Commonwealth v. Sorrell

The defendant, Raneek Sorrell, appeals from an order denying his motion to withdraw his guilty plea and for a new trial. The defendant argues on appeal, among other things, that the judge erred in denying his motion because there was an insufficient factual basis set forth in his guilty plea for the crime of simple possession of marijuana. We agree and, thus, reverse the order denying the defendant's motion to withdraw his guilty plea and for a new trial.

Background. The defendant was charged with the following: (1) possession of a controlled substance near a school zone, in violation of G. L.…