State v. Sterling, 444 So. 2d 1210

Lead Opinion

In Re Rodney Sterling applying for a Writ of Certiorari and Review to the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal No. KA-0543, 441 So.2d 798, from the Criminal District Court, Parish of Orleans No. 278-579.

Denied.

LEMMON, J., concurs and assigns reasons. DIXON, C.J., CALOGERO & DENNIS, JJ., would grant the writ.

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Concurrence Opinion

LEMMON, Justice,

concurring in the Denial of Certiorari.

Shortly after a person was seen in the building by a police officer, defendant was caught inside by a dog from the K-9 police unit. Because of this overwhelming evidence, and because there was no apparent prejudice to defendant from the prosecutor’s failure to comply with his continuing duty in regards to the discovery motion, reversal of a conviction is too high a penalty to exact in this case.

When the record (ór the lack of explanation, as in this case) suggests that the prosecutor deliberately failed to disclose the statement, La.C.Cr.P. Art. 729.5 B authorizes the sanction of constructive contempt of court for willful failure to comply with the discovery articles, even after final disposition of the case. Rather than reverse the fully supported conviction, the more appropriate procedure would be to order a contempt hearing pursuant to Article 729.5 B before a different trial judge.

Case Details

Case Name: State v. Sterling

Court Name: Supreme Court of Louisiana

Date Published: Feb 10, 1984

Citations: 444 So. 2d 1210; 1984 La. LEXIS 8243; No. 83-K-2550

Docket Number: No. 83-K-2550

Court Abbreviation: La.