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640 So. 2d 44

Lynch v. State

Court of Criminal Appeals of Alabama

Decided December 3, 1993

Court of Criminal Appeals of Alabama · decided 1993-12-03

Cited by 2 later decisions — most recently May 2002

2 state decisions

Key passage — most relied on by later courts

“"We find the appellant's first issue to be without merit. Even though § 13A-12-250 provides enhancement for an `unlawful sale,' this enhancement provision clearly applies to an attempted sale. Section 13A-12-203(c) mandates that `an attempt to commit a controlled substance crime shall be punished the same as the controlled substance crime attempted.' " 640 So.2d at 44.”

quoted by 1 later decision, including 843 So. 2d 820 - Skinner v. State

“[a]n attempt to commit a controlled substance crime shall be punished the same as the controlled substance crime attempted.”

quoted by 1 later decision, including 843 So. 2d 820 - Skinner v. State

Relies on 597 So. 2d 1305 - Ex Parte Johnson

Good law ✅— No negative treatment on recordhow we know

Decided 1993-12-03

View the full empirical analysis of this case →

PATTERSON, Judge.

¶1The appellant, Edric Maurice Lynch, pleaded guilty to attempting to distribute cocaine. He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment. He was also sentenced to serve an additional five years’ imprisonment under § 13A-12-250, Code of Alabama 1975. The appellant presents two issues. The first issue is whether § 13A-12-250, applies to a conviction for an attempted sale of a controlled substance. The second issue is whether the state sufficiently proved that the attempted sale occurred within a three-mile radius of a school, as required by § 13A-12-250.

¶2We find the appellant’s first issue to be without merit. Even though § 13A-12-250 provides enhancement for an “unlawful sale,” this enhancement provision clearly applies to an attempted sale. Section 13A-12-203(e) mandates that “[a]n attempt to commit a controlled substance crime shall be punished the same as the controlled substance crime attempted.”

¶3In regard to the appellant’s second issue, the record contains no evidence that the attempted sale occurred within a three-mile radius of a school. Accordingly we hold (and the attorney general so admits) that the state failed to prove that the attempted sale occurred within a three-mile radius of a school. Therefore, this cause is remanded with directions for the court to conduct a new sentence hearing. See Ex parte Johnson, 597 So.2d 1305 (Ala.1991). The trial court shall take all necessary action to see that the circuit clerk makes due return to this court at the earliest possible time and within 45 days of the release of this opinion.

¶4REMANDED WITH INSTRUCTIONS.

All the Judges concur.
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