787 S.W.2d 821 | Mo. Ct. App. | 1990
Cornelius Morrow was convicted by a jury of one count of burglary in the first degree (§ 569.160, RSMo 1986)
The appeal is dismissed.
Following his convictions on July 25, 1988, Mr. Morrow was released on bond pending sentencing. On September 27, 1988, after he failed to appear at his sentencing hearing, a warrant was issued for his arrest. Mr. Morrow was arrested on March 30, 1989, and he was sentenced five weeks later. This appeal followed.
On appeal, the state argues that, by failing to appear at his sentencing and remaining at large for six months, Morrow has forfeited his right to appeal. In support of its argument, the state cites State v. Wright, 763 S.W.2d 167 (Mo.App.1988). In Wright, the defendant was released on bond following her conviction for the possession of marijuana. She then failed to appear for sentencing and remained at large for five and one-half months. This court determined that she had forfeited her right to appeal, stating:
Those who seek the protection of this legal system must ... be willing to abide by its rules and decisions. Ms. Wright comes before this court seeking vindication of her Fourth Amendment rights. Earlier, however, when she absconded she showed her reluctance to accept the decision of the trial court or to await the vindication of her rights by this court. She may not selectively abide by the decisions of the courts. Wayne v. Wyrick, 646 F.2d 1268, 1271 (8th Cir.1981). By absconding, she has forfeited her right to appeal. See also Molinaro v. New Jersey, 396 U.S. 365, 366, 90 S.Ct. 498, 499, 24 L.Ed.2d 586 (1970) (Escape “disentitles the defendant to call upon the resources of the Court for determination of his claims.”).
763 S.W.2d at 168-69. The rationale of State v. Wright is applied to this case.
Accordingly, the appeal is dismissed.
. All references to statutes are to Revised Statutes of Missouri, 1986, unless stated.
