State v. Taylor

BRANCH, Chief Justice.

We note initially that this matter is not properly before us. G.S. 7A-27(a) provides:

§ 7A-27. Appeals of right from the courts of the trial divisions.(a) From a judgment of a superior court which includes a sentence of death or imprisonment for life, unless the judgment was based on a plea of guilty or nolo contendere, appeal lies of right directly to the Supreme Court.

(Emphasis added.) Defendant has no appeal of right since he entered pleas of guilty and no contest pursuant to a plea bargain. His purported appeal is therefore subject to dismissal. However, in order to…