Williams v. State

Birdsong, Presiding Judge.

Richard Williams appeals the 20-year sentence imposed upon him after he was convicted of sale of cocaine. He contends the trial court erred by imposing the sentence under a mechanical sentencing formula.

The transcript shows that after the jury found Williams guilty, a sentencing hearing was conducted and no evidence either in aggravation or mitigation was introduced. The prosecution waived its argument on sentencing and Williams’ trial defense counsel argued that as this was Williams’ first conviction, the trial court should be as lenient as possible in passing…