Holsclaw v. State

406 So. 2d 1019 (1981)

Michael D. HOLSCLAW, alias v. STATE of Alabama.

8 Div. 477.

Court of Criminal Appeals of Alabama.

June 23, 1981.

Rehearing Denied August 4, 1981.

*1020 Richard A. Kempaner, Huntsville, for appellant.

Charles A. Graddick, Atty. Gen., and J. Thomas Leverette, Asst. Atty. Gen., for appellee.

TYSON, Judge.

Michael D. Holsclaw was indicted, tried and convicted of automobile theft in violation of § 13A-8-3(b), Code of Alabama 1975. Subsequent to a sentencing hearing, during which the state presented evidence of four prior felony convictions, the trial court sentenced appellant as a "habitual felony offender" to life imprisonment pursuant to § 13A-5-9-(c)(2), Code of Alabama 1975.

The conviction for the "underlying substantive offense", i.e. theft of an automobile, is not contested on this appeal.

The sole issue raised here is whether or not the state must indicate prior to conviction that it intends to proceed against appellant as a "habitual felony offender" after conviction of the "underlying substantive offense."

In the instant case the trial was had without a jury. After the trial court had pronounced the appellant "guilty as charged" it set a sentencing hearing pursuant to § 13A-5-10, Code of Alabama 1975 and Rule 6(b)(3), Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure, Temporary Rules. On the date of the conviction, December 9, 1980, the state served written notice to the appellant of the prior convictions upon which state would proceed in the habitual felony offender hearing. The hearing was properly conducted nine days later.

By the authority of Oyler v. Boyles, 368 U.S. 448, 452, 82 S. Ct. 501, 503, 7 L. Ed. 2d 446 (1962); Holley v. State, Ala.Cr. App., 397 So. 2d 211 (1981), cert. denied Ala., 397 So. 2d 217 (1981); Johnson v. State, Ala. Cr.App., 398 So. 2d 393 (1981); and Smith v. State, Ala.Cr.App., 401 So. 2d 251, 6 Div. 495, April 21, 1981, we hold that there is no requirement that a defendant be notified prior to conviction of the state's intent to proceed against him as a "habitual felony offender". What is required is "reasonable notice" prior to the sentencing hearing as prescribed by the Alabama Supreme Court in Rule 6(b)(3)(ii), Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure, Temporary Rules.

Since sufficient written notice was served on appellant nine days prior to the sentencing hearing, this case is due to be and is hereby affirmed.

AFFIRMED.

All the Judges concur.