State v. Coats

The defendant, Dornell Coats, pleaded guilty to two counts of simple burglary (R.S. 14:62) and was sentenced to five years on each count, the sentences to run concurrently. He appeals those convictions and sentences.

The Louisiana Supreme Court has appellate jurisdiction in criminal cases “in which the penalty of death or imprisonment at hard labor may be imposed.” (Emphasis added). La.Const. of 1921, Art. 7, Sec. 10(5). Code of Criminal Procedure Article 912 provides in part.

“A. Only a final judgment or ruling is appealable.

"B. * * *

“C. The judgments or rulings from which the defendant may…