Opinion ID: 2509497
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: facts

Text: Tony Douglas Robinson entered two separate Alford [1] pleas to one count of kidnapping and one count of delivery of cocaine. He received a separate sentence for each count. Robinson directly appealed his kidnapping conviction, alleging in part breach of the plea agreement. At all times during plea bargaining, sentencing, and appeal, Robinson was represented by counsel. Almost one year after sentencing, but prior to the Court of Appeals decision on Robinson's appeal, Robinson moved pro se pursuant to CrR 7.8 to withdraw both of his guilty pleas, alleging ineffective assistance of counsel, prosecutorial misconduct by reason of breach of the plea agreement, and newly discovered evidence. He also moved for the appointment of counsel to present his motions to withdraw but cited no authority that would entitle him to counsel. The trial court summarily denied all motions. The Court of Appeals filed an unpublished opinion affirming the kidnapping conviction. State v. Robinson, noted at 114 Wash.App. 1012, 2002 WL 31412725 (2002). Robinson appealed the trial court's denial of his motions to withdraw guilty pleas and for appointment of counsel. The trial court appointed counsel to pursue this appeal. [2] Before the Court of Appeals, counsel argued that CrR 3.1(b)(2) entitled Robinson to representation below when moving to withdraw his guilty pleas. State v. Robinson, noted at 117 Wash.App. 1073, slip op. at 3, 2003 WL 21690525 (2003). The Court of Appeals reversed the denial of the motion to withdraw one of the guilty pleas based on newly discovered evidence, but let stand the denial of the motion to withdraw the other plea and the denial of appointment of counsel. Id. at 4, 9-10. We granted review solely on the question of entitlement to counsel under CrR 3.1(b)(2).