Opinion ID: 2450428
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Abandonment in the Original Motion

Text: Rule 29.15 establishes time limits for filing an original motion. Rule 29.15(b) Bullard analogizes these time limits to those for filing an amended motion. Rule 29.15(f). Previously, this Court recognized that abandonment will excuse the untimely filing of an amended motion if the movant is without fault. Sanders v. State, 807 S.W.2d 493, 495-95 (Mo. banc 1991); Luleff v. State, 807 S.W.2d 495, 497-98 (Mo. banc 1991). Despite Bullard's arguments, these two circumstances are not analogous. An amended motion differs significantly from the original motion. An amended motion is a final pleading, which requires legal expertise. Counsel must be appointed for indigent movants in order to assure its proper drafting. Rule 29.15(e). An original motion, on the other hand, is relatively informal, and need only give notice to the trial court, the appellate court, and the State that movant intends to pursue relief under Rule 29.15. As legal assistance is not required in order to file the original motion, the absence of proper legal assistance does not justify an untimely filing. Cf. Ake v. Oklahoma, 470 U.S. 68, 82-83, 105 S.Ct. 1087, 1095-96, 84 L.Ed.2d 53 (1985) (indigent defendant has a right to psychiatric assistance, but first must show that such assistance is necessary to his defense). In combination with Luleff and Sanders , this Court recognizes the rightcreated by Rule 29.15to assistance of counsel, but only after a defendant indicates an intent to seek relief under Rule 29.15 by filing the original motion. [1]