People v. Ward

While the facts of this case raise some concerns with the operating mechanics of our court rules, I would address these concerns in their proper forum, rather than resort, as the majority does, to an ill-grounded and conclusory opinion which, I fear, will do little more than blur the lines that this case would seem to indicate need clarification.

i

As the transcript of the February 1, 1995, plea proceeding in this case demonstrates, and as the majority does not dispute, the plea in this matter was hopelessly defective. The district judge gave no advice whatsoever and asked nothing of the…