X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.

Doyle, Presiding Judge. In 2006, Paul K. Murray pleaded guilty to three counts of child molestation, and he was sentenced to 20 years on each count to be served concurrently. On June 21, 2019, Murray moved for an out-of-time appeal, alleging in part that trial counsel was ineffective for failing to advise him of his right to a direct appeal.[1] The trial court dismissed the motion on August 30, 2019, without holding a hearing.[2] Murray appeals, pro se, and for the reasons that follow, we vacate the dismissal and remand the case for proceedings consistent with this opinion. “A criminal defendant is entitled to an outoftime appeal if his counsel’s constitutionally deficient performance deprived him of an appeal of right that he otherwise would have pursued.”[3] If the constitutional violation alleged by the defendant is ineffective assistance of counsel in providing advice about or acting upon an appeal of right [such as an appeal from the judgment of conviction entered on a guilty plea], that violation is reviewed under the familiar standard of Strickland v. Washington.[[4]] To meet his burden of proving that counsel’s ineffectiveness deprived him of his right to an appeal, the criminal defendant must show (1) that counsel’s representation fell below an objective standard of reasonableness, and (2) that counsel’s deficient performance prejudiced the defendant.[5] However, with regard to the deficient performance prong of the Strickland test, “we cannot determine whether [Murray's] counsel performed deficiently in failing to file a notice of appeal because the trial court failed to hold an evidentiary hearing on the issue.” Accordingly, we must vacate the trial court’s order denying [Murray's] motion for an outoftime appeal and remand this case to the trial court for a determination of whether counsel performed deficiently in failing to inform [Murray] of his right to a direct appeal from his guilty plea.”[6] “We therefore vacate the trial court’s order denying Boone’s motion for an outoftime appeal and remand this case to the trial court for proceedings consistent with this opinion.”[7] Judgment vacated and remanded. McFadden, C. J., and Hodges, J., concur.

 
Reprints & Licensing
Mentioned in a Law.com story?

License our industry-leading legal content to extend your thought leadership and build your brand.

More From ALM

With this subscription you will receive unlimited access to high quality, online, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry. This is perfect for attorneys licensed in multiple jurisdictions or for attorneys that have fulfilled their CLE requirement but need to access resourceful information for their practice areas.
View Now
Our Team Account subscription service is for legal teams of four or more attorneys. Each attorney is granted unlimited access to high quality, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry along with administrative access to easily manage CLE for the entire team.
View Now
Gain access to some of the most knowledgeable and experienced attorneys with our 2 bundle options! Our Compliance bundles are curated by CLE Counselors and include current legal topics and challenges within the industry. Our second option allows you to build your bundle and strategically select the content that pertains to your needs. Both options are priced the same.
View Now
May 01, 2025
Atlanta, GA

The Daily Report is honoring those attorneys and judges who have made a remarkable difference in the legal profession.


Learn More
February 24, 2025 - February 26, 2025
Las Vegas, NV

This conference aims to help insurers and litigators better manage complex claims and litigation.


Learn More
March 24, 2025
New York, NY

Recognizing innovation in the legal technology sector for working on precedent-setting, game-changing projects and initiatives.


Learn More

Title: Legal Counsel Reports to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) FLSA Status: Exempt, Full Time Supervisory Responsibility: N/A Location: Remo...


Apply Now ›

Blume Forte Fried Zerres and Molinari 1 Main Street Chatham, NJ 07945Prominent Morris County Law Firm with a state-wide personal injury prac...


Apply Now ›

d Arcambal Ousley & Cuyler Burk, LLP, a well-established women-owned litigation firm, has an opening in our Parsippany, NJ office. We of...


Apply Now ›