State v. Robinson

ORDER

Respondent seeks to dismiss this appeal on the basis that it is premature. The motion is granted.

Appellant was tried and convicted in absentia of unlawful use of the telephone. His counsel filed notice of intent to appeal the conviction. Appellant has not been apprehended since the trial, and the sentence remains sealed.

A criminal defendant may not appeal until final judgment. State v. Hubbard, 277 S. C. 568, 290 S. E. (2d) 817 (1982). Judgment in a criminal case is not final until sentence is imposed. Ex parte Murray, 261 S. C. 255, 199 S. E. (2d) 718 (1973); State v. McKettrick, 13 S.…