Timmie Ray McDuffy v. State
01-17-00124-CR
Tex.May 18, 2017Background
- Appellant Timmie Ray McDuffy pleaded guilty to possession with intent to deliver phencyclidine (first-degree felony) without an agreed punishment recommendation, pending a PSI hearing.
- In return, the State abandoned a deadly-weapon enhancement and agreed to recommend a sentencing cap of 15 years.
- At the PSI hearing the trial court found McDuffy guilty and assessed punishment at 5 years' confinement.
- The trial court certified that McDuffy waived his right to appeal; no trial-court permission to appeal was given.
- McDuffy timely filed a pro se notice of appeal; the court of appeals considered whether it had jurisdiction.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether appellate court has jurisdiction when defendant waived right to appeal after plea with consideration from State | McDuffy appealed pro se despite waiver; argued appeal should proceed | State relied on valid waiver made in exchange for abandoning enhancement and sentencing consideration | Waiver was valid (voluntary, knowing, intelligent); appellate court lacked jurisdiction and dismissed appeal |
Key Cases Cited
- Ex parte Broadway, 301 S.W.3d 694 (Tex. Crim. App. 2009) (defendant may knowingly waive appeal when consideration is given by State)
- Jones v. State, 488 S.W.3d 801 (Tex. Crim. App. 2016) (upholding waiver where State's concessions constituted consideration reducing potential sentence)
- Dears v. State, 154 S.W.3d 610 (Tex. Crim. App. 2005) (trial court certification of waiver controls appellate jurisdiction)
- Menefee v. State, 287 S.W.3d 9 (Tex. Crim. App. 2009) (dismissal required when valid waiver eliminates appellate jurisdiction)
- Chavez v. State, 183 S.W.3d 675 (Tex. Crim. App. 2006) (waiver of appeal bars appellate review absent trial-court permission)
