State v. Cooper

Defendant was indicted for aggravated rape, a violation of La. R.S. 14:42A(4), punishable by death or life imprisonment without benefits. Represented by able counsel, he entered into a guilty plea to the responsive charge of forcible rape, a violation of La. R .S. 14:42.1 punishable by no less than five years nor more than forty years, at hard labor, at least two of which must be served without benefits. Both prosecution and defense counsel recommended to the court a 12-year sentencing cap, however, during the extensive and thorough guilty plea colloquy, the district judge stated, and the…