State v. Kersey, Unpublished Decision (2-21-2001)
State v. Kersey, Unpublished Decision (2-21-2001)
Opinion of the Court
The first assignment of error, which alleges that the trial court erred in dismissing defendant-appellant Harry Kersey's petition for postconviction relief without holding a hearing, is overruled. A petitioner is not automatically entitled to a hearing in a postconviction proceeding, but rather must adduce sufficient evidence to warrant a hearing. See State v. Jackson (1980),
With respect to Kersey's allegations of ineffective assistance of counsel, he had to show that there was a substantial violation of his defense counsel's duties and that he was prejudiced by counsel's ineffectiveness. See Strickland v. Washington (1984),
The second assignment of error, alleging that the trial court erred in adopting the findings of fact and conclusions of law submitted by the state, is overruled. The trial court's adoption of the findings of fact and conclusions of law submitted by the state does not, by itself, deprive a petitioner of a meaningful review of his petition for postconviction relief and does not constitute error in the absence of demonstrated prejudice. See State v. Dunlap (June 26, 1998), Hamilton App. No. C-970117, unreported; State v. Beuke (Aug. 14, 1991), Hamilton App. No. C-900718, unreported.
The third assignment of error, which alleges that the trial court erred in adopting findings of fact and conclusions of law that were not supported by the record, is overruled. Following a review of the record, we hold that it supports the trial court's findings of fact and conclusions of law, including the trial court's ultimate determination that had the information in Kersey's exhibits been presented at trial, there was no reasonable probability that the outcome would have been different.
Therefore, the judgment of the trial court is affirmed.
Further, a certified copy of this Judgment Entry shall constitute the mandate, which shall be sent to the trial court under App.R. 27. Costs shall be taxed under App.R. 24.
Hildebrandt, P.J., Doan and Winkler, JJ.
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.