Seybold v. State

On this review, the defendant raises two issues:

1. Whether the defendant’s plea of guilty was involuntary because the trial judge participated in the plea bargaining?

2. Whether the defendant’s plea of guilty was involuntary because it was motivated by the desire to obtain probation for his wife?

At the hearing on postconviction motions, the defendant acknowledged his participation in the crimes, and as we view the record he could hardly do otherwise. Also, although he recognizes he knowingly and understandably entered pleas of guilty, he now asserts they were involuntary.

Did the trial judge…