Michael West/Credit: Jefferson County Sheriff's Office 

 

(KNZA)-- Jefferson County man convicted in the 2023 beating death of his father is now asking a judge to allow him to withdraw his guilty plea.

Michael West, of Ozawkie, pleaded guilty in April to first-degree murder. That plea canceled a jury trial that had previously been scheduled in the case.

However, court records show West’s attorney filed a motion last week requesting that the court allow him to take back that plea—just one day before he was set to be sentenced.

At the time of sentencing, prosecutors and the defense were both expected to recommend a life sentence, with parole eligibility after 25 years.

In the filing, West says he now regrets accepting the plea agreement. He argues he did not fully understand the consequences of pleading guilty and believes he has potential defenses he wants to present at trial.

Under Kansas law, a judge may permit a defendant to withdraw a guilty plea before sentencing if “good cause” is shown. The decision now rests with the court.

A hearing on the motion is scheduled for July 23rd at the Jefferson County District Court. After that hearing, a judge will decide whether West’s guilty plea will stand or whether the case will proceed to a jury trial.