Moredock v. State

ON PETITION TO TRANSFER

SHEPARD, Chief Justice.

The question presented is whether a trial court may accept a plea from a defendant who pleads guilty in open court but tells a probation officer that he did not commit the crime. We hold that the court may accept such a plea.

While appellant Steven Moredock was awaiting trial in 1988 on charges of confinement and battery, the prosecution informed him that it intended to file habitual criminal charges. He decided to accept an offer to plead to confinement and battery.

Moredock executed a plea agreement and appeared in open court to plead. The…