The trial court denied appellant’s petition for relief pursuant to Rule 37. Petitioner had alleged ineffective assistance of counsel and failure to knowingly, voluntarily, and intelligently enter a guilty plea. For his appeal from the adverse ruling on his petition the appellant urges the court erred in finding he knowingly, voluntarily, and intelligently entered a guilty plea and that the trial court failed to make statutorily required written findings of act and conclusions of law. We disagree with appellant on both arguments.
Appellant had entered a guilty plea and charges of theft of property and aggravated robbery. He was sentenced to 35 years on the robbery charge and 15 years on theft. The sentences were, to be served concurrently. About two months after sentencing appellant filed his Rule 37 petition. The trial court conducted a hearing on the Rule 37 petition on October 3,1978, and overruled the petition in an order dated October 12, 1978. The appellant was represented by the public defender at the Rule 37 hearing. At the request of the court, the order, including the findings of fact and conclusions of law, was prepared by the prosecuting attorney. Appellant was granted a belated appeal from this ruling on June 18, 1979.
Appellant and an accomplice were accused of using threats of physical force while taking property, having a value in excess of $100, from Thomas and Katherine Ladd on September 19, 1977. The accomplice
The Court: Is anybody forcing you to do this?
Defendant Scott: No, sir.
The Court: You’re doing it of your own free will?
Defendant Scott: Yes, sir.
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The Court: “. . . may be sentenced to an extended term of imprisonment, as follows: Not less than 50 nor more than life.” So, apparently, it makes the minimum 50.
The court then examined the habitual offender act and explained it carried a penalty of 10 to 50 years or life. The court again inquired of the defendant if he wanted to plead guilty, and he replied, “Yes, sir.” The court then stated: “You’re sure you want to do that? If you want to back out and have a jury trial, I have a jury in there ready to try you.” The defendant then stated he did not actually commit the robbery. Thereupon the court admonished the appellant not to plead guilty if he were not guilty. Then for at least the third time appellant stated he wanted to enter a guilty plea. The court proceeded to sentence him to 35 years on aggravated robbery and 15 years on theft with the sentences to run concurrently.
After the Rule 37 hearing the court instructed the prosecuting attorney to draw up the order denying the petition. Appellant alleges this is in violation of Rule 37.3 (c) which requires the court to make written findings of fact and conclusions of law.
The evidence clearly shows the appellant knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily entered a plea of guilty. The record of the Rule 37 hearing clearly reveals appellant stated at least three separate times that he wanted to enter a guilty plea. He admits the court and his attorney advised him of the possible penalty. Further, he knew his fingerprints were found at the scene and that the accomplice would testify against him. In view of this record and the evidence, it appears his attorney advised him well.
We stated in Byler v. State,
Affirmed.
