Opinion ID: 2565721
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: May a court sua sponte dismiss a petition based on untimeliness?

Text: Kirkland argues that the district court may not sua sponte dismiss a petition for post-conviction relief based on untimeliness. Idaho Code § 19-4902 provides that [a]n application may be filed at any time within one (1) year from the expiration of the time for appeal or from the determination of an appeal or from the determination of a proceeding following an appeal, whichever is later. The statute of limitations for petitions for post-conviction relief is not jurisdictional. Cole v. State, 135 Idaho 107, 110, 15 P.3d 820, 823 (2000). It is an affirmative defense that may be waived if it is not pleaded by the defendant. Id. (citation omitted). However, the State's response is not at issue. The issue is whether the district court has authority to dismiss a petition under I.C. § 19-4906(b). We exercise free review over interpretation of a statute. Garza v. State, 139 Idaho 533, 535-536, 82 P.3d 445, 447-448, (2003). The plain meaning of a statute will prevail absent clearly expressed legislative intent to the contrary or unless the plain meaning leads to absurd results. Id. at 536, 82 P.3d at 448. Idaho Code § 19-4906(b) allows a court to dismiss an application even absent a motion to dismiss made by a party. The statute provides that: When a court is satisfied, on the basis of the application, the answer or motion, and the record, that the applicant is not entitled to post-conviction relief and no purpose would be served by any further proceedings, it may indicate to the parties its intention to dismiss the application and its reasons for so doing. . . . In light of the reply, or on default thereof, the court may order the application dismissed. . . . Disposition on the pleadings and record is not proper if there exists a material issue of fact.