Opinion ID: 1751760
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Ineffective Assistance of Appellate Counsel: the Earlier Bar Fight

Text: Dickerson argues that his appellate counsel was ineffective for failing to appeal the trial court's admission of evidence that Dickerson was involved in another fight earlier on the night that he punched Jones. Dickerson contends that evidence about the earlier fight was inadmissible under the well-established rule that evidence of uncharged misconduct is inadmissible to show the defendant's propensity to commit the charged crimes. State v. Ellison, 239 S.W.3d 603, 606 (Mo. banc 2007). Despite the fact that Dickerson raised this issue in his amended 29.15 motion, the motion court failed to address Dickerson's claim of ineffective assistance of appellate counsel in its findings of fact and conclusions of law. Dickerson argues that the motion court's failure to address this claim merits remand. The motion court is required to submit findings of fact and conclusions of law on all issues presented, whether or not a hearing is held. Rule 29.15(j). As noted, the motion court's decision on the shackling issue requires a remand. On remand, the motion court also should address Dickerson's ineffective assistance of appellate counsel claim in its findings of fact and conclusions of law.