Eaves V. State

Jonathan Dayton Eaves appeals from his conviction for aggravated sexual assault. He was charged with causing his sexual organ to contact the female sexual organ of a child younger than fourteen years of age. The punishment range for this offense is imprisonment from five to ninety-nine years or life, and a fine of up to $10,000.00. Eaves accepted the State's plea agreement of three years' imprisonment, but the trial court rejected this agreement and the case proceeded to a jury trial. Eaves first entered a plea of not guilty, but changed his plea to guilty during trial when the court decided not to admit certain evidence. Another offer of essentially the same evidence was made at the penalty phase, but much of this evidence was again refused by the court. The jury assessed Eaves' punishment at thirty years' imprisonment and a $10,000.00 fine.