United States v. Butler

Opinion of the Court

Robert E. QuiNN, Chief Judge:

The accused entered a plea of guilty to a charge of desertion, alleging an absence of over four months terminated by apprehension, and to a second charge alleging an unauthorized absence. The law officer informed the accused of the meaning of the plea and of its consequences in regard to both the findings and the sentence. The accused indicated that he understood “the meaning and effect” of the plea, and with that understanding he desired to adhere to his plea. However, the law officer held an out-of-court hearing “before finally accepting the…