Martinez v. Commonwealth

In this appeal, we consider whether the Commonwealth’s attorney may ask a jury for the imposition of a specific sentence during closing argument in a criminal case.

On December 10, 17, and 18, 1987, Raymond Martinez, Jr., also known as “Beetle,” approached an informant and an undercover officer of the Virginia State Police and asked what they wanted. They gave Martinez some money and asked him to purchase some cocaine. On each occasion, Martinez purchased cocaine and gave it to the law enforcement agent and the informant.

A grand jury for Northampton County indicted Martinez on four counts of…