State v. Kelley

The central issue presented in this case is whether ap-pellee knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily waived his constitutional rights when he entered his plea of guilty to the offense of voluntary manslaughter. For the reasons which follow, we answer this query in the affirmative.

When a trial court or appellate court is reviewing a plea submitted by a defendant, its focus should be on whether the dictates of Crim. R. 11 have been followed. Crim. R. 11 provides in pertinent part:

“C. Pleas of guilty and no contest in felony cases.

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“(2) In felony cases the court may refuse to accept a plea…