State v. Slater

Defendant Tony Slater pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and sought to withdraw his plea before sentencing. The sole question in this appeal is whether the trial court correctly denied defendant’s motion to set aside the plea.

In evaluating motions to withdraw a guilty plea, trial courts should consider the following factors: (1) whether the defendant has asserted a colorable claim of innocence; (2) the nature and strength of defendant’s reasons for withdrawal; (3) the existence of a plea bargain; and (4) whether withdrawal would result in unfair prejudice to the…