Legal Document

401 U.S. 847 91 Supreme Court Reporter 1089 28 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 519 James Melvin KITCHENSv.S. Lamont SMITH, Warden. Number 6131. April 5, 1971. PER CURIAM. 1 Petitioner pleaded guilty to robbery in a Georgia state court 1944. He was not represented by counsel at any time. While serving his sentence, petitioner escaped and did return until 1969, when he returned finish the remainder of sentence. then brought this habeas corpus action county court, alleging that conviction void under Gideon versus Wainwright, 372 335, 83 792, 9 799 (1963). The denied relief because 'recent law time sentence met requirements time.' This error since as we have often noted, is fully retroactive. See, e.g., Linkletter Walker, 381 618, 639, 85 1731, 14 601 (1965); Desist States, 394 244, 250 n. 15, 89 1030, 22 248 (1969); McConnell Rhay, 393 2, 3, 32, 21 2 (1968); Stovall Denno, 388 293, 297—298, 87 1967, 18 1199 (1967). On appeal, affirmed denial on different grounds, saying testify hearing 'wanted lawyer, asked for one, or made effort get one' 'because poverty, other reason, unable hire lawyer.' 226 Ga. 667, 177 South Eastern Reporter, 2nd 87—88 (1970). 3 As has said, however, '(I)t settled where assistance constitutional requisite, right be furnished does depend request.' Carnley Cochran, 369 506, 513, 82 884, 889, 8 70 (1962). applies pleas well trials. Uveges Pennsylvania, 335 437, 441, 69 184, 93 L.Ed. 197 (1948). 4 Of course, establish appointed 1944, had burden proving inability an attorney. His petition specifically averred obtain impoverished condition' respondent allegation thus put matter issue. At hearing, testified, 'I lot younger & N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions didn't money lawyer * *.' (Emphasis added.) State no whatever contradict petitioner's testimony indigent; part its case went issue indigency. In light, Court's finding 'did lawyer' explicable only most rigid rules testimonial construction. Though precisely failure result indigency, undeniable implication testimony, especially view petition's attorney of' below, transcript shows, conducted informally. introduced evidence than own testimony. testified discursively; objections were State, nor it cross-examine 5 It our record proved without due indigency conviction. certiorari granted, judgment reversed remanded further proceedings inconsistent with opinion.

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