Latest 3 Cases: Darrough v. State (Criminal Law), Hall v. Kelley (Criminal Law), Randle v. Straughn (Criminal Law)

Darrough v. State

Citation: 2020 Ark. 119

Opinion Date: March 19, 2020

Judge: Hudson

Areas of Law: Criminal Law

The Supreme Court affirmed the judgment of the trial court denying Defendant's petition to correct an illegal sentence "imposed in an illegal manner," filed pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. 16-90-111, holding that the trial court did not err. Defendant was found guilty of possession of cocaine with intent to deliver and possession of marijuana with intent to deliver. Defendant's sentences were enhanced under Ark. Code Ann. 5-64-408 for a subsequent controlled-substance conviction. Defendant was sentenced to 840 months' and 240 months' imprisonment, to be served consecutively. The court of appeals affirmed. In his petition to correct an illegal sentence, Defendant argued that the sentences imposed exceeded the statutory maximum for the offenses for which he was convicted. The trial court denied relief. The Supreme Court affirmed, holding that Defendant's sentences were legally enhanced under section 5-64-408(b), and Defendant did not establish that his sentences were facially illegal.

Hall v. Kelley

Citation: 2020 Ark. 123

Opinion Date: March 19, 2020

Judge: Womack

Areas of Law: Criminal Law

The Supreme Court affirmed the order of the circuit court denying and dismissing Appellant's pro se petition for writ of habeas corpus filed under Ark. Code Ann. 16-112-101, holding that Appellant stated no ground in the petition on which the writ could issue under Arkansas law. Appellant was convicted of two counts of capital murder and, in a separate trial, one count of second-degree murder. In his habeas corpus petition, Appellant alleged that the judgment of conviction for capital murder was void because he was detained without lawful authority. The circuit court denied the petition. The Supreme Court affirmed, holding that Appellant's request for habeas relief was clearly without merit.

Randle v. Straughn

Citation: 2020 Ark. 117

Opinion Date: March 19, 2020

Judge: Karen R. Baker

Areas of Law: Criminal Law

The Supreme Court affirmed the order of the circuit court denying and dismissing Appellant's pro se petition for writ of habeas corpus pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. 16-112-101, holding that Appellant stated no ground in the petition on which the writ could issue under Arkansas law. Appellant was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to life imprisonment without parole. Appellant later filed a petition for writ of habeas corpus alleging that the judgment was void because the felony information was signed by a deputy prosecutor rather than the prosecutor. The circuit court denied the petition without a hearing. The Supreme Court affirmed, holding that Appellant's challenge to the validity of the felony information did not establish a ground for the writ.