Opinion ID: 3160421
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Applicability of the Doctrine of Laches

Text: Here, we first address an important preliminary matter. Jones does not dispute that the doctrine of laches may bar the right to seek coram nobis relief in general, but rather asserts that the doctrine of laches does not act as a bar in his case. Lest there be any doubt, however, we hold that the doctrine of laches may bar the right to seek coram nobis relief. Accord Moguel v. State, 184 Md. App. 465, 471, 966 A.2d 963, 967 (2009) (“[T]he doctrine of laches is a defense to a petition for writ of error coram nobis action filed for the purpose of challenging a criminal conviction.”); Holmes, 401 Md. at 487, 932 A.2d at 733 (Raker, J., dissenting) (“Laches is a valuable tool for the trial [court] in evaluating a petition for coram nobis.”). In other words, we unequivocally hold that the doctrine of laches may, as an affirmative defense in a coram nobis action, bar an individual’s ability to seek coram nobis relief.