Opinion ID: 2504
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Post-Trial Proceedings in State Court

Text: In October 1998, Wilson moved the trial court to set aside the judgment pursuant to New York Criminal Procedural Law § 440, on the ground that his trial counsel had been ineffective. The trial court denied the motion. On direct appeal to the Appellate Division of the New York Supreme Court, Second Department, Wilson pursued claims of ineffective assistance of counsel and insufficiency of the evidence. On May 30, 2000, the Appellate Division summarily rejected Wilson's claims and affirmed his conviction. See People v. Wilson, 272 A.D.2d 633, 709 N.Y.S.2d 415, 415 (2d Dep't 2000) ( Wilson I ). With respect to Wilson's ineffective assistance of counsel claim, the Appellate Division concluded, without explanation, that the claim was without merit. Id. at 416. On November 27, 2000 the New York Court of Appeals denied Wilson's application for leave to appeal the Appellate Division's decision. People v. Wilson, 95 N.Y.2d 940, 940, 721 N.Y.S.2d 616, 744 N.E.2d 152 (2000) ( Wilson II ).