Speights v. State

PATTERSON, Judge.

The appellant, Walter L. Speights, was indicted for the offense of theft of property in the first degree, § 13A-8-3(b), Code of Alabama 1975, and, on May 7, 1987, he was found guilty. Pursuant to the Alabama Habitual Felony Offender Act, Speights was sentenced to life imprisonment.

After the jury was struck, but prior to its being sworn, the following occurred:

“MR. MORGAN [defense counsel]: Judge, we move for a mistrial at this time. The strikes were used in such a way as to exclude black jurors for no cause.

“THE COURT: You mean just for removal and racially using the strikes?

“…