Motion to withdraw Christopher Craft's plea denied

Christopher Craft wanted to withdraw his plea for voluntary manslaughter. He was originally charged with the death of Brandon Brocious.

On July 16, Craft entered a plea to a lesser charge for Count 1. He admitted to voluntary manslaughter as well enhancement of using a knife during the commission of a crime.

Ms. Christina Allbright is still Christopher Craft's lawyer.  She was called as a witness by the People today. Deputy District Attorney questioned Ms. Allbright and via her answers showed that proper admonishments were given by the Court, Ms. Allbright and Craft understood the consequences of entering the plea. Mr. Rees also referred to the transcript of the hearing when the plea was taken.

Ms. Jennifer Dixon was appointed for the limited purpose of looking into whether a motion can be filed for Craft to withdraw his plea for voluntary manslaughter. She was relieved of the appointment after today's hearing.

Deputy District Rees and Jessica Watson are the prosecutors for this case. Ms. Watson has objected to the withdrawl of the plea on behalf of the People and Brocious' family at recent hearings.

Lorna Leen was in court with her daughter, who mouthed off to Brocious' stepfather. The daughter also texted on her cell phone, despite this being brought to the attention of the court bailiff.

The motion was denied by Judge Christopher Wilson because not good cause was provided.

"The Court takes into consideration the minor's age and developmental age in the decision making process," said Judge Wilson. "Thisis an negotiated plea. The disposition is something  both sides are interested in. I am confident proper admonishments were given. Case law indicates simply a change of heart is not sufficient to overturn a valid plea. I know a lot of pressure was put upon Christopher about the entry of the plea based on what his mother said in the beginning." This was in court and I covered it in a previous post.

Disposition hearing is on October 4. Craft will be sentenced on that day.

The Brocious family while happy with the Judge's ruling, spoke with Deputy DAs Rees and Watson after the hearing. If they wish to make a comment, I will add it. Deputy DA Rees prepared them about the possibity of the sentencing being continued.

Recent posts:
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2019/08/hearing-for-christopher-craft-to.html?m=1

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2019/08/brandon-brocious-family-commends-deputy.html?m=1

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2019/08/motion-to-appoint-another-attorney-to.html?m=1

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2019/07/i-wouldnt-do-it-chris-lorna-leen-thrown.html?m=1

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2019/07/if-christopher-craft-case-resolves.html?m=1