State v. Johnson

Although I agree with the result reached by the court of appeal, I write separately to note that, in my view, this paramount issue warrants this Court's full attention. Specifically, under Boykin v. Alabama , 395 U.S. 238, 243, 89 S.Ct. 1709, 23 L.Ed.2d 274 (1969), the record in a guilty plea must reflect that the defendant fully understands the nature of the charge(s), the allegations levied against him, the right to counsel, the right to a trial by jury or by the court, and the right to confront and cross-examine witnesses at trial. Moreover, La. C.Cr.Pr. art. 556.1 specifies the mandatory…