ALPHONSE AVILA, Movant- Missouri Cases

Alphonse Avila appealed the denial of his Rule 29.15 motion for post-conviction relief, claiming ineffective assistance of counsel. He argued his trial counsel was ineffective for failing to file an amended motion to disclose the identity of a confidential informant, whose testimony he believed was crucial for his entrapment defense. The motion court denied relief, finding counsel's decision was reasonable trial strategy. The appellate court affirmed, agreeing that counsel's decision not to pursue the CI's testimony, given concerns it might undermine the defense, constituted reasonable trial strategy and was not ineffective assistance.