Holsclaw v. State

Michael D. Holsclaw was indicted, tried and convicted of automobile theft in violation of § 13A-8-3 (b), Code of Alabama 1975. Subsequent to a sentencing hearing, during which the state presented evidence of four prior felony convictions, the trial court sentenced appellant as a "habitual felony offender" to life imprisonment pursuant to § 13A-5-9-(c)(2), Code of Alabama 1975

The conviction for the "underlying substantive offense", i.e theft of an automobile, is not contested on this appeal

The sole issue raised here is whether or not the state must indicate prior to conviction that it intends…