Leflore Co. man challenges conviction - MSNewsNow.com - Jackson, MS
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - The Mississippi Supreme Court was to hear arguments Wednesday from a Leflore County man who contends he is not a habitual offender because statutory rape is not a violent crime under state law.
Carlos Taylor got a life sentence as a habitual offender. The sentence could only be imposed if 1 of his convictions was a violent crime - in this case, statutory rape.
Taylor says prosecutors didn't prove statutory rape is a violent crime. A Leflore County judge and the state Court of Appeals disagreed with him.
The Supreme Court's decision will determine if Taylor gets a lesser sentence and a chance to leave prison one day.
Taylor was convicted of having sex in 1999 with a girl younger than 14. Taylor was 19 at the time.
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