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People v. Marshall

Citations: 168 N.W.2d 480; 16 Mich. App. 578; 1969 Mich. App. LEXIS 1427Docket: 4,567

Court: Michigan Court of Appeals; March 25, 1969; Michigan; State Appellate Court

Narrative Opinion Summary

Defendant Marshall's probation was revoked during a hearing on August 21, 1967, resulting in a prison sentence. At this hearing, he was not provided with legal counsel, nor did he waive his right to counsel. The court referenced the precedent set by Mempa v. Rhay, which established that a defendant is entitled to counsel during a probation revocation hearing that results in sentencing. Additionally, cases such as McConnell v. Rhay and several Michigan appellate decisions emphasize this right. Consequently, the court set aside Marshall's sentence and remanded the case to the trial court for a new probation violation hearing, ensuring the defendant is represented by counsel unless he chooses to waive that right intelligently. The underlying offense was uttering and publishing, which carries a maximum sentence of 14 years.

Legal Issues Addressed

Maximum Sentence for Uttering and Publishing

Application: The underlying offense of uttering and publishing was noted for its severity, with a potential maximum sentence of 14 years, highlighting the importance of legal representation.

Reasoning: The underlying offense was uttering and publishing, which carries a maximum sentence of 14 years.

Precedent of Mempa v. Rhay

Application: The case relied on the precedent established by Mempa v. Rhay to determine that the absence of counsel at Marshall's probation revocation hearing was a violation of his rights.

Reasoning: The court referenced the precedent set by Mempa v. Rhay, which established that a defendant is entitled to counsel during a probation revocation hearing that results in sentencing.

Remand for New Hearing with Counsel

Application: The court decided to set aside the sentence and remand the case for a new hearing to ensure the defendant's right to counsel is upheld, unless he waives it intelligently.

Reasoning: Consequently, the court set aside Marshall's sentence and remanded the case to the trial court for a new probation violation hearing, ensuring the defendant is represented by counsel unless he chooses to waive that right intelligently.

Right to Counsel in Probation Revocation Hearings

Application: The court applied the principle that a defendant must have legal representation during a probation revocation hearing that results in sentencing, unless the right is knowingly waived.

Reasoning: Defendant Marshall's probation was revoked during a hearing on August 21, 1967, resulting in a prison sentence. At this hearing, he was not provided with legal counsel, nor did he waive his right to counsel.