State of New Jersey, Plaintiff-Appellant v. Willie Spinks, Defendant-Respondent

Summary

The Supreme Court of New Jersey affirmed the Appellate Division's decision, holding that appellate courts may review and modify sentences imposed pursuant to plea bargains when they are excessive, that defendants retain a right of appeal from such sentences, and that sentencing a youthful offender to State Prison rather than the Youth Correctional Institution Complex is proper under the statutes. The Court emphasized deference to plea agreements but recognized the court's duty to intervene in compelling circumstances.