Petitioner was found guilty of rape, burglary, and other crimes related to a home invasion and was sentenced to 70 years in prison. The state court of appeals affirmed and the state supreme court denied further review. After finding no relief through post-conviction proceedings, defendant sought federal habeas review. The district court granted a certificate of appealability on the issue of whether petitioner was unable to fairly litigate a plea-negotiation claim because the court declined to assist him with evidence collection and whether petitioner was denied effective assistance of counsel based on witness strategy at trial. The Seventh Circuit affirmed, finding that the trial court properly denied petitioner’s request for an evidentiary hearing and that the district court properly denied habeas relief. (HAMILTON and BRENNAN, concurring)
Federal 7th Circuit Court
Criminal Court
Federal Habeas Relief