Michael O’neal McConnell, Appellant v. State of Tennessee, Appellee

Summary

The court held that the 1989 Criminal Sentencing Reform Act governed the appellant's 1990 sentences because the offenses occurred within the statutory transition period. Although the parties agreed to the sentences in a plea bargain, the trial court lacked jurisdiction to impose terms exceeding the Act's applicable sentencing ranges, making those sentences illegal. The court vacated the sentences and remanded for a lawful agreement or, if no agreement could be reached, withdrawal of the guilty plea and trial on the original charges.