Mays v. State

Darrell Hickman, Justice.

Cleveland Odell Mays was convicted in the Pulaski County Circuit Court of aggravated robbery and sentenced to twenty years in the Arkansas Department of Correction. On appeal he argues one error: the trial court should have granted a mistrial for improper remarks by the state’s attorney. We agree, and reverse and remand the case.

During closing argument the deputy prosecuting attorney made certain improper remarks. Mays’ attorney moved for a mistrial and it was denied. The remarks and colloquy between the lawyers and the court, which occurred before the jury, are…