State v. Hudgins

While fleeing the police during a high-speed chase, Defendant collided with another vehicle, killing both occupants. After a jury trial, Defendant was convicted of two counts of first-degree felony murder and one count of fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer. The Supreme Court affirmed, holding (1) the district court did not abuse its discretion by urging defense counsel to complete voir dire or setting a time limitation on the second day; (2) the district court’s remark in the jury’s presence about the time defense counsel was taking during voir dire was not improper or prejudicial; (3) the district court did not err in refusing to change venue; (4) the prosecutor made a misstatement as to the process for considering lesser included offenses, but the misstatement did not so prejudice the jury as to deny Defendant a fair trial; and (5) the State properly charged felony murder rather than involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence. View "State v. Hudgins" on Justia Law