F-2009-1067
In OCCA case No. F-2009-1067, Embry Jay Loftis appealed his conviction for Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, After Former Conviction of Two or More Felonies. In an unpublished decision, the court decided to affirm Loftis's Judgment but modify his Sentence to thirty years imprisonment. One judge dissented. Loftis was found guilty by a jury and received a punishment of forty years in prison and a $10,000 fine. He appealed for several reasons. First, he believed that he was unfairly denied the chance to present witnesses who could help his case. Second, he felt that representing himself during the trial was not properly allowed since the court didn’t check if he was capable of doing so. He also argued that the jury should not have been allowed to consider his past convictions for enhancing his punishment because they were part of the same event. Loftis claimed that missing written jury instructions meant he couldn't fully contest the second part of the trial. He also stated that the prosecutor made improper comments during closing arguments that hurt his chances of a fair trial. Additionally, he questioned if there was enough evidence to prove he had possession of the drugs. Lastly, he thought that all the errors together should lead to a new trial or change in sentencing. After reviewing everything, the court found that while Loftis’ trial was not perfect, the errors did not warrant a reversal of the conviction. However, because of some issues with the sentencing in light of his past convictions and prosecutor comments, they reduced his sentence to thirty years instead of forty. The court maintained that Loftis had enough information to prepare for his appeal, even without the written jury instructions.