State v. McFord

Citation475 P.2d 758,13 Ariz.App. 273
Decision Date26 October 1970
Docket NumberNo. 1,CA-CR,1
PartiesThe STATE of Arizona, Appellee, v. Leonard Lester McFORD, Appellant. 253.
CourtArizona Court of Appeals

Gary K. Nelson, Atty. Gen., by Carl Waag, Asst. Atty. Gen., Phoenix, for appellee.

Ross P. Lee, Maricopa County Public Defender, by James H. Kemper, Deputy Public Defender, Phoenix, for appellant.

KRUCKER, Judge.

Information was filed against appellant, Leonard Lester McFord, charging assault with a deadly weapon and to an amended information charging aggravated assault. The appellant plead guilty, and on March 3, 1967, imposition of sentence was suspended for a period of five years and appellant placed on probation. On September 15, 1969, probation was revoked and appellant was sentenced to the Arizona State Prison for a term of not less than four nor more than five years.

Appellant appeals from the conviction, revocation of probation, and the sentence imposed. The specific points raised in this appeal are:

(1) Validity of the guilty plea.

(2) Error in revoking probation.

(3) Right to a speedy trial.

(4) Failure to give credit for time spent on probation.

Appellant was hospitalized in the Arizona State Hospital by court order dated February 28, 1969. In the order committing him to the hospital, the court continued the probation imposed and placed an additional condition that the appellant comply with all the conditions, terms, rules and regulations of the State Hospital in effect then and in the future.

Appellant, while a patient in the State Hospital, effected an escape, and while an escapee, armed himself with a gun. He also attempted suicide on several occasions once in the State Hospital and once while he was an escapee from there.

A hearing to revoke probation was held on September 15, 1969. This apparently was a hearing both to revoke probation and to inquire into the mental status of the appellant. At the conclusion of this hearing, probation was revoked and sentence imposed.

Addressing ourselves to the first question raised, we hold that the plea of guilty was validly, knowingly and intelligently made. Boykin v. Alabama, 395 U.S. 238, 89 S.Ct. 1709, 23 L.Ed.2d 274 (1969) had not then been handed down and is not retroactive. Even if it were, appellant was represented by counsel, and a plea bargain bringing about the amendment to the information was made. Furthermore, appellant was questioned as to voluntariness, promises regarding leniency, and his understanding that the amended charge could be treated as a felony.

Appellant was in fact granted probation, which was entered upon, and to now attack the entry of the plea he must show prejudice. State v. Gaines,6 Ariz.App. 561, 435 P.2d 68 (1967). He must also move to withdraw this plea and set aside the judgment to relieve the State of the 'bargain'. State v. Brown, 9 Ariz.App. 323, 451 P.2d 901 (1969).

The court held a full and complete hearing on the revocation of probation on September 15, 1969. Witnesses were examined, including appellant, and the transcript fully supports the trial court's revocation of probation. Dr. Baker testified as follows:

'Q. Doctor, as a result of your examinations, do you have an opinion as to Mr. McFord's mental condition?

A. Yes, I do.

Q. And what is that opinion, sir?

A. My opinion, as far as his mental condition, is first, that he does not suffer from a mental illness requiring hospitalization in a mental institution; secondly, that he is fully aware of the legal charges against him, is able to assist counsel in his defense, and in competent mentally to partake in any trial proceedings and is responsible for any previous acts.

Q. Doctor, you would not recommend hospitalization for Mr. McFord for any mental treatment at this time, is that correct?

A. I would not.'

* * * * * *

Dr. Cleary then testified:

'Q. As a result of your examinations of Mr. McFord, doctor, do you have an opinion as to his mental condition?

A. Yes, sir. My summary is that he suffers from a personality disorder, but he doesn't have a mental illness and does not require commitment to a mental institution.

I felt he would be able to assist in any legal proceedings he was involved in.'

* * * * * *

Defendant testified as follows:

* * * * * *

'Q. I see. So you knew what you were doing when you pointed this gun at your belly also, is that right?

A. Yes, sir. I had it angled up towards the heart, which is up higher.

Q. And you knew what you were doing when you broke the light in the hospital and tried to cut yourself. Is that what I understand?

A. Yes, sir.

Q. And you know what you are doing today, is that correct?

A. Yes, sir.'

* * * * * *

'THE COURT: It's the finding of the Court then that you have breached and broken the conditions of probation.

It is a further finding and order of the Court that the probation be revoked * * * you just haven't abided by the provisions of the probation. You have apparently antagonized everybody at the State Hospital. You have escaped and armed...

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9 cases
  • State v. Fuentes
    • United States
    • Arizona Court of Appeals
    • April 27, 1976
    ...State v. Benton, 19 Ariz.App. 333, 507 P.2d 135 (1973); State v. Tritle, 15 Ariz.App. 325, 488 P.2d 681 (1971); State v. McFord, 13 Ariz.App. 273, 475 P.2d 758 (1970). Although none of the decisions involved the subsequent imposition of a prison sentence after a Probation jail term, we do n......
  • State v. Jackson
    • United States
    • Arizona Court of Appeals
    • March 14, 1972
    ...325, 488 P.2d 681 (1971), wherein we cite In re Application of Johnson, 5 Ariz.App. 125, 423 P.2d 896 (1967) and State v. McFord, 13 Ariz.App. 273, 475 P.2d 758 (1970). The remaining issue urged by the defendant is the fact that the trial court, prior to questioning the defendant as to crim......
  • Baggett v. State
    • United States
    • Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals
    • October 5, 1971
    ...Ala.App. 467, 231 So.2d 921; State v. Griswold, 105 Ariz. 1, 457 P.2d 331; State v. Urbano, 105 Ariz. 13, 457 P.2d 343; State v. McFord, 13 Ariz.App. 273, 475 P.2d 758; In Re Tahl, 1 Cal.3d 122, 81 Cal.Rptr. 577, 460 P.2d 449; Odle v. State (Fla.App.), 241 So.2d 184; People v. Williams, 44 ......
  • State v. Sanchez
    • United States
    • Arizona Court of Appeals
    • March 1, 1973
    ...190, 472 P.2d 59 (1970). In re application of Johnson v. State v. Arizona, 5 Ariz.App. 125, 423 P.2d 896 (1967); State v. McFord, 13 Ariz.App. 273, 475 P.2d 758 (1970). The judgment and sentence of the trial court is DONOFRIO, P.J., and STEVENS, J., concur. ...
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