Puplampu v. State

Miller, Judge.

Emanuel Puplampu appeals from the trial court’s denial of his motion and plea in bar of double jeopardy. On appeal he contends, and the State concedes, that the trial court erred by improperly terminating his first trial after the first witness had already been sworn and then resetting the trial to begin again before a different judge. We agree and reverse.

The record reveals that on December 20, 2001, Puplampu appeared at a bench trial for an alleged speeding violation. After the first witness was sworn for the trial but before any questions were asked, the solicitor-general…