Court Opinion

ID: 9641620
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-22 17:36:26.26351+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:10:38.777638
License: Public Domain

BILLINGS, Judge,
dissenting.
Because I would defer to the findings and conclusions of the trial court, I would affirm the judgment denying post-conviction relief under Rule 27.26.
I suggest that the principal opinion applies a de novo standard of review to the evidentiary hearing, rather than limiting our review to a “determination of whether the findings, conclusions, and judgment of the trial court are clearly erroneous.” Rule 27.26(j).
The defendant was fully aware of the pending charges against Arnold and elected to forego cross-examination of him as to whether he had struck a deal with the State in return for his testimony. By this strategy, defendant is now awarded a new trial.
I dissent.