Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District / Apr 30, 2024
State of Missouri, Respondent, vs. Victor L. Kates, Appellant.
Victor Kates pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including unlawful possession and use of a firearm and drug possession, pursuant to a negotiated plea agreement. After his pleas but before sentencing, Kates objected to being sentenced separately on the drug possession charge, arguing it was a lesser-included offense, and challenged the constitutionality of the firearm statutes. The appellate court affirmed Kates's guilty pleas and sentences, holding that he waived his right to raise these issues on appeal by entering unconditional guilty pleas.