People v. Powell

194 N.W.2d 420, 37 Mich. App. 286, 1971 Mich. App. LEXIS 1203

• Court: Michigan Court of Appeals
• Decided: November 29, 1971
• Docket: Docket 11646, 11647
• Status: Published

Opinion

Pee Ctteiam.

The defendants pled guilty to armed robbery of a gas station attendant, MCLA § 750.529 (Stat Ann 1971 Cum Supp §28.797). They were represented by a retained, experienced criminal lawyer. On February 19, 1971, defendant Powell was sentenced to a term of five to ten years in prison and defendant Webber was sentenced to a term of six to ten years in prison. The maximum sentence for armed robbery is life imprisonment.

On appeal, appointed appellate defense counsel presents three questions, none of which are briefed or argued. Therefore, they are considered abandoned. People v. Williams (1971), 29 Mich App 420 and People v. Heard (1971), 31 Mich App 439. Appellate defense counsel’s argument, as opposed to the issues he states, concerns alleged error in sentencing the defendants without showing them or their attorney their presentence reports.

In People v. Malkowski (1971), 385 Mich 244, decided June 7, 1971, the Court held that on the facts of that case there was no miscarriage of justice in the refusal of the court to allow defense counsel to see the presentence report. However, the implication of the decision was that granting a defendant’s request to see his presentence report was not a matter of judicial discretion.

The sentencings in the present cases were before the Malkowski case was decided. The defendants have never asked to see their presentence reports, and there are no presentence reports before this Court for review as to a possible miscarriage of justice. The parties have notified the court that they do not request oral argument. Under these circumstances, we find the issue so unsubstantial as to require no formal submission.

The motions to affirm are granted.