Opinion ID: 2276920
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: facts

Text: Moore was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder and was sentenced to two terms of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. At the sentencing proceedings, the judge informed Moore of his right to seek post-conviction relief under Rule 29.15. The judge explained that there are three bases for filing a Rule 29.15 motion to set aside the sentences: (1) if they violate the constitution or laws of the United States or of Missouri; (2) if the court had no jurisdiction to impose the sentences; or (3) if the sentences exceeded the maximum allowed by law. Further, the judge told Moore that if he appealed, the Rule 29.15 motion would be due 90 days after the mandate from the court of appeals issued. Moore asked what form he should use to file the motion, and the judge instructed him to use Criminal Procedure Form 40, which could be obtained at the department of corrections. Moore indicated that he understood his right to file the motion. After the court of appeals affirmed the conviction, it issued its mandate October 16, 2008. See State v. Moore, 264 S.W.3d 657 (Mo.App.2008). Moore filed his Rule 29.15 motion 218 days later. Along with the motion, he filed a letter and an affidavit from the attorney who represented him on direct appeal. The appellate attorney's affidavit stated that she told Moore in a letter mailed March 13, 2009, that the mandate had been issued in his direct appeal. The letter reminded him of the 90-day deadline to file a Rule 29.15 motion but acknowledged that the deadline, January 14, 2009, had passed two months ago. The appellate attorney recommended that if Moore wished to seek post-conviction relief, he should file a Rule 29.15 motion as soon as possible. Moore did not file his Rule 29.15 motion until May 22, 2009, more than two months later. The court dismissed the Rule 29.15 motion for being untimely. This appeal follows.