Opinion ID: 1652300
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: williams was denied his right to testify at trial.

Text: ¶ 13. This claim relates to the guilt phase of Williams' trial and is now procedurally barred pursuant to Miss.Code Ann. § 99-39-27(9)(1994) as a successive writ. As a practical matter, the trial transcript shows that Williams was fully informed of his right to testify in his own behalf. After the defense rested its case, the following exchange took place. BY THE COURT: And now, your attorneys have announced that they are resting without putting on any evidence, and that includes you not testifying in your own behalf. Have you discussed this with your attorneys? BY THE DEFENDANT: Yes, sir, I have. BY THE COURT: And are you in agreement that you not testify in your own defense in this trial? BY THE DEFENDANT: Yes, sir, I am. BY THE COURT: Alright. So, you are freely and voluntarily and knowingly waiving your right to testify in your own defense? BY THE DEFENDANT: Yes, sir. ¶ 14. This issue is completely without merit.