A Kapaa man asked the judge to set aside his probation plea deal and sentence him to a five year prison term on Tuesday in 5th Circuit Court. The judge obliged. Stephen James Turner, 23, of Kapaa, was arrested and
A Kapaa man asked the judge to set aside his probation plea deal and sentence him to a five year prison term on Tuesday in 5th Circuit Court. The judge obliged.
Stephen James Turner, 23, of Kapaa, was arrested and charged with first-degree unlawful entry into a motor vehicle on Oct. 22, 2013. He changed his plea to no contest on March 18.
On Tuesday, State Deputy Public Defender Samuel Jajich said that Turner believes that he would benefit from the programs offered in prison. He does not believe he will work out his issues on probation, and asked for the full sentence.
County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Ginger Grinpas said that despite the defendant’s wishes, the state is bound to the terms of the plea agreement.
“I don’t quite understand,” said Judge Kathleen Watanabe, who questioned Turner to see if he understood what he was doing.
The judge wanted to know why Turner sought programs in prison when there are programs available outside of jail. Turner did not answer but said he preferred the term.
Watanabe said Turner was still eligible for probation despite his wishes, but that the court would sentence him to the custody of the Department of Corrections for five years.
