State v. Champion

OPINION

The defendant, Michael B. Champion (defendant), appeals from a motion for new trial that was denied after a jury found him guilty of one count of simple assault pursuant to G.L.1956 § 11-5-3. Although the trial justice denied the defendant’s motion on procedural grounds, she noted that she would have denied the motion on its merits if it had been filed properly.

Oral argument was held in this Court on March 8, 2005, pursuant to an order directing the parties to appear and show cause why the issues raised in this appeal should not summarily be decided. After hearing the arguments of…