State v. Gibby

432 P.2d 258, 78 N.M. 414
CourtNew Mexico Supreme Court
DecidedOctober 2, 1967
Docket8302
StatusPublished
Cited by34 cases

This text of 432 P.2d 258 (State v. Gibby) is published on Counsel Stack Legal Research, covering New Mexico Supreme Court primary law. Counsel Stack provides free access to over 12 million legal documents including statutes, case law, regulations, and constitutions.

Bluebook
State v. Gibby, 432 P.2d 258, 78 N.M. 414 (N.M. 1967).

Opinion

OPINION

MOISE, Justice.

Having pleaded guilty to violation of §• 40A-16-9, N.M.S.A.1953 (forgery), on January 25, 1965, appellant was sentenced to serve not less than two years, nor more than ten years, in the state penitentiary. Between March 28, 1966 and August 9, 1966, appellant communicated four times with the district judge, setting forth numerous grounds of attack on his sentence. Counsel was appointed and a hearing granted at which some thirteen contentions advanced by appellant in these letters were considered as constituting attacks on appellant’s sentence under Rule of Civil Procedure 93 (§ 21-1-1(93), N.M.S.A.1953). Appellant was present at the hearing and testified at some length. Also testifying were a deputy sheriff called by appellant, and counsel who represented him at the time of his arraignment and sentence in January 1965.

At the conclusion of the hearing, the court stated certain findings into the record and concluded that none of the contentions had any merit, and thereupon denied the motion. These findings were not incorporated into a written decision filed in the cause, as required by our rules, § 21-1-1 (52) (B) (1), N.M.S.A.1953. However, the impropriety was not that of appellant, and we will not let it interfere with our review. Compare Burlingham v. Burlingham, 72 N.M. 433, 384 P.2d 699 (1963); Thompson v. Greer, 55 N.M. 335, 233 P.2d 204 (1951). The same thirteen points presented to the court below are here argued in support of the appeal from the order denying the motion.

The first ground of attack is addressed to a claimed failure of the arresting officer to have a warrant for appellant’s arrest at the time he was taken into custody. Article II, § 10, N.M. Const., and §§ 41-1-2, 41-1-3, N.M.S.A.1953, are relied upon as making the arrest unlawful. The record discloses that at the time appellant was arrested, he was in the company of one Joe Bob Blackwell for whom the officer had a warrant. Also, that the officer had been advised that Blackwell was accompanied by a man answering appellant’s description, when the acts alleged were committed, and that the officer encountered appellant in the company of Blackwell, and arrested them both. Beyond the fact that the sections mentioned above do not support appellant’s motion, we are satisfied that under the rules applicable here, appellant was not deprived of any constitutional right. In State v. Selgado, 76 N.M. 187, 189, 413 P.2d 469 (1966), we said:

“It is true that some jurisdictions require an officer arresting without warrant to have actual knowledge that an offense is being committed in his presence. But the majority view, followed by this court, is that it is not essential and that a bona fide belief on the part of the officer is sufficient. 1939 Wis.L. Rev. 385. A police officer is not required to justify his action in making an arrest by a subsequent showing that as a matter of fact the offense was committed. He may arrest without a warrant when the circumstances are such as to warrant a reasonable person in believing that an offense has been committed by the person whom he then arrests. Ryan v. Conover, 59 Ohio App, 361, 18 N.E.2d 277 and see Cave v. Cooley, [49 N.M. 478, 152 P.2d 886] supra. * * * ”

The court below found the presence of probable cause for the arrest without a warrant in the first instance, and subsequent issuance and service of a warrant. These findings are supported by substantial evidence. In addition, we would note that a claim of illegal arrest, in itself, is not a proper ground for attacking a judgment under 28 U.S.C.A. § 2255. Warren v. United States, 311 F.2d 673 (8th Cir. 1963); Edwards v. United States, 103 U.S.App.D.C. 152, 256 F.2d 707 (1958). Our Rule 93 (§ 21-1-1(93), N.M.S.A. 1953) was copied from 28 U.S.C.A. § 2255, and the interpretation of the federal courts is persuasive as to its meaning. State v. Weddle, 77 N.M. 420, 423 P.2d 611 (1967). We adopt the interpretation of the federal courts in this regard as applicable under Rule 93 petitions, and appellant’s first point accordingly is ruled against him.

We next discuss appellant’s Point III wherein he complains that he was interrogated prior to arraignment before an examining magistrate, and without being advised of his right to remain silent, and to have counsel present when being questioned. It is appellant’s position that the procedure followed did not conform to the rules as prescribed in Escobedo v. State of Illinois, 378 U.S. 478, 84 S.Ct. 1758, 12 L.Ed.2d 977 (1964), and Miranda v. State of Arizona, 384 U.S. 436, 86 S.Ct. 1602, 16 L.Ed.2d 694 (1966). This case having been determined prior to June 13, 1966, Miranda v. State of Arizona, supra does not apply. Johnson v. State of New Jersey, 384 U.S. 719, 86 S.Ct. 1772, 16 L.Ed.2d 882 (1966); State v. Gonzales 77 N.M. 583, 425 P.2d 810 (1967). Neither is Escobedo applicable. The record discloses evidence that appellant was advised of his right to counsel and although defendant denied it, the court found as a fact that he had been so advised. It is not for us to weigh the evidence or pass on the credibility of witnesses. That is the province of the trial court and, substantial evidence being present to support its findings, we will not disturb them. Utter v. Marsh Sales Co., 71 N.M. 335, 378 P.2d 374 (1963); Beacon Supply Company v. American Fiber Corp., 75 N.M. 29, 399 P.2d 927 (1965); compare State v. Sneed, 76 N.M. 349, 414 P.2d 858 (1966).

We next note appellant’s Point XI wherein he complains of the failure to grant him a preliminary hearing as provided by law (§§ 41-3-1 to 41-3-16, N.M. S.A.1953). However, the court found that the preliminary hearing had been intelligently waived by appellant, as was his right (Art. II, § 14 N.M.Const., § 41-3-1, N.M.S.A.1953). The finding is supported by substantial evidence and will not be disturbed. Additionally, entry of a plea of guilty in the district court after consulting with and being advised by counsel, in itself, accomplished a waiver. State v. Darrah, 76 N.M. 671, 417 P.2d 805 (1966); State v. Blackwell, 76 N.M. 445, 415 P.2d 563 (1966); Sanders v. Cox, 74 N.M. 524, 395 P.2d 353 (1964).

Point II to the effect that no bill of particulars was furnished under § 41-6-8, N.M.S.A.1953, is totally lacking in merit. It does not appear that a bill of particulars was requested. This being true, no basis for complaint is present for failure to furnish one. State v. Romero, 69 N.M. 187, 365 P.2d 58 (1961); State v.

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Bluebook (online)
432 P.2d 258, 78 N.M. 414, Counsel Stack Legal Research, https://law.counselstack.com/opinion/state-v-gibby-nm-1967.