Opinion ID: 290857
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Matthew Mack Callahan

Text: 34 A Virginia jury convicted Matthew Mack Callahan of rape on May 23, 1957. His sentence was life imprisonment. Although the court granted a motion to suspend execution of sentence pending perfection of an appeal, Callahan perfected no appeal, 1 and he has been serving his sentence since July 31, 1957. 35 On December 23, 1965, Callahan filed a state petition for a writ of habeas corpus, alleging, inter alia, that he was denied effective assistance of counsel after trial by his lawyer's failure to perfect an appeal. See Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus by Matthew Mack Callahan; Record, State Post Conv. Hear. (Callahan), vol. 1, at 21-33 (September 20, 1966). In its order denying Callahan's petition, the state court said: 36 Petitioner's two attorneys fully advised petitioner of his right to appeal and were ready, willing and able to perfect the appeal if the petitioner so requested. But petitioner advised his two attorneys that he did not desire to appeal. 37 Order of Huntley, J. at 1 (January 5, 1967). At the state hearing one of Callahan's attorneys had testified: 38 After I gave Mr. Callahan my opinion as to what we thought we could do and we-- I told him he had a right of appeal, he asked me what could occur in a new trial and I told him that the jury could acquit him, give him life, or years in the penitentiary, or the electric chair. During this trial, I believe the Commonwealth's Attorney had asked for the death penalty. And he told me that if that were the case and there was a chance that he might get the electric chair, that he would forget it, accept life. 39 Record, State Post Conv. Hear. (Callahan), vol. 1, at 41 (September 20, 1966). Callahan wrote a letter to his other trial attorney on June 4, 1957. This letter, introduced at the state hearing, corroborates the above testimony: Dear Sirs: 40 I am thanking you very much for defending me in Court. 41    I have decided to let the life sentence stand and forget the appeal. 42 I have realized I couldn't have a better defense lawyer anywhere then you. 43 And I appreciate it very much and sure thanks you. 44 I am still praying to God to help me. Yours Truly M. M. Callahan 45 Petitioner's Exhibit A (Callahan); Record, State Post Conv.Hear. (Callahan), vol. 1, at 51 (September 20, 1966). On October 10, 1967, the Supreme Court of Appeals of Virginia upheld the lower state court's denial of a writ. 46 On December 18, 1967, Callahan filed a petition for a writ of habeas corpus in federal district court, alleging, inter alia, that he had been denied effective representation of counsel. Callahan did not allege that he had been denied his right to appeal for fear of receiving increased punishment upon retrial. The district court, on November 14, 1968, dismissed the petition without a hearing. In its order the court stated: 47 On June 4, 1957, the petitioner wrote a letter to one of his attorneys saying that he did not want to appeal the conviction   . This choice was dictated because the petitioner realized that on a retrial he could receive the death penalty   . 48 Memorandum and Order of MacKenzie, J. at 2 (November 14, 1968). Callahan appeals from this order, alleging in this court for the first time that he was denied his right to appeal by fear of receiving increased punishment upon retrial.