X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.

Boggs, Justice.In 1992, Cynthia White was found guilty of felony murder and cruelty to children in the death of her three-year-old son. We affirmed her convictions in White v. State, 265 Ga. 392 (456 SE2d 587) (1995). In July 2016, White filed a pro se “Petition for Resentencing Under the First Offenders Act.” She now appeals from the trial court’s denial of that motion. We affirm.1. White argues on appeal that she was eligible for first offender treatment pursuant to OCGA § 42-8-66, which provides for the retroactive exoneration of guilt and discharge under certain circumstances. OCGA § 42-8-66 (a) sets forth two categories of individuals who may seek a petition in superior court for exoneration of guilt and discharge. Paragraph (a) (2) applies to individuals who were sentenced between March 18, 1968 and October 31, 1982. Paragraph (a) (1) applies to “[a]n individual who qualified for sentencing pursuant to this article but who was not informed of his or her eligibility for first offender treatment.” White argues that she was not so informed and was eligible for first offender treatment at the time of her conviction. However, this paragraph provides further that such an individual “may, with the consent of the prosecuting attorney, petition the superior court in the county in which he or she was convicted for exoneration of guilt and discharge pursuant to this article.” (Emphasis supplied.) The State argues that White’s petition is invalid on its face and was properly denied without the need for a hearing or findings of fact and conclusions of law, because the prosecuting attorney (of Gwinnett County, where White was convicted) did not consent to the filing of the petition. And White has made no showing to the contrary. The trial court therefore did not err in denying her petition.[1]2. White argues further that the trial court erred in failing to hold a hearing on the matter and enter findings of fact and conclusions of law in its order denying her petition. Although subsection (b) requires the trial court to hold a hearing on the petition “if requested by the petitioner or prosecuting attorney or desired by the court,” as explained above, White has not shown that she had the consent of the prosecuting attorney to meet the threshold requirement for petitioning to the superior court. The trial court was therefore not required to hold a hearing on the petition in this circumstance.[2]Judgment affirmed. All the Justices concur.

 
Reprints & Licensing
Mentioned in a Law.com story?

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

More From ALM

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
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
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
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
May 15, 2024
Philadelphia, PA

The Legal Intelligencer honors lawyers leaving a mark on the legal community in Pennsylvania and Delaware.


Learn More
May 16, 2024
Dallas, TX

Consulting Magazine recognizes leaders in technology across three categories Leadership, Client Service and Innovation.


Learn More

We are seeking an associate to join our Employee Benefits practice. Candidates should have three to six years of employee benefits experienc...


Apply Now ›

Associate attorney position at NJ Immigration Law firm: Leschak & Associates, LLC, based in Freehold, NJ, is looking for a full time ass...


Apply Now ›

Duane Morris LLP has an immediate opening for a senior level, highly motivated litigation associate to join its dynamic and growing Employme...


Apply Now ›
04/29/2024
The National Law Journal

Professional Announcement


View Announcement ›
04/15/2024
Connecticut Law Tribune

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


View Announcement ›
04/11/2024
New Jersey Law Journal

Professional Announcement


View Announcement ›