Santobello v. New York

404 U.S. 257, 92 S.Ct. 495, 30 L.Ed.2d 427 (1971)

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Santobello v. New York

United States Supreme Court
404 U.S. 257, 92 S.Ct. 495, 30 L.Ed.2d 427 (1971)

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Facts

Santobello (defendant) was indicted on two felony counts. After negotiations, Santobello entered a plea of guilty to a lesser included offense. The offense carried a maximum sentence of one year in jail. The prosecutor promised to make no sentencing recommendations to the judge. At the sentencing hearing, a new prosecutor represented the state and recommended the maximum one-year sentence. Santobello’s attorney objected, citing the other prosecutor’s promise to make no sentencing recommendation. The sentencing judge said that he was not influenced by the prosecutor’s recommendation and that based on Santobello’s long criminal record the maximum sentence is appropriate. Santobello was sentenced to one year in jail.

Rule of Law

Issue

Holding and Reasoning (Burger, C.J.)

Concurrence (Douglas, J.)

Concurrence/Dissent (Marshall, J.)

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