Sign In
Events
Newsletters
Search

Close

Close Search

Cancel

SEARCH
MY LAW.COMNEW

State v. O'Neal

The original trial judge had discretion to deny the defendant's motion to sever similar offenses based on evidence that the defendant used the first victim's stolen car during his robbery and assault of the second victim.

X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.

A jury found Frederick O’Neal guilty of armed robbery, aggravated assault, false imprisonment, and obstruction of a law enforcement officer. O’Neal moved for a new trial, arguing that the trial court erred in denying his pretrial motion to sever.1 The trial court agreed, granting the motion for new trial on this basis. We granted the State’s application for interlocutory appeal and, for reasons that follow, reverse. The evidence presented at trial shows that in the early afternoon on June 4, 1999, Ann Michelle Allen was sitting in a parking lot, cleaning the interior of her white Ford Taurus. An unknown man opened the car door, and Allen saw a man pointing a gun at her. Allen threw her purse at the man and exited the car, but was unable to escape. The assailant then put the gun to Allen’s side and said, “don’t scream or I’m going to kill you.” Allen finally escaped, and the man drove away in her car. At trial, Allen identified O’Neal as the perpetrator.

Around this time in June, Sandra Bonilla, one of O’Neal’s co-workers, noticed that O’Neal was driving a white car with a dealership tag. When Bonilla questioned O’Neal about the dealership tag, he told her that he had a license plate, but he did not have it on the car “because someone was looking for him.”

Trending Stories

 
Reprints & Licensing
Mentioned in a Law.com story?

License our industry-leading legal content to extend your thought leadership and build your brand.

LEARN MORE

More From ALM

Premium Subscription
With this subscription you will receive unlimited access to high quality, online, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry. This is perfect for attorneys licensed in multiple jurisdictions or for attorneys that have fulfilled their CLE requirement but need to access resourceful information for their practice areas.
View Now
Team Accounts
Our Team Account subscription service is for legal teams of four or more attorneys. Each attorney is granted unlimited access to high quality, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry along with administrative access to easily manage CLE for the entire team.
View Now
Bundle Subscriptions
Gain access to some of the most knowledgeable and experienced attorneys with our 2 bundle options! Our Compliance bundles are curated by CLE Counselors and include current legal topics and challenges within the industry. Our second option allows you to build your bundle and strategically select the content that pertains to your needs. Both options are priced the same.
View Now
Go to CLE Center
Southeastern Legal Awards 2024
June 20, 2024
Atlanta, GA

The Daily Report is honoring those attorneys and judges who have made a remarkable difference in the legal profession.


Learn More
Consulting Top Consultants 2024
June 27, 2024
New York

Consulting Magazine identifies consultants that have the biggest impact on their clients, firms and the profession.


Learn More
Elite Trial Lawyers 2024
July 11, 2024
New York, NY

The National Law Journal Elite Trial Lawyers recognizes U.S.-based law firms performing exemplary work on behalf of plaintiffs.


Learn More
Go to Events Go to Webcasts
Vice President of Legal Affairs and General Counsel

Vice President of Legal Affairs and General Counsel Department: Office of the General Counsel Reports To: University President Posi...


Apply Now ›
Litigation Associate

Cole Schotz P.C.Litigation Associate New Jersey OfficeProminent mid-Atlantic law firm with multiple regional office locations seeks an assoc...


Apply Now ›
Aviation Associate (Alternate Track) - New York, NY

Description: Fox Rothschild has an opening in the New York, NY office for a non-partnership track litigation associate. The ideal candidate ...


Apply Now ›
Go to Lawjobs
Clifford Law Offices, PC
04/29/2024
The National Law Journal

Professional Announcement


View Announcement ›
MELICK & PORTER, LLP
04/15/2024
Connecticut Law Tribune

MELICK & PORTER, LLP PROMOTES CONNECTICUT PARTNERS HOLLY ROGERS, STEVEN BANKS, and ALEXANDER AHRENS


View Announcement ›
Go to Professional Announcements