People v. Scott

Summary

The Court of Appeals held that defendant could raise on direct appeal his claim that his guilty plea was involuntary because the trial court repeatedly overstated his maximum sentencing exposure and the error was apparent from the record without a practical opportunity for correction. On the merits, the court held that the plea was not knowing, voluntary, and intelligent because defendant was young and inexperienced, faced pressure to accept the offer immediately, and was misled into believing that conviction could result in 45 years rather than the statutory maximum of 20 years. The court reversed and remitted for further proceedings.