court's judgment was affirmed under Rule 20 of the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals, with costs assigned to the State of Tennessee due to Drummer's indigent status.
Mootness Doctrine in Appealssubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: An appeal may be rendered moot if the issue at hand has been resolved or is no longer applicable due to changed circumstances.
Reasoning: On appeal, he argued that the trial court erred in denying alternative sentencing; however, the Court of Criminal Appeals noted that Drummer had since been released from incarceration, rendering the appeal moot.
Sentencing Discretion of Trial Courtsubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: The trial court has the discretion to determine the method of serving a sentence, including denying alternative sentencing options.
Reasoning: Following a sentencing hearing, the trial court denied alternative sentencing, resulting in immediate incarceration for Drummer.