State v. Hie

OPINION

This case requires us to decide whether the doctrine of collateral estoppel may be used by the state against a criminal defendant to preclude relitigation regarding whether that defendant is a probation violator. Counsel for both parties came before us to show cause why this appeal should not be summarily decided. Having studied their arguments, we perceive no cause and shall therefore proceed to consider the merits of the defendant’s appeal at this time.

The defendant, Sheldon P. Hie, appeals from a Superior Court order revoking his probation on a prior Superior Court sentence. In…