State v. Brazle

The issue presented in this case is whether a guilty plea is voluntarily and intelligently entered when the trial judge in accepting same does not specifically advise the defendant that the court is not bound to follow a presentence recommendation of probation.

Mamie Brazle was indicted for obtaining public assistance by fraud and other offenses in Anne Arundel County. She pleaded guilty to welfare fraud in the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County in exchange for the State’s agreeing to make no recommendation as to sentencing. The State further agreed to dismiss the other counts in the…