Duty v. State

John Mauzy Pittman, Judge.

Appellant, James A. Duty, was found guilty by the circuit court, sitting without a jury, of speeding and driving under a suspended driver’s license, for which he was fined $50.00 and $500.00, respectively, and ordered to pay court costs. Appellant raises several arguments on appeal. We find sufficient merit in one of his points to warrant reversal and remand for a new trial.

We first consider appellant’s argument that he was denied his constitutional right to a jury trial. Arkansas law gives every criminal defendant the right to a jury trial. The right “shall remain…