Williams v. State
Williams v. State
Opinion of the Court
John G. Williams appeals an order denying his motion seeking belated postconviction relief based upon allegations that he retained counsel to file a timely motion but that counsel failed to do so. See Fla. R.Crim. P. 3.850(b)(3). We affirm.
In two separate cases, Mr. Williams was convicted of first-degree murder and rape. Mr. Williams was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder. For the rape, however, which occurred in 1969, Mr. Williams was sentenced to death. Shortly after the judgments and sentences became final in this case, Mr. Williams, with the assistance of his parents, retained an attorney.
Mr. Williams’ belated motion for postconviction relief alleged that the attorney was retained to seek postconviction relief but never did so.
On appeal, Mr. Williams complains generally that he now has information, unknown to him when he filed his motion, suggesting that counsel was ineffective in evaluating the options available and pursuing only a one-page petition for clemency. Even if that were the case, however, Mr. Williams would have no claim. Florida courts do not recognize claims for ineffec
Affirmed.
. At the time, postconviction relief was available by way of Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.850. See In re Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure, 196 So.2d 124 (Fla. 1967).
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.