Scroggins v. State

Decision Date11 September 1973
Docket NumberNo. 9420,9420
Citation499 S.W.2d 818
PartiesDonald G. SCROGGINS, Movant-Appellant, v. STATE of Missouri, Respondent.
CourtMissouri Court of Appeals

David Donnelly, Lebanon, for movant-appellant.

John C. Danforth, Atty. Gen., Jefferson City, Charles B. Blackmar, Spec. Asst. Atty. Gen., St. Louis, Herbert D. Robards, Asst. Atty. Gen., Jefferson City, for respondent.

BILLINGS, Judge.

This is an appeal from the judgment of the Circuit Court of Laclede County denying appellant's motion to vacate his five-year sentence for first degree robbery under Rule 27.26, V.A.M.R. We affirm.

The trial court conducted an extensive evidentiary hearing and ruled adversely to appellant's contention that his 1971 plea of guilty was involuntary because of his lack of mental capacity (due to mental defect) and because it was induced by threats, force and coercion.

The lower court made detailed findings of fact and conclusions of law (Rule 27.26(i)) and determined that appellant's 'history and actions before, during and after the Court accepted Movant's plea of guilty of robbery in the first degree do not sustain Movant's motion.'

We have reviewed and carefully examined the transcript of the evidentiary hearing including a transcript of the record of the appellant's plea of guilty, and have concluded that the finding, conclusions and judgment of the trial court are not clearly erroneous. Skaggs v. State, 476 S.W.2d 524 (Mo.1972); Jones v. State, 471 S.W.2d 223 (Mo.1971). Also see Pulliam v. State, 480 S.W.2d 896 (Mo.1972). No error of law appears and a more detailed opinion would have no precedential value.

We affirm the judgment under Rule 84.16, V.A.M.R.

ADDENDUM

During the oral argument of the appeal the appellant's attorney advised us that his court-appointed client was no longer in custody of Missouri authorities and had been released to Illinois prison officials for alleged parole violation. Since submission of the case and the preparation of the foregoing memorandum opinion the Attorney General of Missouri has filed with our Clerk official documents attesting to an Executive commutation of appellant's sentence to a term ending June 22, 1973.

By reason of appellant's sentence having been commuted and his unconditional release from custody under the sentence sought to be vacated, relief under Rule 27.26 is not available. Rule 27.26(b)(1), V.A.M.R. Recognizing this appellant's counsel suggested we consider this motion as one in the...

To continue reading

Request your trial
3 cases
  • Grant v. State, s. 38071
    • United States
    • Missouri Court of Appeals
    • 31 Enero 1978
    ...was not available to movant. State v. Brookshire, 377 S.W.2d 291 (Mo.1964); Bibbs v. State, 476 S.W.2d 590 (Mo.1972); Scroggins v. State, 499 S.W.2d 818 (Mo.App.1973); Howard v. State, 512 S.W.2d 206 (Mo.App.1974). Defendant's attack is against the sentence in its entirety, and his claim is......
  • Howard v. State, 9573
    • United States
    • Missouri Court of Appeals
    • 10 Julio 1974
    ...sought to be vacated, relief under Rule 27.26, V.A.M.R., is not available. Bibbs v. State, 476 S.W.2d 590 (Mo.1972); Scroggins v. State, 499 S.W.2d 818 (Mo.App.1973). Accordingly, the appeal is All concur. ...
  • McCullough v. State, 9580
    • United States
    • Missouri Court of Appeals
    • 14 Marzo 1974
    ...briefs of the parties and conclude the findings, conclusions and judgment of the trial court are not clearly erroneous. Scroggins v. State, 499 S.W.2d 818 (Mo.App.1973). No error of law appears and an opinion would have no precedential Judgment affirmed under Rule 84.16, V.A.M.R. All concur. ...

VLEX uses login cookies to provide you with a better browsing experience. If you click on 'Accept' or continue browsing this site we consider that you accept our cookie policy. ACCEPT