State v. Tison

¶1 On June 22, 2000, Ernest Tison was charged with assault with a weapon, assault on a minor and partner family member assault. A trial was held, and Tison was found guilty of the charges and received a sentence of twenty-six years. Tison now appeals that judgment. We reverse for the reasons listed below.

¶2 During the pre-trial process, Tison’s mental fitness to proceed became an issue. At his initial appearance on June 22,2000, Tison pled guilty to all three charges, but the District Court refused to enter the plea because Tison would not admit to having committed the underlying elements of…