State of Louisiana v. Joseph Lee Smith

Judgment rendered November 9, 2023.

No. 55,584-KA

COURT OF APPEAL
SECOND CIRCUIT
STATE OF LOUISIANA

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STATE OF LOUISIANA Appellee

versus

JOSEPH LEE SMITH Appellant

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Appealed from the
First Judicial District Court for the
Parish of Caddo, Louisiana
Trial Court No. 381,969

Honorable John D. Mosely, Jr., Judge

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LOUISIANA APPELLATE PROJECT Counsel for Appellant
By: Peggy J. Sullivan

JAMES E. STEWART, SR. Counsel for Appellee
District Attorney

MEKISHA SMITH CREAL
Assistant District Attorney

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Before PITMAN, THOMPSON, and HUNTER, JJ.

NOT DESIGNATED FOR PUBLICATION
Rule 2-16.3, Uniform Rules, Courts of Appeal

PER CURIAM.

This appeal arises from the defendant’s convictions and sentences for

manslaughter, aggravated battery, and obstruction of justice. A review of

the appellate record reveals that the trial court failed to rule on the

defendant’s motion for post-verdict judgment of acquittal and on the

defendant’s motion for new trial prior to sentencing the defendant, in

accordance with La. C. Cr. P. arts. 821 and 853.

Accordingly, the defendant’s sentences are hereby vacated, the appeal

is dismissed, and the matter is remanded to the trial court for further

proceedings. The defendant may appeal any adverse rulings or any

sentences subsequently imposed. State v. Jackson, 614 So. 2d 783 (La. App.

2 Cir. 1993); State v. Whitaker, 51,632 (La. App. 2 Cir. 5/25/17), 225 So. 3d

524.