Patrick McCloud appeals from the judgment and sentence on his guilty plea to one count of sale of cocaine, OCGA § 16-13-30. He contends the trial court failed to properly determine that his plea was voluntary or that there was a factual basis for the plea before it accepted the plea. Because these contentions are not supported by the record, we affirm. The plea hearing transcript in this case shows that the trial court ensured that McCloud understood the following: the nature of the charge against him and the possible sentence he faced, that he had a right to a jury trial and to be represented by a lawyer, and that, by pleading guilty, he was waiving a jury trial. McCloud confirmed that he was not under the influence of drugs, medications, or alcohol, that he was represented by counsel and was satisfied with counsel’s representation, and that he wished to plead guilty to the charge. McCloud also stated that he understood that, if the case went to trial, he would be presumed innocent and the State would have the burden of proving his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, he would have the right to present witnesses on his behalf, and he would be able to cross-examine the State’s witnesses. Further, the trial court informed McCloud that, even though the State might recommend a sentence to be imposed, the court was not bound by it, would be free to reject it altogether, and was authorized to impose any sentence that is allowed by law, even if it is less favorable to McCloud than the sentence recommended by the State. The court also informed him of his right to appeal from the guilty plea and sentence, as well as his right to counsel during the appeal. McCloud indicated that he understood this information.
After establishing that McCloud understood his rights and the impact of a guilty plea, the court again confirmed that McCloud wanted to plead guilty and that the plea was made freely and voluntarily. The court specifically asked whether there had been any promises, force, or threats of any kind to get him to plead guilty. McCloud replied, “No, sir.” The State told the court that, if the case had gone to trial, the evidence would have shown that McCloud knowingly and intentionally sold cocaine in Colquitt County. Both McCloud and his counsel told the court that they had nothing to add or subtract to the State’s recitation of the facts about the crime. McCloud then admitted that he was guilty of selling cocaine.
