Oliver v. State
Oliver v. State
Opinion
This is an appeal from the denial of a petition for writ of error coram nobis. Petitioner argues that he was denied an appeal of his conviction and the effective representation of counsel.
On this appeal, involving petitioner's last state petition for writ of error coram nobis, the Attorney General has attached to his brief a copy of a memorandum opinion of the United States District Court denying petitioner's petition for writ of habeas corpus filed in federal court. That decision is not properly before this Court. Butler v. State,
Appointed counsel testified he did not discuss any appeal with the defendant. Counsel testified that he had been appointed to represent the petitioner at trial and this included filing a motion for new trial and "that's the stage you go through and then you're through, unless you are appointed to do something again." Counsel did not file a notice of appeal because he "was never appointed to represent him on appeal." The petitioner steadfastly contended that he told counsel that he wanted to appeal his conviction.
Rule 24 (b)(1), Alabama Rules of Appellate Procedure, states that "appointed counsel shall continue as defendant's counsel on appeal unless relieved by order of the trial court." The memorandum opinion of the federal district court dated November 10, 1981, involving the identical issues raised in this appeal, does not reflect that this rule was considered.
In consideration of the above, we find that the defendant is entitled to an appeal of his conviction. Longmire v. State (Ms. 81-309, December 10, 1982) (Ala. 1982).
The judgment of the circuit court denying the petition for writ of error coram nobis is reversed. This cause is remanded to that court with directions that the petitioner be afforded an appeal.
REVERSED AND REMANDED WITH DIRECTIONS.
All Judges concur.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- Robert Earl Oliver v. State.
- Cited By
- 29 cases
- Status
- Published