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Summary Of Santobello V. New York, 404 US

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Case Brief
Case title: Santobello V. New York, 404 U.S 257 (1971)
Facts: Santobello was indicted with two felonies and plead guilty to a lesser offense after negotiating with the prosecutor. The offense that he did plead guilty had a maximum sentence to only a year in jail, which was less than the original two felonies, and the prosecutor at the time said he wouldn’t recommend anything to the judge. However, a different prosecutor took over the case and did end up recommending the maximum sentence. The defendant’s, Santobello’s, attorney objected and told the judge of the deal that the former prosecutor made a deal to not recommend sentencing, but the judge said that no one influenced him and that the he believed the maximum one year sentence was appropriate based on Santobello’s criminal record. Therefore, Santobello was sentenced to a year in jail. Santobello tried to recant his guilty plea since the promise from the former prosecutor was not valid, but his request was denied. Then he tried to make an appeal to the court but the court decided that the just because a prior promise didn’t happen, didn’t …show more content…

Yes.

Court Decision: The U.S Supreme court remanded it back to the court in New York and let them decide.

Holding: When the defendant enters a plea of guilt under a plea bargain and the court accepts it, it is the civil right of the defendant for the agreement under the bargain to be enforced. If what is stated in the plea bargain isn’t kept, it’s up to the court to decide whether or not the prosecution is required to enforce the agreement or if the defendant can have the opportunity to take back the plea of guilt. In this case, the broken agreement was enough to allow the defendant to take back his plea and go back to court for a new

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